Judaism

Islam

Christianity

The Three Monotheistic

Religions of the Middle East

Judaism- Ethnic Religion

Began 1750 B.C.E

Founders- Abraham

Origin- Adam, Abraham,

Isaac

Number of members-

14,500,000, this number

is declining

Region practiced- Israel,

U.S., Russia

Judaism Religious leaders- Rabbi

Holy Book-Torah (1st 5 books of

the Old Testament)

Language of Holy Book- Hebrew

Holy Book- Torah

( the 1st 5 books of the old testament)

Genesis - Creation, the Fall, the Flood, spread of the nations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Enslavement in Egypt.

Exodus - Enslavement, Moses, 10 plagues, Passover, Leave Egypt, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai and the 10 Commandments

Leviticus - Instructions on sacrificial system and the priesthood. Instructions on moral purity.

Numbers - Still at Mt. Sinai, people make false idol, punishment, 40 years wandering begins.

Deuteronomy - Moses' discourses on God's Acts for Israel the Decalogue, the ceremonial, civil, and social Laws, and covenant ratification.

Judaism

House of Worship-

Synagogue or Temple

Judaism

Branches- Orthodox,

Reformed, Conservative,

Hasidic

Judaism

Holy City- Jerusalem

Symbol- Star of David and

Menorah

Judaism

Dietary Law- no pork

or shell fish

Monotheistic- yes-

Yahweh/ God

Holy day of the week-

Friday & Saturday sun

down

Judaism Rosh Hashanah-

Jewish New Year Yom Kippur- Day of

Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Passover- Passover

begins on the 15th day of the month

Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2008, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 21. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs--both religious and military--of ancient Jewish heroes.

Islam Began- 620 C.E.

Founder- Muhammad

Origin- Adam, Abraham,

Ishmael/ Hagar

Members- 1,226,000,000

Region- North Africa &

Central Asia

Islam

Islam

Religious Leaders- Imam

Holy Book- Qur’an

(Koran)

Language of Holy Book:

Arabic

House of Worship- Mosque

Islam

Islam

Branches- Sunni 83% and

Shiite 16%

Holy City- Jerusalem, Mecca

(Kabba), Medina

Symbol- Quarter Moon and

Star

Islam

Islam

Holidays-

Ramadan- fast during the 9th

month of Lunar Calendar

Bijram- Celebrating friend of Muhammad’s fight for freedom. Celebrated 4 times a year.

5 Pillars of faith:

1. Ramadan,

2. Hajj,

3. Give alms or Charity

4. Pray 5 times a day facing holy city (Mecca)

5. Profession of faith

Dietary Law- No Pork or

Alcohol

Monotheistic- yes- Allah

Holy day of the week- Friday

Christianity

Began- 50 C.E.

Founder- Peter & Paul found the church

Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac

Members- 2,039,000,000

Region- E/W Europe, North America, Latin and South America

Christianity

Religious leaders-

Pope, Priest, Preacher,

Father, Minister,

Reverend, Cardinal,

Bishop, etc.

Holy book- Bible- Old

and New Testament

Language of Holy

Book- Hebrew/ Greek

Christianity

Branches- Roman Catholic,

Eastern Orthodox, Protestant

Holy City- Jerusalem

Symbol- cross, fish, infinity

Christianity

Dietary law- moderation

Monotheistic- yes/ God

Holy Day of the Week-

Sunday

Christianity

Holidays

Christmas

Easter

Good Friday- the Friday of

Holy Week (commemorates

the crucifixion and death of

Jesus)

Palm Sunday- last day of lent