What does monotheism mean?

(If theism means belief in a god, what do you think mono-theism means?)

Began in present day IsraelFounded by Abraham (a key figure in

ALL 3 of these religions)Moses led Israelites from Egypt out

of slavery. David: 2nd King of Israel, the young

boy who defeated Goliath, eventually succeeds Saul as King of Israel and Judah.

Torah First 5 books that

contain teachings of Moses

IS the first five books of the Bible

Is accepted as a Holy Book in Islam as well

Written in Hebrew▪ Read right to left,

instead of left to right

Found in present-day West Bank

Are the oldest surviving copies of Biblical documents, dating back over 2100 years.

Followers are the Hebrews (culturally) and Jews (religious term)

Hebrew is the language they spoke

They worship in synagogue or temple

Temple – the original place of worship, Solomon’s “temple”

Synagogue – modern buildings used for worship. Many referred to as temples as a tribute to the original one.

Orthodox (very religious)Conservative (traditional, but less

rigid than Orthodox)Reform (the most liberal of the

three)

GodYahweh

Judaism: Teacher/Religious LeaderJudaism: Teacher/Religious Leader

•Rabbi

10 Commandments given to Moses by God Kosher—strict dietary laws (“free of

contamination”) Shabbat (Sabbath)-Holy Day—Sundown on

Friday to Sundown Saturday – Spent in prayer, resting, family feasting.

Calendar includes five major festivals (including Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur) and two minor ones – Hanukkah, Purim

(Pa-celebrates Exodus from Egypt. R.H.-Jewish New Year, YK – Day of Atonement/pray for forgiveness, H – celebrates religious freedom/victory over Maccabees)

The Beginnings of Christianityin Bethlehem

The Beginnings of Christianityin Bethlehem

Present day Israel

Jesus: Son of God, born in Nazareth Messiah (the anticipated savior)

Disciples: Followers/students of JesusApostles: the “chosen” teachers of

Jesus’ messagePaul: Continued to spread Christianity and wrote a good portion of the New Testament

Bible (originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic/Greek, translated/updated countless times since) 1382-English

Old Testament: the foundation of the Biblical story, the history/customs of the Jews, written hundreds of years before the life of Jesus.

New Testament: written after the birth of Jesus Christ, about his life, teachings, death.

Followers:Followers:Christians

Place of WorshipPlace of WorshipChurchCathedral (largest church in a diocese)(Basilica – a church blessed by the Pope, 33 in the U.S)

Reformation led by Martin Luther in 16th Century, resulted in formation of many different “branches” of Christianity: Catholic and Protestants

- Protestants, Baptists, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Methodists………..

“Holy Trinity”: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit

Teacher/Religious LeaderPastor, Priest, Reverend, Preacher

Gospels: First 4 books of New Testament Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Tells story of Jesus

Jesus’ message of love/forgiveness Drew large crowds Resurrection: Jesus died on the cross,

rose 3 days later and ascended to Heaven 40 days later (Easter)

Sunday is Holy Day

Mecca, Saudi ArabiaBirthplace of

Muhammad, most sacred city in

Islam.Muslims around

world face Mecca 5 times daily for prayer.

Muhammad: Last and greatest prophet

What is a prophet? Someone sent by Allah (God, to bring people to believe in and worship Him alone.The Prophetic Tradition of Islam

1. Adam

2. Noah

3. Abraham

4. Moses

5. Jesus

6. Mohammad (the last and greatest)

Sunni - believed there was no successor appointed by Muhammad, recognize 4 post-Muhammad caliphs, do not recognize any caliphs alive today; since the 1920s (Most Muslims are Sunni)

Shi’ite (pronounce She-Ite) – believe there were 12 Imams (followers of Muhammad), one in hiding because of sins of Islamic Communnity, but will return before “the end times.”

Qur’an/Koran: exact words revealed to Muhammad by God.

Recorded by scribes during Muhammad’s lifetime.

The primary source of every Muslim’s faith/practice.

Deals with wisdom, beliefs, worship and the law.

Focuses on the relationship between God and His creatures.

Followers:Followers:Muslims

Place of Worship:Place of Worship:Mosque

Allah (Arabic for “God”)Central Theme/Belief: Monotheism –

belief in one all-powerful God.Purpose of humanity is to serve

Allah, worship him alone, and lead a moral life.

Teacher/Religious Leader Imam

1. The Shahada1. The Shahada

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The declaration of faith:

"There is no God but "There is no God but Allah and Allah and Muhammad

is his Prophet"is his Prophet"

"There is no God but "There is no God but Allah and Allah and Muhammad

is his Prophet"is his Prophet"

2. The Salat2. The Salat

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The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed

Wash before praying.

Face Mecca and use a prayer rug.

3. The Zagat3. The Zagat

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Almsgiving (charitable donations).

Muslims believe that all things belong to God.

Zagat means both “purification” and “growth.”

About 2.5% of your income.

4. The Sawm4. The Sawm

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Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Considered a method of self- purification.

No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

5. The Hajj5. The Hajj

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The pilgrimage to Mecca.

Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime by all that are physically/financially able.

2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year.

5. The Hajj5. The Hajj

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Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name.

Other Islamic Religious Practices

Other Islamic Religious Practices

Up to four wives allowed at once.

No alcohol or pork.

No gambling.

Sharia body of Islamic law to regulate daily living.

Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem.

Name one thing that all three religions have in common?