Religions

When I first decided to go to the Middle East a little over 5 weeks ago one of my first thoughts was "I need to know something about the Muslim and the Jewish religions." I was raised Christian (Nazarene) and it took me a long time to come to the realization that the Bible was a story book and Jesus was just a man, all be it a kind and compassionate man.

I only had about a week and a half to do all the reading and research I wanted to do. So in addition to the travel books and Palestinian history books I also read a book called The World's Religions by Huston Smith. In a nutshell the conclusion (reinforced) I came to was all religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have way more in comman then they do differences. The other conclusion (also reinforced) was if all these religions stuck to what they are founded on and what they say they believe the world would be a great place.

Some facts:

Islam is derived from the word meaning peace and surrender. Peace comes when one surrenders to God.

Those who adhere to Islam are Muslims. Allah means God.

God created the world and humans.

Abraham married Sarah. Sarah could not have children so he then married Hagar. Hagar had a son named Ishmael. Then Sarah miraculously had a son named Isaac. Of course Sarah and Hagar did not like each other so Ishmael left to go to Mecca. His followers became Muslims. Isaac remained in Palestine. His followers were Hebrew and became Jews.

The times called for a deliverer. Ishmael's line led to Muhammad. He insisted all people are equal. He was ridiculed. Then in 622 there was a migration which was a turning point in history.

Muhammad's administration was a blend of justice and mercy. He died with almost all of Arabia under his control. He is considered one of the most influential figures in history.

The basic theological concepts of Islam are identical with those of Judaism and Christianity. Focus is a single invisible god. It is not proper for God to have children. They fear Allah. (God)

Muslims believe that once we come to terms with the fear of our lives precariousness, other lesser fears subside. Then comes peace.

In the Koran (which means recitation), God's compassion and mercy are cited 192 times, wrath and vengeance 17 times. They believe the material world is real, important and good. The Koran emphasizes deed rather than idea.

Infidel means one who lacks thankfulness.

To be a slave to Allah is to be freed from other forms of slavery. Surrender = Commitment.

We must live, according to our own opinion, decent and harmless lives and should not draw attention to ourselves. Islam teaches us to walk the straight path.

Every action is classified on a sliding scale from forbidden, to indifferent, to obligatory.

5 pillars -

1. There is No God but God.

2. Be constant

3. Charity

4. Observance of Ramadan - fasting makes one think and teaches self discipline.

5. Pilgrimage - it is a reminder of human equality and brings people together from various countries.

4 areas of collective life

1. economics - a societies health requires that material goods be widely and appropriately distributed, balanced and fair. It prohibits the taking of interest.

2. The status of women - forbade inficide and ensured a woman's right as a citizen. Sanctified marriage. Does allow polygamy. Veiling is a local custom, not religious.

3. Stresses equality

4. Use of force - believes in justice. A righteous war must either be defensive or to right a wrong.


Each soul will be held accountable for it's actions.

So I do not think we can find much fault in someone believing and living by those ideals, can we?


On to Judaism.

1/3 of western civilization has Jewish ancestry. Jews have often been overlooked throughout history. Many years ago they chose Canaan (about the size of New Jersey) when they finally settled down.

What lifted them to religious greatness is their passion for meaning. They believe we must not be prosaic, chaotic, amoral, or hostile.

They were monotheists from early on. They believe God is a God of righteousness, kindness and love.

They relish nature. They believe possessions are so good more people should have more of them. Judaism and it's offspring, Christianity, are the most materialistic religions in the world.

Jews are acutely aware of human limitations-moral not physical.

The word sin comes from miss the mark.

History is of towering significance because
1. the context in which life is lived affects that life in every way

2. Social action is very important

3. History is a field of opportunity. Nothing in history happens accidentally. Events, all of them important are not equally important. When opportunities pass they are gone forever.

Jews believe

1. God has directly intervened in history

2. They are a chosen people

Abraham answered Gods call and became the first Hebrew-the first of a chosen people.

Accent is on not what ought to or should be. Judaism laid the groundwork for social protest because of tension between possibilities and frustrations.

Hebrew Bible contains 613 commandments that regulate human behavior. There are 4 main danger zones:

1. force (thou shalt not murder)

2. wealth (thou shalt not steal)

3. sex (thou shalt not commit adultery)

4. speech ( thou shalt not bear false witness)


Prophet means one who speaks for God.

The prerequisite of political stability is social justice. It is the nature of things that injustice will not endure. Simply by virtue of his or her humanity every human being is a child of God and therefore in possession of rights that even kings must respect. There must be meaning in suffering. Those that remain faithful on adversity will be vindicated. In the end their rights will be restored. Lives that are willing to endure pain may help others be spared of it.

Jews are united more by what they do then by what they think. Ritual and tradition are very important.

I know this is long but I think it explains a lot.