Christianity And Judaism Research Paper

2063 Words9 Pages

In order to understand the prominent figures in Christianity and Judaism, one must first learn about the history and beliefs of each. By understanding the genesis of each religion, the role of the prominent figures becomes clearer and one can better understand the sacred texts. Jesus and God are crucial figures in Christianity, while in Judaism, God plays a more important role than Jesus. To understand why this is the case, there needs to be some foundational knowledge of each religion in place.
Christianity is the world’s largest religion, beginning approximately 2,000 years ago. Throughout world history, Christianity is one of the most influential religions, with two billion followers worldwide and three major branches. (Christianity- Religion …show more content…

The Commandments are a specific set of laws by which Christians are expected to adhere to. They are the sum total of the Old Testament law, with the first three addressing man's relationship to God and the last seven addressing man's relationship to his fellow men. The sacraments are the heightened celebration of God’s presence and they help to guide man toward God in a more intimate way. When receiving the Eucharist, one the sacraments, Christians believe they are eating and drinking the body and blood of Christ, which the priest has just transfigured before them from mere bread and wine. With such facets as the Ten Commandments and the sacraments, to name a few, it is clear that God plays a very important role in Christianity. Receiving the Eucharist is another, of many, examples demonstrating the important role that Jesus plays in this religion, since his followers are consuming his body and …show more content…

It is one of the oldest religions, dating back to about 2,000 B.C. (Religion Library: Judaism) In the world today, there are about 14 million adherents and in the United States there are about 5.6 million adherents. (Religion Library: Judaism) This religion, like Christianity believes in one God, however the nature of God differs in each, with Christians believing in the Trinity and Jews believing in the unity of God. The religion began when God first asked Abraham to leave his home and follow him, hereby creating a covenant saying that god promised to make Abraham the father of a many nations. If Abraham followed God, he would make it so that descendants of Abraham would inherit the land of Canaan. (What's the Difference Between Christianity and Judaism?) The key elements of God’s plan included a new land, to replace Eden, making Abraham the father of many nations, and building a new relationship with God, to replace what had been