Christianity vs. Judaism, Essay Example

Judaism was originally founded in 1300 BC in the nation state of Palestine over one thousand years before the existence of Jesus Christ (Religionfacts.com).  Millions of Jews exist throughout the world and share in beliefs of one God, Jehovah, ruling over the world as creator and provider.  Primarily, followers of Judaism practice their beliefs in the United States, Europe, Russia and especially Israel where Jerusalem has been a major geographical location for this religion for thousands of years (Religionfacts.com).  Judaism was founded by Abraham and Moses whose very existence can be traced back into the Bible and Tanakh or Torah, also known as the Jewish Holy Bible.  Originally, the Hebrew language was used to communicate teachings and religious proceedings during its founding and this is one of the few worldwide languages that is continued to be practiced by many Jewish followers throughout the world.

The Jewish faith is unique in many ways due to the methods of practice as well as how a person becomes accepted into the faith.  Followers of Judaism are born into the faith and are recognized as Jews immediately upon birth if their parents are also Jewish (Rossel.net).  More liberal Jewish sects allow for individuals to convert into the faith, but many of the Orthodox sects are completely again this and allow birth as the only method of introduction or conversion into Judaism (Rossel.net).  This religion also actively practices its beliefs throughout society as well as privately in individual homes.  The synagogue is a common place for worship in the Jewish community and is led by the rabbi who is the religious leader and teacher of the faith (Rossel.net).  Hanukkah is practiced as the major religious holiday signified by the lighting of the Menorah on each night of the celebration.  Judaism does not recognize the existence of Jesus Christ; therefore, it does not practice the celebration of Christmas or other Christian holidays.  Finally, Judaism has its own specific beliefs on social problems that relate to ethical and moral dilemmas.  For instance, Judaism has ruled that in matters where the lives of the fetus or the mother are endangered, the fetus must be destroyed to protect one or both lives (ReligiousTolerance.org).  However, the Jewish faith only recognizes the fetus as a potential life when most of the body has been delivered from the womb.  Otherwise, the fetus is not a life.  Therefore, killing it is not immoral and not against Jewish law.

Works Cited

ReligionFacts.com. “Comparison Chart: Christianity vs. Judaism – ReligionFacts.” Religion, World Religions, Comparative Religion – Just the Facts on the World’s Religions. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/christianity_judaism.htm>.

ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/jud_abor.htm>.

Rossel.net. “Judaism Today.” Rossel Home. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.rossel.net/Basic04.htm>.