| |
JUDAISM |
CHRISTIANITY |
ISLAM |
| Birthplace |
Middle East |
Middle East |
Middle East |
| Concept
of God |
One God |
One God |
One God |
| Central
Figure |
Moses |
Jesus Christ |
Muhammad |
| Scripture |
Torah, Prophets, Writings from
the Talmud (oral tradition) |
Bible – Old Testament
and New Testament |
Qur'an – direct revelation
from God. Hadith – Sayings and teachings of Muhammad |
| War |
Peace is always preferable,
but war in self-defence is considered obligatory |
“Just War” can be
fought as a last resort; tradition of non-violent resistance |
War should be fought in self-defence
only and within strict guidelines |
| Divisions |
Modern movements include: Reform,
Conservative, Modern Orthodox, Constructionist |
Many theological divisions and
schisms; Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, numerous Protestant
churches |
Main division is that of Sunni
– Shiite. Majority of Muslims are Sunni |
| Fundamentalism |
Ultra-orthodox Jews reject modern
secular world and live in strict communities |
Debate over the literal meaning
of the Bible; efforts to bring religion into daily life |
Return to ‘pure Islam’;
efforts to bring religion into daily life |
| Holy
State |
Jerusalem |
Jerusalem |
1. Mecca
2. Madina
3. Jerusalem |
| Jesus |
A historic figure. Not the Messiah |
The Son of God |
Highly regarded as the second
last Prophet. Muhammad regarded as the last Prophet |
| Hierarchy |
No hierarchy. Rabbi’s
are considered teachers |
Catholics and Orthodox have
extensive hierarchy. Some Protestant branches have almost none |
No hierarchy. Prayers are lead
by Imams, teachers, who have studied the Qur’an |
| Idols
& Images |
Images and statues are strictly
forbidden |
Images and statues are allowed
in some divisions but not worshipped |
Images and statues are strictly
forbidden |
| Charity |
Tzedakah: 10% of income |
Tithe: 10% of income |
Zakat: 2.5% of income |
| Conversion |
No active preaching to non-Jews.
Jews must turn away a convert three times to ensure their commitment |
Conversion considered important
in most traditions. Missionaries are prominent among Catholics
and Protestants |
Da’wa (Invitation): Muslims
should share their knowledge of Islam without trying to convert.
Only God can bring someone to Islam |
| Tolerance
to other faiths |
Jews tolerate other religions
and do not seek to convert |
Christians taught to “Love
thy neighbour” and proclaim that Christianity is the only
way to God |
Muslims taught to tolerate other
faiths. Special respect for Jews and Christians as ‘People
of the Book’ |
| Status
of Women |
Men and women are equal in the
eyes of God. Traditional Judaism prescribes different roles
for men and women. Orthodox men and women worship separately |
Men and women worship together.
Some Protestant churches ordain women as Priests |
Men and women are regarded as
equal, as taught in the Qur’an. Men and women traditionally
pray separately |
| House
of Worship |
Synagogue |
Church |
Masjid (Mosque) |
| Main
Day of Worship |
Saturday (Shabbat) |
Sunday |
Friday (Jum’a) |
| Dietary
Requirements |
Must keep kosher. No pork or
certain seafood, other meat to be killed by kosher method, separation
of meat and dairy |
None |
Must be halal. No pork, other
meat should be prepared by halal method. Alcohol prohibited |
| Life
after Death |
No immediate life after death.
Life in the ‘world to come’ after the coming of
the Messiah |
Day of Judgement followed by
Heaven and Hell |
Day of Judgement followed by
Heaven and Hell |
