Comparative Religion Questions
1. Introduction
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, often termed the Abrahamic religions, share historical and theological roots yet differ in doctrines, practices, and interpretations of revelation. This analysis examines:
- Core similarities as monotheistic traditions
- Key theological, ritual, and scriptural differences
- Comparative insights into their development and mutual perceptions
2. Core Similarities
2.1 Monotheism
All affirm belief in One God:
- Judaism: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- Christianity: God as one in essence, though Trinitarian in personhood (Nicene Creed).
- Islam: “There is no god but Allah.” (Qur’an 112:1 – Tawhid).
2.2 Abrahamic Lineage
All trace spiritual heritage to Abraham:
- Judaism: Patriarch of Israel through Isaac
- Christianity: Spiritual father through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:29)
- Islam: Ancestor through Ishmael; a model of submission (Islam).
2.3 Scriptures as Divine Revelation
- Judaism: Tanakh (Torah, Prophets, Writings)
- Christianity: Old and New Testaments
- Islam: Qur’an viewed as final revelation, confirming previous scriptures in corrected form.
2.4 Prophets
All accept prophetic revelation:
- Judaism: Prophets from Moses to Malachi
- Christianity: Same prophets plus Jesus as Messiah and Son of God
- Islam: Muhammad as final prophet (Seal of the Prophets) with previous prophets honoured (including Jesus as Isa).
2.5 Ethical Monotheism
Emphasise moral law rooted in divine will:
- Justice, mercy, charity, truthfulness, sexual ethics, and worship.
3. Key Differences
3.1 Concept of God
| Aspect | Judaism | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of God | Strict monotheism (YHWH as indivisible) | Trinitarian monotheism (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) | Strict monotheism (Tawhid) rejecting Trinity |
| Incarnation | God is wholly other; no incarnation | God incarnate in Christ | God is transcendent; Jesus a prophet |
3.2 Jesus Christ
- Judaism: Not Messiah or divine; viewed as historical Jewish teacher.
- Christianity: Son of God, divine Word incarnate, saviour through death and resurrection.
- Islam: Prophet (Isa), born of virgin Mary, not crucified (substitution theory – Qur’an 4:157), not divine.
3.3 Scripture Canon
- Judaism: Hebrew Bible (Tanakh).
- Christianity: Hebrew Bible + New Testament (Gospels, Epistles, Revelation).
- Islam: Qur’an as final revelation; Torah and Gospel respected but believed corrupted in transmission (tahrif).
3.4 Salvation
| Judaism | Obedience to Torah, covenant faithfulness, ethical living; varied views on afterlife. |
|---|---|
| Christianity | Salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Pauline theology). |
| Islam | Salvation through submission to Allah (Islam), faith, and righteous deeds, judged on Day of Resurrection. |
3.5 Religious Law
- Judaism: Halakhah – Torah + rabbinic interpretations (Talmud) governing all life aspects.
- Christianity: New Covenant supersedes Mosaic Law; moral teachings central; ritual law fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8).
- Islam: Sharia – Qur’an and Sunnah-derived legal and moral system regulating personal and communal life.
3.6 Worship Practices
| Judaism | Synagogue worship, Shabbat observance, annual festivals (Passover, Yom Kippur). |
|---|---|
| Christianity | Church worship on Sunday, sacraments (baptism, Eucharist), festivals (Christmas, Easter). |
| Islam | Five daily prayers (salat), mosque worship, fasting in Ramadan, Hajj pilgrimage. |
3.7 Religious Authority
- Judaism: Rabbis and communal elders interpreting Torah and Talmud.
- Christianity: Diverse structures – bishops (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican), pastors (Protestant).
- Islam: No priesthood; scholars (ulama), imams lead prayer and interpret Sharia.
4. Historical Interactions and Developments
4.1 Shared Origins
- Christianity emerged within Second Temple Judaism (Sanders, 1993).
- Islam emerged in 7th century Arabia, interacting with Jewish and Christian communities (Esposito, 2005).
4.2 Theological Disputes
- Trinity and incarnation rejected by both Judaism and Islam as compromising monotheism (Qur’an 5:73; Deuteronomy 6:4).
4.3 Mutual Influences
- Philosophical theology (e.g. Aristotelian thought) transmitted from Islamic to Christian scholasticism via Jewish philosophers (e.g. Maimonides).
5. Comparative Table Summary
| Aspect | Judaism | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder | Abraham, Moses (covenantal mediators) | Jesus Christ | Muhammad |
| Scripture | Tanakh | Bible (OT + NT) | Qur’an |
| God | Strict monotheism | Trinitarian monotheism | Strict monotheism |
| Jesus | Human teacher | Divine Son, Saviour | Prophet, not divine |
| Law | Halakhah | Moral law fulfilled in Christ | Sharia |
| Salvation | Covenant obedience | Grace through Christ | Submission to Allah, deeds |
| Rituals | Circumcision, kosher, Sabbath | Baptism, Eucharist | Shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, hajj |
6. Conclusion
How are monotheistic religions similar and different?
✔ Similarities:
- Monotheism rooted in Abrahamic covenant
- Scriptural revelations and prophetic traditions
- Ethical frameworks emphasising justice, compassion, and devotion
✔ Differences:
- Conceptions of God’s nature (Trinity vs strict monotheism)
- Jesus’ identity and salvific role
- Canonical scriptures and interpretations
- Religious laws, rituals, and practices
Despite differences, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism remain interlinked theological families, shaping global civilisations, moral systems, and interfaith relations through shared heritage and distinct revelations.
7. References
- Esposito, J. L. (2005). Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press.
- Flood, G. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press.
- Harvey, P. (2000). An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
- Kohn, L. (2000). Daoism and Chinese Culture. Three Pines Press.
- Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.
- Sanders, E. P. (1993). The Historical Figure of Jesus. Penguin.
- Williams, P. (2009). Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations. Routledge.
- Wright, N. T. (2011). Simply Jesus. HarperOne.