1. Land of Three Faiths Judaism Christianity Islam

2. Judaism The oldest of the (3) faiths Developed among the Hebrews The basis for the BIBLE come from the writings of the Hebrews According to these writings, Abraham was the founder

3. Abraham Around 2000 B.C., he led his family to an area called Palestine The Bible tells if he obeyed the command, God promised him a new nation This agreement gave birth to Israel His offspring lived in Israel for a long time Eventually, they moved to Egypt Egyptian enslaved the Hebrews According to tradition, Moses led them out of Egypt Exodus- escape from slavery in search of the “Promised Land”

4. Judaism’s Beginnings During the Journey, Moses brought the Ten Commandments Taught people to honor their parents & to live together in peace (NOT to lie, steal, & kill) The Hebrews ideas about God changed over time The Hebrews became monotheistic. (Belief in one God)

5. The Torah and Mosaic Law The teachings of Moses were written down in five books known as the Torah. Jewish synagogues keep copies of the Torah on handwritten scrolls. Mosaic Law did not allow Hebrews to work on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a day of rest. Mosaic Law determined what food Hebrews could eat.

6. Christianity Birth & Life of Jesus of Nazareth Born in Bethlehem Mother was poor & her husband was a carpenter Information about Jesus on the most part come from the Gospels (1 st four books of the New Testament) He studied the writings of Jewish prophets Then he began to preach

7. Teachings of Jesus Disciples helped to spread the message. “God would judge humanity” “Must ask for forgiveness of their sins & they could live with God forever” (2) Basic Teachings 1. to love God above all else 2. to love others as much as we love ourselves

8. Death & Resurrection Leaders believed Jesus was too popular They also believed he put himself above religious and civil law Authorities decided he had to be executed The Gospels declare Jesus was crucified (nailed to a cross & left to die) Then he was buried and rose from the dead (3) days later Known as the Resurrection Christianity founded

9. A New Faith Early Christians believed that all people could be saved Sins could be forgiven People could live again after death Saul of Tarsus spread the Christian message to non-Jews The New Testament tells the stories of Jesus & his followers