Religion Comparisons: Christians, Islam, and Judaism
I wrote this to show the comparisons and differences with my limited understanding, hoping to go deeper in later blogs.
Religion Comparisons: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
The three Abrahamic religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—are deeply interconnected yet distinct in their beliefs and practices. This comprehensive comparison explores their perspectives on critical topics like sin, forgiveness, polygamy, eschatology, and their understanding of Jesus, along with unique texts and practices.
1. Beliefs About Sin, Forgiveness, and Repentance
Christians
Nature of Sin: Christians teach the doctrine of original sin, inherited from Adam and Eve, which makes all humans inherently sinful and in need of redemption.
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is central to Christian theology, made possible through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.
Repentance Process: confession of sins to God, and in some traditions, through a priest.
Faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Prayerfully seeking forgiveness and striving for moral transformation.
Key Scriptures:If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Unique Belief: Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus, not earned by deeds.
Islam
Nature of Sin: Islam does not believe in original sin. Humans are born pure but can commit sins through disobedience.
Forgiveness: Allah forgives those who sincerely repent and commit to reform.
Repentance Process (Tawbah): acknowledge the sin.
Feel genuine remorse.
Seek forgiveness from Allah through prayers, such as saying “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah).
Resolve to avoid repeating the sin.
Key Scripture:And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 4:110)
Unique belief: Forgiveness is direct and personal between the individual and Allah, without intermediaries. Good deeds also help atone for sins.
Judaism
Nature of Sin: Judaism teaches that humans are born morally neutral, possessing both an inclination for good (yetzer hatov) and evil (yetzer hara).
Forgiveness: requires repentance, making amends, and seeking God’s mercy.
Repentance Process (Teshuvah): Acknowledge the sin (viduy/confession).
Feel genuine remorse.
Seek forgiveness from God and any harmed individuals.
Make restitution and commit to avoiding the sin in the future.
Key Scripture:If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Unique belief: emphasizes accountability and repairing relationships with both God and others.
2. Polygamy
Christians
Scriptural Basis: While the Old Testament describes polygamy among patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob, the New Testament promotes monogamy:For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Matthew 19:5)
Modern Practice: Monogamy is universally embraced as the standard in Christian teachings.
Islam
Scriptural Basis: The Quran permits polygamy: marry those that please you of [other] women, two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one." (Quran 4:3)
Conditions: Men may marry up to four wives but must treat them equally and justly. If fairness cannot be maintained, monogamy is advised.
Modern Practice: Polygamy is still practiced in some Muslim-majority countries but is increasingly rare due to legal and financial restrictions.
Judaism
Scriptural Basis: The Torah permits polygamy, and historical figures like Abraham and Jacob had multiple wives.
Historical Developments: Polygamy became less common over time. Rabbi Gershom banned the practice for Ashkenazi Jews in the 10th century CE, while some Sephardic and Mizrahi communities may still practice it in limited cases.
3. Eschatology (End Times and Signs)
Christians
Tribulation: A period of seven years of chaos before Jesus’ return.
Signs: natural disasters, wars, false prophets, and the rise of the Antichrist (Matthew 24:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Second Coming: Jesus will defeat the Antichrist, establish a millennium of peace, and conduct the Final Judgment.
Final Judgment: The righteous enter heaven, while the wicked face eternal damnation.
Islam
Signs of the Hour: Divided into minor (moral decay, societal unrest) and major signs (arrival of the Mahdi, emergence of the Dajjal).
Jesus’ Role: Jesus (Isa) will return to defeat the Dajjal and restore monotheism.
Final Judgment: All individuals are judged by Allah based on their deeds. The righteous enter paradise (Jannah), while others face hell (Jahannam).
Judaism
Messianic Age: The coming of the Messiah will bring global peace, rebuild the Temple, and gather Jews back to Israel.
Final Judgment: Righteous individuals are rewarded, and the wicked are punished. Some traditions include the resurrection of the dead.
4. Perspectives on Jesus
Christians
Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, and the central figure of the faith.
His crucifixion and resurrection are the foundation of salvation.
Islam
Jesus (Isa) is a revered prophet but not divine.
He was not crucified but was raised to heaven and will return before the Day of Judgment.
Judaism
Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah or divine.
Jews await a future Messiah who fulfills the prophecies in the Torah.
5. Unique Texts and Practices
Christians
Scriptures: Old Testament and New Testament.
Practices: emphasis on salvation through grace and faith in Jesus Christ.
Islam
Scriptures: Quran (final revelation) and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad).
Practices: Focus on monotheism (Tawhid) and daily prayer (Salat).
Judaism
Scriptures: Torah, Talmud, and other Rabbinic texts.
Practices: Observance of mitzvot (commandments) and awaiting the Messiah.