Download Comparing Religions

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Comparing Religions
Directions Read the information about Islam, Judaism, and
Christianity. Identify similarities and differences.
Islam
Date organized 600s A.D.
Followers are called Muslims
Main Groups Shia, Sunni
House of Worship mosque
Number of followers worldwide one billion
Holy Book the Quran
Clergy imam
Prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad
Important Day of Worship Friday
Basic Beliefs There is one God. Muslims believe this is the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians.
Muslims have five core obligations: declaration of faith, prayer five times a day, charity, fasting at certain
times, and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Common Misconception Islam is a religion, not a nationality. In fact, Muslims are of many different
nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures, though are united by a common faith.
Judaism
Date organized 1800 B.C.
Followers are called Jews
Main Groups Orthodox, Conservative, Reform
House of Worship synagogue (or temple)
Number of followers worldwide 12–14 million
Holy Book Torah
Clergy rabbi
Prophets Abraham, Moses
Important Day of Worship Saturday
Basic Beliefs There is one God. Jews have a covenant, or contract, with God. God will take special care of
the Jews and in exchange they will keep God’s laws and try to live in a holy way according to those laws.
Common Misconception Jews’ belief that they are God’s “chosen people” does not mean that they
think they have special privileges. In fact, Jews believe they have a special duty to follow God’s laws.
Christianity
Date organized around 33 A.D.
Followers are called Christians
Main Groups Orthodox, Roman Catholic,
Protestant, Evangelical
House of Worship church
Number of followers worldwide 2 billion
Holy Book Bible
Clergy priest, minister, pastor
Prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus
Important Day of Worship Sunday
Basic Beliefs There is one God. God sent his son Jesus to save humanity from its sins. Jesus died for
those sins, but his return to life three days later is a promise of eternal life for believers.
Common Misconception The Old Testament is a purely Christian document. In fact, it comes from
the Hebrew, or Jewish, bible.
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