Torah Insights: Judaism vs Christianity
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Genesis: Creation, Covenant, and the Promise of Blessing – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Genesis, the first book of the Torah/Pentateuch, serves as the foundational narrative for both Judaism and Christianity. It details the origins of the cosmos, humanity, sin, and God’s covenant with Abraham—the progenitor of Israel. While both religions revere Genesis as sacred Scripture, their doctrinal emphases diverge, especially concerning…
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Exodus: Deliverance, Covenant, and Divine Presence – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction The book of Exodus is pivotal in both Judaism and Christianity, recounting Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Sinai covenant. This narrative and legal corpus shapes foundational doctrines about God’s saving acts, lawgiving, and presence among His people. While Judaism emphasises national identity and…
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Leviticus: Holiness, Sacrifice, and Priestly Mediation – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Leviticus, the third book of the Torah/Pentateuch, is primarily concerned with laws governing holiness, ritual purity, sacrifices, and the priesthood. It is foundational for Jewish religious life, prescribing detailed commandments for worship and ethical conduct. Christianity acknowledges Leviticus’ importance but interprets its sacrificial and priestly system as fulfilled…
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Numbers: Wilderness Journey, Covenant Faithfulness, and Divine Provision – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah/Pentateuch, narrates Israel’s wilderness journey from Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness amid Israel’s testing, the organisation of the community, and covenant obedience. Judaism views Numbers as a testament to God’s steadfast covenantal relationship and disciplinary…
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Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal, Law, and Love – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Torah/Pentateuch, functions as a covenant renewal document. It restates and expands the law originally given at Sinai, emphasising faithfulness, obedience, and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Judaism regards Deuteronomy as a crucial text for covenant loyalty and ethical monotheism, while…
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Comparative Overview of Core Doctrines in Judaism and Christianity Based on the Torah/Pentateuch
1. Introduction The Torah, consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, forms the doctrinal and narrative foundation for both Judaism and Christianity. Despite shared reverence for these texts, the two faiths have developed distinctive theological interpretations and doctrinal emphases. This article provides a systematic comparison of the main core…