Free Essay On Christianity And Judaism

Christianity and Judaism have a close historical and theological relationship. The two religious which were founded in Israel have various similarities as well as differences. In this paper, we explore the similarities and the differences of the two religions from a neutral point of view. Our main aim will be to present all the relevant comparisons and contrasts. This paper will have four sections of the history, religious authority, beliefs and doctrines and finally the rituals and practices of the religions.
On the history of the two religions, Judaism was founded in 1300BC. It was founded by Abraham and Moses and its original language was Hebrew. The religion is ranked as the 12th largest in the world with an estimate of 14 million followers. Most of its followers are in Israel, Europe and North America. Judaism is divided into three major branches which are Orthodox, Conservatives and Reform Judaism. Christianity on the other hand was founded in 30 AD by Jesus and its early leaders were Peter and Paul. Its early languages were Aramaic and Greek. Christianity is the largest religion on earth with approximately two billion followers. Its major followers are in Europe, north and southern America and it is divided into three major branches which are Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants.
The two religions have holy books though differ a little as Judaism does not use the New Testament. However, some portion of the Christians, Protestants does not use the Apocrypha that is used by the Judaism’s but Roman Catholics do. Whereas Christians view the bible as a collection of books written by people who were inspired by the spirit of God, Judaism view their holy book as a sacred word of inspired human account. Judaism uses only the Old Testament and rejects the New Testament u8sed by the Christians. Both religions summarize their doctrines using various verses. However, they differ as the Christians use the Apostle’s creed and the Nicene Creed whereas Judaism uses the 13 articles of Faith.
On the beliefs and doctrines, the two religious practices are similar in the many aspects. They both believe in one God, Jehovah who is the God of Abraham. They believe in angel and demons, Jesus died by crucifixion. Other similar beliefs are believes on salvation, life after death, celestial revelation and God has a role in salvation. However, these beliefs are slightly different in both religions. For example, Judaism does not believe in hell. The difference on the beliefs is such as when Christianity belief that Jesus was born by a virgin, Judaism believe otherwise. Judaism denies the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus but the Christians believe in them. Despite the two religions acknowledging the existences of God, they differ in that, Christianity believes in the trinity whereas Judaism believes in unity. Moreover, Judaism does not believe in Jesus as being the son of God or the savior of the world.
The ritual and practices of these religions do not differ greatly as they have similar roles but different names. For example, Christians have churches and Judaism have synagogue. Christian’s sacred ritual is the sacrament whereas the Judaism is mitzvoth. The Christians major symbols are the cross and dove and the Judaism have the Star of David and a tree. However, a major difference is the head covering which most Christians do not observe which a must is for the men in Judaism. They both recognize the Holy Spirit though not in equal capacities as the Christians recognize him as the third person of the trinity but Judaism recognize the Holy Spirit as a divine power.
In conclusion therefore, the two religions have many differences and similarities. They two believe in being good, kind and they both are governed by the Ten Commandments. A major distinction is that, one joins Christianity by baptism whereas in Judaism one is born in the religion. Lastly, it is important to mention that Christians view Judaism as a true religion but it has incomplete revelation and Judaism view Christianity as a false interpretation of Judaism. In that accord therefore, one becomes a Christian by grace through faith and Judaism salvation is through belief in God, complete faith and good deeds.