Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions

The three most practiced monotheistic religions- Christianity, Judaism, and Islam- share a belief in one singular God. Each have many similarities -like believing in one God and following sacred texts- as well as differences, such as different holidays and rituals. Although these three religions share similarities, there are more differences between them. Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through the holy book called the Bible.

In the Middle East, the top three monotheistic religions (worships one god) are Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Christianity is the religion that I was born into and believe in. It came to be in 0 AD and Islam came to be 622 AD (CE), Christianity and Islam have some similarities and differences. By the end of the essay, you will eventually understand the differences.

The three different Monotheistic religions Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have gradually developed into exceedingly divergent faiths. They vary in many concepts and differ from each other in a multitude of ways, such as all having different characteristics/customs, different beliefs, and different origins.

In modern times when one thinks of Monotheism, the first religion that comes to mind is Christianity. But what is Monotheism? Monotheism is the belief that there is only one god. But is Christianity the first group of people to believe in one god? The answer is no, monotheism comes a long way. Zoroastrianism was the first monotheistic religion approximately 3500 years ago. The religion was founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran. The second monotheistic religion known to man kind is Atenism founded by the Pharaoh Akhenaten. And the third Monotheistic religion is Judaism.

Palestine has a long history of being ruled by different empires, all of which followed different religions. Its culture has been exposed to the influence of the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and a few others. It is in the heart of the Middle East and it houses the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Judaism being one of the oldest religions, dating as far back as 2000 BCE in Canaan. Christianity, which then took into Judaism’s steps spread more vigorously and was more recently “recognized in New Testament studies” (Yencich 120). Then many years later came Islam, which had its own peak as well. These three monotheistic religions seem to echo each other’s tales, ideals, and values. The conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis over this Holy Land has been going on for years.

Originated in eastern Mediterranean throughout the life of Jesus Christ, in addition to it becoming the major religion of the Roman Empire by the end of the 4th century

Zoroastrianism on the other hand is a monotheistic religion, originating in Iran, and has evolved throughout the ages. With approximately 130,000 remaining followers. Zoroastrianism’s early stage, is presumed to have influenced Buddhism, and introduces beliefs of Gods and Devils that have been adopted by other religions such as Christianity, and Islam. The Zoroastrian gods represented elements, aspects of nature, and principles such as justice and obedience. These gods were called daevas meaning (“shining ones”), with higher ranking gods called Ahuras or (“Lords”) with the supreme god Ahura Mazda, being worshipped above all the other gods as the divine creator; through good thoughts, words, and deeds, like the Jainism ahimsa. Zoroastrians believed there was a cosmic battle between good and evil and to support good one must dedicate themselves as spiritual warriors for good.

Judaism and Christianity is a monotheistic religion. "Judaism is a diverse tradition associated with the Jewish people", and Jesus is a Jew. Many people insist Judaism is the foundation of Christianity because Christianity originated from Judaism (when God showed himself to Abraham and Moses), but not an expansion of Judaism. This two religions, both refer to Jesus Christ, even though his role in each religion differs. The Jews refer to God as Yahweh (“I am who I am”) while the Christians refer to him as God. They have the same origin, believe that Abraham was the father of faith and Moses received the Ten Commandments. Both religions relate in faith and the scripture they share, but as much as they associate, they also have differences.

In “From Monotheism to Pantheism: Liberation from Patriarchy in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple,” a literary essay by Stacie Lynn Hankinson, the author argues the effect shifting religious views have on character development. It was Celie’s experience with religion that caused her to allow herself to be abused most of her life.

Christianity and Islam are both monotheistic religions, meaning that they are based on the following of one god or heavenly being. The followers of Islamic belief, which was founded by the prophet Mohammad, are called Muslims. Christians, who are followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ, believe that Jesus was the Messiah sent by god. Each religion has a book that includes stories and teachings of their respective gods. For Muslims, this book is known as the Qur'an and teaches ideas such as "The Five Pillars". The Christian equivalent of this book is known as the Holy Bible.

Me: How are the basic beliefs of your faith similar to the other monotheistic faiths?

Christianity derives from the teachings of God’s son Jesus of Nazareth and his apostles who later became known as Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is living a very righteous life. Christianity is a monotheistic religion such as Islam and Judaism. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have an eternal life.” This is a major factor in christian faith. This exact quote is not a belief for other religions but, it is known to be the foundation to have a great afterlife. It shows how only Christians believed in Jesus being God's son and in the holy trinity. In conclusion, Christians are to live in

If one looks at the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, many differences present themselves. However, if you look past the differences, you see three religions based on the idea that there is one God who is more powerful than anything. These three religions, branching off from their core beliefs, have both similar and contrasting teachings. Using some of these sacred writings from each religion, we will examine the agreements and disagreements between these faiths.

In what ways is the Holy land an essential site for all three monotheistic Faiths? All three faiths say that Jerusalem was a holy city. For Islam, Jerusalem was where the prophet Muhammed rose to heaven. For Christianity, Jerusalem is the city where Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead. For Judaism, Jerusalem has been the Jewish capital. Each religion has a place that call for practicing same basic ritual worships (although differently in the rituals) as praying, fasting, and etc. The Jews had the second Temple of Jerusalem, where daily prayers are recited and other Jewish rituals are performed. The Christians had the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where it was once a place where Jesus was crucified. The Muslim have the Kaaba, where they

“The three monotheistic religions; Islam, Christianity and Judaism are alike in that they have a shared heritage as well as similarities in their traditions and rituals. However, there are also slight variations and differences in their overarching view of God through their separate scriptures.”