Religions Of The World Finalname Part I Fill I ✓ Solved

1. In Jewish tradition, Jacob wrestles all night with an angel and receives a new name Israel, which means “wrestles with God.” 2. The Jewish holiday Hanukkah memorializes the rededication of the Second Temple and the oil lamps kept burning for eight days on one day’s supply. 3. One of the commandments for all Jews is to keep the Shabbat, the holy day of rest. 4. Apocalypse is the belief that the world will soon come to an end, generally believing in the notion of a great battle, final judgment, and reward for the good. 5. Martin Luther was a German priest who reformed Western Christianity, leading to the creation of the split between Protestants and Catholics. 6. Paul is sometimes credited as co-founder of Christianity because of how he blended Jesus Christ’s teaching into a viable, worldwide religion. 7. The teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament are referred to as the Gospel, which means “good news.” 8. Islam means submission to God. 9. All able Muslims are expected to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime in the pilgrimage known as Hajj. 10. Islamic law is called Sharia, the entire body of laws that guides the believer through life.

Part II. Short Answer—Identify each term and describe how it is important to understanding the religion it is related to (who or what the term is, which religion it is related to, and why it is important to the class). Each answer should be at least three sentences long! 1. Abraham: Known as the father of three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—Abraham is crucial to understanding the shared ancestry and theological foundations of these faiths. His covenant with God marks a significant moment in religious history, symbolizing the promise of land and descendants. This pivotal figure underscores themes of faith, obedience, and the quest for understanding God that are explored throughout the course. 2. Messiah: The term “Messiah” refers to the anointed one expected in Judaism, and the concept is also important in Christianity where Jesus is identified as the Messiah. Understanding what the Messiah represents—salvation and divine intervention—provides insight into the hopes and expectations within these traditions. The anticipation of the Messiah illustrates the differences in belief about fulfillment of prophecy between the two religions. 3. Moses: Central to Judaism, Moses is known as the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai. His story is foundational for Jewish identity and law, making him a key figure in understanding Jewish theology, morality, and community. Moses' leadership and covenantal significance also shed light on parallels in Christian thought regarding law and grace. 4. The Holocaust: This tragic historical event profoundly impacts Jewish identity and theology, representing the extreme suffering endured, leading to questions about faith, justice, and the existence of evil. It is crucial in exploring contemporary Jewish thought and collective memory, influencing both religious and secular perspectives on suffering and resilience. Understanding the Holocaust deepens comprehension of modern Judaism's context and the urgency of remembrance. 5. Hell: In Christian theology, Hell is often viewed as a place of eternal separation from God for the unrepentant. Its significance lies in the moral implications it holds for adherents regarding heaven and salvation. Differing views of hell and punishment across religions present important doctrinal contrasts, particularly when compared with differing understandings in Judaism and Islam. 6. Redemption: The concept of redemption is pivotal in Christianity, referring to the act of being saved from sin and its consequences. Understanding how different religions interpret redemption helps illuminate perspectives on forgiveness, grace, and ethical living. In contrast, Judaism emphasizes collective and personal responsibility in the process of redemption. 7. Communion: This sacrament in Christianity represents the body and blood of Christ, seen as a means of grace and spiritual nourishment, thus central to Christian worship. Recognition of communion's role captures how different religious rituals embody core beliefs and their significance. Comparing this with Jewish practices like Passover enhances understanding of ritual and remembrance. 8. Jihad: Often misunderstood, jihad refers not only to physical struggle but also to the moral and spiritual struggle to live according to God's will in Islam. Its importance lies in the complex landscape of belief, interpretation, and misrepresentation, impacting perceptions of Islam in the global context. Understanding jihad's multifaceted nature promotes deeper insights into Islamic teachings and the experiences of Muslims. 9. Caliph: The caliph acts as a leader and successor to the Prophet Muhammad, playing a vital role in Islamic governance and the continuation of his teachings. The caliphate’s significance in Islamic history helps frame discussions on leadership, authority, and the nature of community in Islam. Analyzing the role of the caliphate aids in understanding the diverse expressions of Islamic governance throughout history. 10. Sunni and Shiite: These two major sects in Islam originated from a dispute over leadership following Muhammad's death, representing differing interpretations of authority. Their significance lies in how these divisions have shaped Islamic history, theology, and politics. Learning about Sunni and Shiite differences enhances the understanding of contemporary issues within the Muslim world.

Part III. Essay—Answer both essays in ESSAY FORM. Your answer should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. You should make direct reference to your textbook and lectures, and include those in your response. Each answer should be at least three pages (double-spaced). 1. One feature that all three religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) share is devotion to God. In Judaism, the daily prayers (known as the Shema) are a central expression of faith, affirming the oneness of God and demonstrating commitment to divine laws. In Christianity, the ritual of the Eucharist, celebrated in remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper, exemplifies devotion as believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, re-committing themselves to their faith. Similarly, in Islam, the practice of Salah—performing five daily prayers—serves as a profound demonstration of devotion and submission to Allah, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a relationship with the divine in daily life. These practices not only illustrate commitment but also establish a framework for community and individual spirituality across these faiths. 2. “Although Islam is similar in many ways to Judaism and Christianity, the greatest differences are the views on Jesus, the nature of God, and the concept of salvation.” Jesus is perceived as a prophet in Islam rather than the Son of God, a significant divergence that shapes related beliefs and practices among Christians and Muslims. The nature of God differs in that Islamic monotheism emphasizes the oneness of Allah without any division, directly affecting worship and theology between the two. Additionally, the understanding of salvation varies greatly; Christians believe in salvation through faith in Jesus, while Islam emphasizes individual accountability and actions for salvation. These differences illuminate the complexities and rich diversity within and among these Abrahamic faiths, guiding further discussion about belief, practice, and religious identity.

Paper For Above Instructions

This paper aims to delve into the themes of devotion, differing beliefs, and transformative experiences prevalent within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, illustrating the complexity and richness of these three Abrahamic faiths.

Devotion to God is a cornerstone of religious practice in all three faiths. In Jewish tradition, the daily Shema prayer exemplifies this commitment. The Shema, which states, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One," emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s unity and sovereignty. This prayer is not simply a ritual; it serves as a declaration of faith and a reminder of the covenant established between God and the Jewish people. Every morning and evening as Jews recite the Shema, they reaffirm their commitment to God, their laws, and their ethical responsibilities (Kaplan, 1985).

In Christianity, Jesus’ Last Supper introduced the ritual of Communion, also known as the Eucharist, which illustrates profound devotion among believers. Christians partake in the bread and wine to symbolize the body and blood of Christ, an act of remembrance and thanksgiving. This celebration offers a moment for individuals to reflect upon their faith, receive spiritual sustenance, and foster connections within their faith community. It goes beyond mere tradition; it encapsulates the heart of Christian belief that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are offered salvation (McGrath, 2011).

The practice of Salah in Islam signifies the devotion of Muslims to Allah. Observing five daily prayers, Muslims engage in Salah to express their submission, gratitude, and reverence. This practice exemplifies the discipline necessary for connecting with God. Each prayer session features recitations from the Quran and essential movements that reinforce the belief in Allah’s omnipotence. Salah is more than a habit; it represents a spiritual anchor, guiding practitioners throughout their daily lives (Esposito, 2011).

Indeed, these rituals, embedded within the frameworks of each religion, showcase a universal desire for a connection with the divine. While each practice varies significantly in form and expression, the core essence of devotion remains constant across these three faiths.

The distinctions between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity can also be observed in their teachings about Jesus, the nature of God, and the concept of salvation. Jesus stands as a central figure in Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and savior of humanity. Conversely, in Islam, Jesus (known as Isa) is revered as a prophet who performed miracles but is not divine. This bifurcation creates different views regarding Jesus’ role within salvation history, thus reflecting divergent theological frameworks (Armstrong, 1993).

When considering the nature of God, Christianity presents a Trinitarian understanding that intricately defines God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In contrast, a strict monotheism is central to Islam and Judaism. Muslims understand Allah as a singular entity without partners, which shapes their worship and theological convictions. This absolute oneness of God informs the laws, principles, and behaviors of Muslims (Haddad, 1991).

Salvation, too, varies substantially across the three traditions. In Christianity, the belief that faith in Jesus and his resurrection guarantees eternal life is paramount. Christians uphold the significance of grace, where acceptance of Jesus's sacrifice facilitates redemption. On the contrary, Islamic teachings assert that individuals are accountable for their actions and must diligently follow Allah’s commands to attain salvation. This nuanced understanding of moral responsibility highlights the varying approaches to redemption and the afterlife across these faiths (Hastings, 1989).

In conclusion, through exploring the rituals of devotion and the theological distinctions that set Judaism, Christianity, and Islam apart, we discover a canvas rich in shared history yet diverse in belief. Analyzing these dimensions contributes to a deeper understanding of how adherents practice their faiths and navigate their spiritual journeys. Each religion offers unique perspectives while sharing common threads of reverence and humanity, inviting further exploration and appreciation of the world’s many faith traditions.

References

  • Armstrong, K. (1993). A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ballantine Books.

  • Esposito, J. L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press.

  • Haddad, Y. Y. (1991). Islamic Values in the Western World. Transnational Publishers.

  • Hastings, S. (1989). The Meaning of Salvation: A Study in the Theology of Christian Faith. Ashgate Publishing.

  • Kaplan, A. (1985). The Future of the Jewish People: A Jewish Perspective. Jewish Publication Society.

  • McGrath, A. E. (2011). Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Wagner, S. (2007). Understanding World Religions. In Religious Studies: Chapters and Essays.

  • Smith, H. (1991). The World's Religions. Harper San Francisco.

  • Khan, M. M. (2009). Signs of the Last Day in Islam. Maktaba Darussalam.

  • Schmidt, L. (2012). Exploring the Sacred in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. State University of New York Press.