Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are considered the three greatest Abrahamic religions. When considering the vast differences between each of their core beliefs, significant prophets, and their doctrine, their similarities seem insignificant in comparison. Though their differences are often stressed in today’s societies, their similarities should not come as a shock seen as they all stem from the same patriarch, Abraham. Looking at the world’s fastest growing religion, the world's most hated religion, and the world's largest religion, their similarities almost to outweigh their differences. Similarities ranging from overarching monotheism to ones such as shared holy cities, or dietary restrictions. These western giants are not as different as they seem.
According to the authors of the World History textbook, Duiker and Spielvogel, all three of these religions are monotheistic. They also go on to say that these religions also share concern over one’s salvation and that they offer hope of an afterlife (190). The most notable differences come in at how one gains salvation and access into the afterlife. The followers of Judaism, commonly referred to as Jews or Hebrews, describe themselves a nomadic people. Duiker and Spielvogel write that the traditions of the Jewish people claim that they are descendants of Abraham (27). Unlike the other two religions, Judaism is not an active missionary religion. Their beliefs are shown through their way of life in that Jewish people serve God by study, by prayer and by the observance of the commandments set in the Torah (Embassies 6-7).
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Salvation in Islam is laid out much clearer. Duiker and Spielvogel explain that Islam has many fundamental tenets, with the most important one being to obey the will of Allah. They then discuss the basic ethical code, known as the Five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah and Muhammad as his sole prophet; prayer five times a day and public prayer on Fridays at midday to worship Allah; observance of Ramadan, the holy month consisting of fasting from dawn to sunset; making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one’s lifetime, if possible; and giving alms, or charity, to the poor and less fortunate (190). This follows some of the views held in a chart found on Christianity in view, a formal community forum for open Q&A religious conversation , in the section labeled “Salvation” which states that one’s salvation is achieved through good works, thus personal righteousness must outweigh personal sin (14). Unlike Judaism, Islam is an evangelical religion; often dominated by militants. As discussed in the World History textbook, the Arabic word jihad has multiple meanings and is only meant to be taken in emotional contexts. The meaning adopted by the militants is closely related to that of a “holy war”. The authors also state that many Muslims reject that interpretation saying that it should only be used sparingly and with care. Many Muslims also suggest that conversion should take place peacefully in order to effectively spread their faith (191-192). Christianity does not have such a strict ethical code, which could be one of the factors that contributed to how it grew to be so large.
According to Duiker and Spielvogel, Christianity began as a religious movement within Judaism, and one’s salvation was as simple as accepting Jesus as their savior. The religion was originally considered a religious movement because one of the early prominent figures believed that Jesus’ message should be preached to everyone, not only to the Jews, and he began to spread the religion to groups other than the Jewish people (153). The authors of the textbook also explain that Christianity began to spread because it offered more than the other religions at the time. Not only did it attract the formation of communities who were committed to expressing their love by helping each other and aiding the less fortunate (154). Much like the fifth pillar of Islam, though it’s not strictly required for one’s salvation.
Another major difference in the religious beliefs of these three religions is their concern of the life of Jesus. A comparison written on NAMB, the North American Mission Board, shows that Christianity believes that Jesus was the divine son of God who was born of a virgin. The religion also believes that He is God’s Word and Savior to humanity (2). NAMB also states that in the Islam religion, it is taught that Jesus was not crucified; a very important belief for the Christians. Instead, they believe that He hid until He could meet with his disciples (2). The chart found on Christianity in View states that in Judaism it is believed that Jesus was an ordinary Jew; not the Messiah nor a divine person. These differences are some of the things that set them apart and cause the most notable conflicts.
Other than the belief that there is only one God, there aren’t many similarities shared by all three of the religions being discussed. They share individual similarities in terms of beliefs and traditions or ideals. For instance, Islam and Judaism share many similarities that aren’t often related to Christianity, including the dietary traditions (whyislam 3-5) Jews eating kosher and Muslims eating halal; in some cases, kosher is considered halal for Muslims. Foods such as pork are prohibited in both religions, while other foods are required to be prepared a certain way in order for the to be acceptable for them to eat it. Another point of similarities stated in the whyislam article is that for Jews, the meat must be slaughtered properly by a Jewish person.
Muslims, on the other hand, can eat meat if slaughtered by a Muslim, Jew, or Christian; because of their acceptance of how similar the beliefs are (8). When it comes to Islam and Christianity their strongest similarity is in their belief and details related with one’s last days. In the NAMB comparison it explains that Muslims believe that there will be a bodily resurrection and a final judgement day followed by a final destination. Islam also firmly teaches that all Muslims go to heaven, though some might have to be purged of their sins first, and all unbelievers are destined for hell (13). The belief in Christianity is very similar, the only difference being that one’s eternal destination is based on their own acceptance of Jesus as Savior. And finally, the largest similarity between Judaism and Christianity is their holy city. Although Jerusalem is considered a holy city for Muslims as well, it is not the most important. For Christianity and Judaism, Jerusalem is the holiest city according to their doctrines. Another similarity shared by all three of the Abrahamic religions is that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is one place that they each hold at a high significance; so much so that it is shared among them.
Even though, Judaism, Islam and Christianity all believe in the same God, their views on the divinity of Jesus are very different. This major difference, along with the sustained battle over the ownership of Jerusalem, are the two leading causes of conflict between these religions. Be that as it may, the simple similarities such as their beliefs in helping the less fortunate and one’s journey after death reveal stronger connections.
Works Cited
- “About the Jewish Religion.” Embassies.gov.il, Mission of Israel to the UN in Geneva, https://embassies.gov.il/UnGeneva/AboutIsrael/People/Pages/Jewish-Religion.aspx#targetText=The basic laws and tenets, what is just and merciful.
- Duiker, William J, and Jackson J Spielvogel. World History. 9th ed., vol. 1, Cengage Learning, 2019.
- Emberson, Iain A. “Comparison Table between Christianity, Islam and Judaism.” Comparison Table between Christianity, Islam and Judaism, Christianity in View, 3 July 2016, http://christianityinview.com/xncomparison.html.
- “Similarities between Islam and Judaism.” Whyislam, ICNA, 13 May 2019, https://www.whyislam.org/judaism/similarities/.
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