Hum/130 Western Religions

Western Religions

Hum/130

April 29, 2012

Throughout the world society has been introduced to many different kinds of belief systems or religions. Religion has always played a significant role in the world. Throughout the worlds history wars have been fought and laws have been created all in the name of religion. This paper will examine three main western religions; they are Judaism, Christianity and Islam by comparing and contrasting two main elements of each. The understanding of God within each of these religions will be discussed as well as their worship and sacred practices.

Christianity, Islam and Judaism are similar in that they all believe in one God who created the world, who is pure spirit , holy and good ,all-powerful and worthy of mankind's worship and love. These three religions hold the belief that God expects ethical behavior from humans and he will judge all wrongdoers. Additionally they share in the belief that God’s love for the world and his desire to save all people.

Unlike Judaism and Islam, Christian’s believe God exists in three distinct persons, called the Trinity. The Trinity consists of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is part of the Trinity, the Son. Christian’s believe Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our redeemer. The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary; His father on earth was Joseph. He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and worked with Joseph as a carpenter. Additionally, the bible states that Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of us the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Therefore, Christian’s hold the belief that only by Jesus Christ’s mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. Therefore, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. Christian’s believe that Jesus Christ will return to rule on earth. In and he will be...