ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Points of interest:

Jesus was a Jew. All 3 faiths are mono-theistic, believing in one

transcendent Creator figure and the source of moral law.

It is estimated that 54% of the world population adhere to the Abrahamic religions.

The sacred books of these 3 religions feature many of the same places, figures and histories although often through different perspectives.

Abraham

The story of Abraham features in the book of Genesis.

Abraham is a very important person in all 3 religions.

Look at the story of Abraham.

Descendants of Abraham

JEWS - descendants of Isaac

CHRISTIANS – evolved from Judaism so

descendants of Isaac

MUSLIMS – descendants of Ishmael

Abraham

JEWS: Abraham is the founding patriarch of the children of Israel. God entered into an everlasting Covenant with Abraham promising that: ‘I will make you a great nation and I will bless you.’

CHRISTIANS : Abraham is an important exemplar of faith. A spiritual and physical ancestor of Jesus. His obedience to God when asked to sacrifice his son is seen as a forerunner to God’s sacrifice of Jesus.

Abraham

MUSLIMS: Abraham is seen as a prophet who received messages from God and ‘raised the foundation of the house’ the Ka’aba.

They believe that Ishmael as the elder son was the son to be sacrificed.

Jerusalem

The holiest city for Jews. In 1005 BCE David

made it the capital of Israel. His son,

Solomon built the first temple there.

Isaac’s sacrifice took place there.

Continuous Christian presence here. Jesus was taken to the temple here as a child,

celebrated the Passover here. He preached, healed, held the Last Supper and died here.

Jerusalem

The city of David and Christ became a special place for Muslims.

The first Muslims prayed towards Jerusalem,

they transferred to Mecca when Muhammad

was not accepted by all as a Prophet. Muhammad was transported to Jerusalem

and ascended Heaven from there on his Night Journey.

Similarities

All 3 religions believe that one day God will intervene in human history –

THE DAY of JUDGEMENT.

On this day it will be determined for all humanity their eternal destinies: heaven or hell based on the beliefs and actions of the person in life.

Differences

Jews and Muslims do not accept the incarnation of God in Christ.

Only Christians accept the three in one Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All religions see Jesus as divine but Muslims

believe him to be a prophet.

Differences

Jews are waiting for the coming of the Messiah – a mortal man who’s arrival will signal the coming of the world to come.

Christians are waiting for the second coming of Christ.

Muslims are waiting for the second coming (for Jesus to complete his life and die) and for the return of Muhammad.

The Afterlife

In Jewish scriptures there is evidence of an afterlife but they prefer to lead a good life to please God rather than for a future reward. According to Deuteronomy after the burial of Moses the people mourned for 40 days and then got on with their lives.

Christians believe they will either go to: heaven, hell, or purgatory or that all souls will be made in the image of God.

The Afterlife

Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgement two angels will report the good and bad deeds recorded through life.

Those who have obeyed God will have a place in Paradise. Heaven is divided into 7 levels – Paradise is the highest level for those who are most virtuous, prophets and martyrs.

Those who have committed gross sins or disobeyed God will got to hell. Hell is also divided into many levels.

Repentance can lead to forgiveness.

Symbols of the Abrahamic Faiths