| |
JUDAISM |
CHRISTIANITY |
ISLAM |
| God |
One god
|
One god
|
One god
|
| Central Prophet |
Moses
|
Jesus Christ |
Muhammad |
| Scripture |
Torah, Prophets, Writings and the Talmud (oral tradition and commentary) |
Bible (Old and New Testaments) |
Qur'an (God's revelation to Muhammad) and Hadith (Mohammed's sayings) |
| War |
Peace is always preferable, but war in self-defense is considered obligatory. |
'Just war' can be fought as a last resort; tradition of non-violent resistance. |
War should be fought only in self-defense, within strict limits. |
| Divisions |
Modern movements include Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox and Reconstructionist. |
Many theological divisions and schisms: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, numerous Protestant churches. |
Sunni-Shiite schism based on disagreement over Mohammed's successors; broad debate over Islam's role in modern society; little theological debate. |
| Fundamentalism |
Ultra-Orthodox Jews reject the secular world and live in strict communities. |
Debate over literal meaning of the Bible; efforts to bring religion into daily life. |
Return to "pure" Islam; rejection of secular culture; efforts to bring religion into daily life and create an Islamic state. |
| Holy City |
Jerusalem |
Jerusalem |
Mecca |
| Jesus |
A historical figure; not the Messiah. |
The Son of God. |
Highly respected as the second-last prophet before Mohammed. |
| Hierarchy |
No hierarchy; rabbis are considered teachers. |
Catholics and Orthodox have extensive hierarchy; some Protestant branches have almost none. |
No hierarchy; prayers are led by imams (teachers) who have studied the Qur'an. |
| Idols & Images |
Images and statues forbidden. |
Images and statues allowed in some denominations, but not worshiped. |
Images and statues forbidden. |
| Charity |
Tzedakah: 10 percent of income. |
Tithe: 10 percent of income. |
Zakat: 2.5 percent of total wealth each year. |
| Proselytizing |
No proselytizing; Jews must turn away would-be converts three times to ensure their commitment. |
Conversion considered important in most traditions; Catholic and Protestant churches have missionaries. |
Da'wa: Muslims should share their knowledge of Islam without trying to convert. Only God can bring someone to Islam. |
| Women |
Men and women are equal in the eyes of God; traditional Judaism prescribes different roles for men and women. Orthodox men and women worship separately. |
Men and women worship together. Some Protestant churches ordain women as priests. More... |
Men and women are generally treated the same in the Koran, although women are oppressed in many Muslim cultures today. Men and women worship separately. |
| House of Worship |
Synagogue |
Church |
Mosque |
| Main Day of Worship |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Friday |
| Diet |
Must keep "kosher": no pork or certain seafood; other meat to be killed by kosher method; separation of meat and dairy. |
No dietary restrictions. |
No pork; other meat should be prepared by the halal method. No alcohol. |
| Life After Death |
No immediate life after death; life in the "world to come" after the coming of the Messiah. |
Day of Judgment, followed by Heaven or Hell. |
Day of Judgment, followed by Heaven or Hell. |
| Mysticism |
Kabbalah |
Numerous mystical traditions |
Sufism |
