Download Monotheistic Religions

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS
COMMON ROOTS
All three religions trace their ancestry to
Abraham, a man who lived in what is now Iraq
about 4000 years ago.
 All three religions began in the Middle East.
 All three religions believe in only one allpowerful God. (Monotheism)

NAME FOR GOD

All three religions have a distinct name for God
Judaism – Yahweh
 Christianity – God (Jesus)
 Islam - Allah

NAME OF PRACTITIONERS

People who practice each of these three
religions are known by certain names.
Judaism – Jews
 Christianity – Christians
 Islam - Muslims

HOLY BOOK

All three religions have a holy book that
contains sacred texts or scriptures.
Judaism – Torah
 Christianity – Bible (Old and New Testament)
 Islam – Quran

HOLY BUILDING
 All
three religions have a building
used for worship services or other
religious purposes.
 Judaism
– Synagogue
 Christianity – Church
 Islam - Mosque
RELIGIOUS LEADERS
 All
three religions have a designated
person who leads religious services, and
delivers a message called a sermon.
 Judaism
– Rabbi
 Christianity – Pastor, Minister, or Priest
 Islam - Imam
PROPHETS

All three religions believe in prophets – people
who are considered messengers of God’s word.
Judaism – Moses, Isaiah
 Christianity – Isaiah, Jesus
 Islam - Mohammed

SECTS (GROUPS)
Each religion is divided into different sects or
groups. These sects practice the same religion,
but in distinctly different ways. There is often
disagreement between sects about how to
practice their religion.
 Judaism – Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed
 Christianity – Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
 Islam – Sunni, Shia

BASICS OF JUDAISM - BELIEFS
 The
goal of Judaism is to live a good
(moral) life according to the laws of the
Torah. Jews believe that following the laws
of the Torah and the Ten Commandments
will lead a person to live a righteous life in
the eyes of God. Jews believe they are
God’s chosen people.
BASICS OF JUDAISM - PRACTICES

Jews practice their religion by observing
religious laws set out in the Torah. Some of
these include eating only Kosher (approved)
foods, observing the Sabbath, and participating
in certain religious holidays such as Yom
Kippur, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah.
BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY - BELIEFS
The goal of Christianity is to achieve Salvation.
Salvation is the eternal (never-ending) life of
one’s soul with God in Heaven. Christians believe
that this is achieved by faith in Jesus Christ.
Most Christian sects also believe in the Trinity –
the concept of God as three parts: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Christians also
believe in heaven, hell, and a final
Judgement.
BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY - PRACTICES

Practices vary between sects, but most
participate in Baptism ( a ritual washing
symbolizing the cleansing of a persons soul
from sin) and Communion, which is a
recreation of Jesus’ last meal before His
crucifixion.
BASICS OF ISLAM - BELIEFS

The goal of Islam is salvation. Muslims believe
living according to God’s guidance will be
rewarded with salvation. According to Islam,
Muslims must participate in five basic practices,
the “Five Pillars”, to achieve salvation. Islam
began in Mecca, and Muslims believe in heaven,
hell, and a final judgement.
BASICS OF ISLAM - PRACTICES
Muslims have five basic practices known as the
“Five Pillars”
 Confession of faith
 Praying five times a day toward Mecca
 Charity (giving alms (money) to the poor)
 Fasting during the month of Ramadan
 Making a Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi
Arabia, at least once during a person’s lifetime
