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4 Abrahamnic Religions Overview
4 Abrahamnic Religions Overview
MONOTHEISTIC
RELIGIONS
THE PATRIARCH ABRAHAM
The prophet and patriarch Abraham
played a major role in the
establishment of the three
monotheistic religions: namely,
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which
account for more than half of the
world’s total population at present.
As such, these
organized religions are
collectively known as
Abrahamic religions.
The Jewish people regard Abraham as
the ancestor of the Israelites, through
his descendants Isaac and Jacob. The
Muslims consider Abraham’s son
Ishmael as the ancestor of the Arabs.
The Christians view Abraham as
‘father in faith’ as narrated in the Bible
and the ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Notable religious personalities trace
their origin in Abraham’s sons from
different wives through their
descendants. The importance of
Abraham in these three religions lies in
the fact that the patriarch appears as
an elemental figure for a monotheistic
belief system and a paragon of
extreme devotion.
Derived from a common
source, it is but natural that the
three monotheistic religions
share some commonalities in
their basic tenets. For one,
they all worship one supreme
being.
The ancient Hebrews call their God
Elohim, Adonai, or Yahweh. Present-
day Judaism uses the names “Lord”
and “God.” For the Muslims, they call
their God as Allah. In addition,
prophets and apostles play major roles
in these religions.
Judaism has 48 prophets and seven
prophetesses. Early prophets include
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and
Joshua to name a few. In Christianity, the 12
apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus
Christ, some of whom wrote parts of the
New Testament. For the Muslims, they
believe that Muhammad is the final prophet
or the “Seal of the Prophets.”
The Geneology of Abraham
Abraham
Sarah
Hagar Keturah
Isaac Rebeccah
Ishmael
David
Solomon
Jesus
B.C. in Palestine
Some say the date is unknown
Christianity – approximately 33
A.D. in Palestine
Islam – 622 A.D. in Saudi Arabia
11
Founders and Early Leaders
Christianity – Jesus
Islam - Muhammad
12
Brief History on Origins
Judaism- The Hebrew leader Abraham
founded Judaism around 2000 B.C. Judaism
is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths
(religions with one God).
Day of Worship
o Judaism – Saturday
o Christianity – Sunday
o Islam - Friday
16
Languages of Faiths
Original Language
Judaism – Hebrew
Christianity – Aramaic and Greek, then Latin
Islam – Arabic
Names of God
Judaism – Yahweh and Elohim
Christianity – God, the Trinity
Islam - Allah
17
Sacred Texts of Each Faith
Sacred Texts
Judaism – Hebrew Bible
Christianity – Old Testament
and New Testament
Islam – Qur’an (Koran)
18
Monotheistic Beliefs
Ultimate Reality (Type of Theism)
Judaism – One God
20
Identity of Jesus
Judaism – False prophet
Christianity – Son of God, the
Messiah, Savior
Islam – prophet of God
21
Death of Jesus
Judaism – death by Crucifixion
Christianity – death by Crucifixion
Islam – Did not die, but ascended
into heaven (a disciple took his
place)
22
Resurrection of Jesus
Judaism – Denied
Christianity – Affirmed
Islam – Denied; since he did not
die
23
Means of Salvation
Judaism – Belief in one God; good
deeds
Christianity – correct belief, good
deeds; by faith accept Christ as
Savior (Protestants)
Islam – Belief in one God; good
deeds and follow Five Pillars of
Faith
24
Afterlife
Judaism – eternal heaven, or no
afterlife
Christianity – eternal heaven
Islam – eternal paradise (heaven)
26
View of Fellow Abrahamic Religions
America
Islam – Africa, Middle East, and
Southeast Asia
28
Current Worldwide Followers TODAY
In the USA
Judaism – 5.6 million
Christianity – 159 million
Islam – 1.1 million
29
Judaism
Worship is led by a
Rabbi.
Friday evening is
time for worship.
Stamford Hill, London
Judaism
The Jewish house of worship is called a
synagogue.
Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act
as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver
sermons.
Today there are over 18 million followers of
Judaism scattered throughout the world.
A large number of those people live in the Jewish
nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United
States.
Christianity briefly