Christianity Vs. Judaism

Christianity vs. Judaism

In looking at the similarities and differences between the religions of Judaism and Christianity in Israel and Rome throughout Period 2, comparison of the religions include the areas of origin and spread (similarities in origin, differences in ways spread), beliefs (similarities in monotheism, differences in messiahs), and divisions (similarities in splitting, differences in social classes).

In both Judaism and Christianity, origin was similar—both believing that their religion originated from a man named Abraham. He was first known as the “Father of Jews,” yet farther down the line is affiliated all the way until the birth of Jesus, who too was a Jew. Jesus later began to do missionary work leading to the widespread religion known as Christianity. However, both Christianity and Judaism can both be tracked back to this man known as Abraham. Abraham is credited for the origins of both, for although he did not directly create Christianity, it seems that since he had genealogy relating to that of Jesus—who converted many Jews themselves to Christians—he should be credited and glorified for their beginnings. However, Judaism and Christianity differ in the sense of how they were spread throughout this time. The ideas of Christianity were spread more through missionary work and through men known as apostles while the ideas of Judaism were spread by more word of mouth and stories. Christianity had many apostles such as Paul who reached out to others. This could have resulted due to the fact that those in Israel (the Jews) were more nomadic and moving than those of Rome who were more stable and bound to their home communities.

Monotheism was a belief in both Christianity and Judaism, for they both believed in one god only. Both religions believe that there is one god who is almighty, all-knowing, ubiquitous, eternal, and infinite. The Jews refer to god as “Yahweh” while the Christians