Judaism

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1. Judaism differs from nearby people Hebrews were monotheistic Yahweh: creator and ruler of the universe Ethnic group or religion Movements (Sects): Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox As of 2010, there were nearly 13.5 million Jews worldwide

2. Father of the Jewish people? Abraham: 1900 BC God made a covenant (agreement) with him to keep God’s laws

3. What are Jewish laws called? Purpose of the laws? Ten Commandments Standard of conduct: religious and ethical laws Guides people’s relationship with God and other people

4. What land was promised to the Jews? Palestine Ancient Canaan Parts in present day Israel

5. Remaining wall of the Temple? Why is it important? Western Wall or Wailing wall Remaining wall of King Solomon's temple Destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. Place of pilgrimage - Jerusalem

Temple Mount

6. What is Jewish Diaspora? Scattering of the Jews throughout the world Spread of culture and religion

Diaspora By the 1st century B.C., the Jews living in Israel came under the control of Rome. Region was known as Judaea In 70 A.D., the Jews revolted against Roman rule. The Temple was destroyed again, and the Jews were again forced into exile As further punishment, the Romans renamed the area Palestine

7. What is Torah? Why is it important? Hebrew bible Early history, moral and religious laws Sacred text Old Testament: first five books of the bible

8. Define prophet. Who is the most important prophet Person who speaks or acts on behalf of God/religious teacher Moses

9. Identify & describe the basic beliefs and traditions of Judaism One god Live according to God’s laws Study the Torah Ethical world view Dietary laws Sabbath – day of rest – Saturday Movements: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform

10. What are the Jewish beliefs of the Messiah? Has the Messiah arrived? Messiah: savior; one anointed by God No

As of 2010, there were 2.18 billion Christians in the world Christianity As of 2010, there were 2.18 billion Christians in the world

1. Out of what religion did Christianity grow? Judaism Became a separate identity Most followed faith in the world Many Denominations (Sects): Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant

2. Christian beliefs about Jesus compared to other religions? Jesus is considered to be the Messiah and son of God Jesus was sent to reconcile/rebuild the relationship between humanity and God

3. How is the Bible divided? Name the parts. Old and New Testament Before Jesus and after Jesus Old Testament-Torah New Testament- Gospels

4. What is the purpose of the Apostles’ Creed? Statement of Christian’s beliefs Creed: any set of beliefs or principles

5. What is the importance of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus? Basis for Christian beliefs about Jesus

6. Why were the Christians persecuted? Did not show respect for Roman Gods Persecution ended with Roman Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity (313 A.D.) Martyrs

Conversion of the Empire In A.D. 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine I supposedly saw a vision in a dream the night before a very important battle In his vision, he saw a symbol of Jesus Christ, and was told that if he and his soldiers painted this symbol on their shields, they would be victorious the next day in battle

Conversion of the Empire The next day, Constantine’s forces were victorious.

Conversion of the Empire The Emperor Constantine then began to promote the spread of Christianity throughout the Empire In A.D. 325, he convened a council of bishops at Nicaea, in modern day Turkey, to come to an agreement about Church doctrine They came up with a formal expression of Christian faith, known as The Apostle’s Creed Christianity would become the official religion of the Roman and then Byzantine Empires

7. Why did Christianity appeal to people 7. Why did Christianity appeal to people? Reasons for the spread of Christianity. Offered hope for all people Salvation and eternal life Salvation for good choices-moral choices All believers were equal under the eyes of God

8. Identify the Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church. Roman Empire was divided (eastern half Byzantine Empire) 1054 Byzantine emperor refused to recognize the pope as head of Christian Church Christian church split into two parts: Roman Catholic Church: Rome Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church: Constantinople

Comparison of Statistics and Basics   Judaism Christianity adherents called Jews Christians current adherents 14 million 2 billion current size rank 12th largest largest major concentration Israel, Europe, USA Europe, North and South America, rapid growth in Africa sacred text Bible/Torah Bible (Jewish Bible + New Testament) other written authority Talmud, Midrash, Responsa church fathers, church councils, papal decrees (Catholic only) clergy rabbis priests, ministers, pastors, bishops house of worship synagogue church, chapel, cathedral main day of worship Saturday Sunday

Comparison of Origins and History   Judaism Christianity date founded unknown c. 33 CE place founded Palestine (def) Palestine founder Moses or Abraham Jesus original language(s) Hebrew Aramaic, Greek early expansion little expansion; mostly confined to Palestine within 60 years, churches in major cities in Palestine, Turkey, Greece and Rome (map); entire Roman Empire by end of 4th cent. major splits Reform/Orthodox, 1800s CE Catholic/Orthodox, 1054 CE; Catholic/Protestant, 1500s CE

Comparison of Religious Beliefs   Judaism Christianity type of theism strict monotheism Trinitarian monotheism ultimate reality one God names of God Yahweh, Elohim Yahweh, the Holy Trinity other spiritual beings angels and demons identity of Jesus not prophet Son of God, God incarnate, savior of the world death of Jesus death by crucifixion resurrection of Jesus Not part of beliefs affirmed divine revelation through Prophets, recorded in Bible through Prophets and Jesus (as God Himself), recorded in Bible means of salvation belief in God, good deeds correct belief, faith, good deeds, sacraments (some Protestants emphasize faith alone) afterlife views vary: some heaven eternal heaven

Similarities of Judaism & Christianity All religions: A way to rejoice and give thanks moral code Give to needy Golden rule: “do unto others” Supreme power C and J: Monotheism Old Testament Prophets Ten Commandments Idea Heaven Belief in the idea of a Messiah Jerusalem Holy Coming of Age ceremonies Several Denominations/movements Sacred text Sabbath (Sat/Sun)