On Judaism and Christianity: A Comparison and Contrast World Religions Report Essay

AbstractThis study examined the similarities and differences of Judaism and Christianity in name of three critical issues to wit Sin, Messiah, and Covenant. A visit to the synagogue was undertaken in order to further examine the culture and traditions of the Jewish community. Likewise, the author for the take of obtaining first-hand breeding also conducted an interview with a member of the Jewish community. The teaching derived from the said interview facilitated further understanding of the nature of the design of synagogues as well as of the various activities that argon being carried away in the adore place.On Judaism and Christianity A Comparison and ContrastIntroduction Religion, as defined in most references, refers to the set of beliefs concerning the nature and purpose of the universe. (Unabridged Dictionary, 1998, p. 1628). It serves as a medium for us to better understand why mess or societies differ in terms of reactions to various issues, ideologies, actions, etc. This physical composition aims to add an overview of Judaism. Likewise, it also aims to present how the said religion differs from Christianity by path of examining three critical issues to wit viciousness, the messiah, and the bargain. According to Armstrong (1993), Judaism had its beginnings in Palestine. It is said to be one of the oldest and 12th among the largest religions in the world. Likewise, it is renowned that Judaism is dominant in countries the like the USA, Europe, and Israel. Likewise, Armstrong (1993) stated that Abraham introduced Judaism in Palestine and its followers were globally known as Jews. The word Jew, as cited in most references, rattling government agency the great unwashed who inhabit in Judah.Name, Location and Review of the siteMr. Kristoff Frank was interviewed for this paper. He provided the author relevant information pertaining to Judaisms nature as an institutional belief. Likewise, he also sh atomic number 18d the Jews impression of t he pits, the messiah, and the compact car.The Jews Place of devotionThe Jews place of worship is known as the synagogue. The synagogue, according to Mr. Frank, differs from the place of worship of separate religions since it serves not notwithstanding as a venue for praying and also a place for studying and for social and charit fitted works. As stated by Mr. Frank, a synagogue has its get on with of directors. The said board of directors is usually comprised of lay people. This group is in-charge of ensuring the maintenance of the synagogues as well as the management of the activities being conducted in the place. The board of directors usually hires a rabbi, which is truly equivalent to a priest in other religions. A rabbi is a valuable member of the Jewish community because it provides leadership, guidance, and education to the Jewish people. However, it was celebrated that, unlike other religions, a rabbi might be absent from a synagogue on a temporary basis and that rel igious activities may be carried out in the absence of a rabbi. Inside the synagogue, it cannister be tell that during sessions, the passing of collection baskets be absent. This is so because Jews are not allowed to carry money during holidays and Sabbath. As per Mr. Frank, synagogues are financed by means of the payment of the members annual dues, voluntary donations, and via the payment for reserved seats for service during Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).Design of Synagogues insane asylum is the term being used to refer to a portion inside the synagogue that is assigned for the conduct of prayer services. As per Mr. Frank, the sanctuary is built in such a way that it faces towards the caution of Jerusalem. This is so because certain prayers of Judaism must be recited facing the said direction. The Sanctuary is also a seat to a cabinet found in the synagogues wall. The said cabinet is known as the Ark. The Ark actually holds the Torah scrolls (scr iptures that are used during services written in parchment paper). new(prenominal) notable structures found inside the synagogue are the Eternal Lamp (Ner Tamid), a candlelabrum (Menorah), and a pedestal (bimah). Based on observations made, it can be remark that the architectural design of synagogues are simpler as compared with the churches we see. This perhaps may be due to the wide range of activities that may be conducted in the place. interrogate SummaryAs cited in earlier, one of the main objectives of this paper is to provide an overview of Judaism. According to Mr. Frank, Judaism is a monotheistic type of religion and its followers are guided by the principle that history is an ongoing dialogue in the midst of God and humanity. Hence, as a Jew, it is his duty to be able to live within the teachings of the Torah. This, according to Mr. Frank, is the way by which the Jews will be able to fulfill Gods plan for them as well as realize their pre-determined contribution to thei r country and the whole world in general.The Jews concept of sin, as cited by Mr. Frank and other references on Judaism, includes actions that ladder to deviate from the teachings stipulated in the Torah. Moreover, according to Mr. Frank, sin for the Jews consists of three elements (i.e. het, avon, and pesha).Mr. Frank explained that the heated or the missing mark has something to do with respect to the highest ideal. While Avon and Pesha has something to do with the deviation from what is right and lawful (as stated in the Torah) and the act of revolt against the law and the authorities, respectively.Taking these definitions into account, it can be said that the concept of sin for the Jews would actually refer to the individuals failure to carry out his obligations in accordance with the Torah, rituals, and the Jewish social norms. Furthermore, as cited in other references, the concept of original sin in Judaism does not exist. Adam and eves situation are considered not as an or iginal sin but more of a consequence of the actions that both individuals have undertaken.As per Cohen-Sherbok (1999), the concept of Messiah also exists in Judaism. However, it cannot be left disregarded that in the institutional belief understudy, the Messiah can be either person with a Divine mission (i.e. priests, kings, and prophets) and is still yet to come. Hence, rescuer Christ is not considered as a Messiah but a false prophet.In Judaism, there also exist the concept of a covenant. This is actually known as berith in their native parlance. According to Mr. Frank, the covenant is the contractual agreement between God and the Jewish people. It represents the special kindred of God with the Jews that was built in Mt. Sinai.Judaism vis--vis ChristianityChristianity possesses similar attributes with that of Judaism. However, it can benoted that both institutional beliefs differ in some aspects. This may be understood by means of reviewing Christianity in terms of its concept of sin, the messiah, and covenant. In Christianity, sin is also referred to as an action that deviates from the teachings stipulated in the Holy Scripture. Repentance, atonement, and the deal to live in accordance with the commandments given by God are pre-requisites to living a Christian life. However, despite the similarities, it can be noted that Judaism and Christianity differs in three aspects to wit concepts of original sin and eternal life.As mentioned earlier, Judaism does not recognize the concept of original sin. As mentioned earlier, Jews took Adam and eventides situation as a consequence of the choices or actions undertaken by both individuals. With this, the thinking that individuals are born with original sin is not accepted in Judaism as well as the concept of baptism.The concept of eternal life also does not exist in Judaism. This is so because Judaism does not recognize the Nazarene Christ as its savior. In fact, savior Christ is regarded as a false prophet. Li kewise, the Jews believe that their destiny depends on their good deeds.The concept of messiah for both institutional beliefs is similar leave out for the fact that in Judaism, Jesus Christ is not considered as a messiah but a false prophet.As stated earlier, the covenant is regarded as a contractual agreement between God and the Jewish people unlike in Christianity that regards Jesus Christ not only as the messiah but also the new covenant. Christianity recognizes that God gave Jesus Christ to save mankind from sin and that by means of accept him as the peoples savior and creator reconciles an individuals relationship with God the Father.ConclusionTaking into consideration all the information gathered pertaining to Judaism and Christianity, it can be said that both institutional beliefs are similar and that Christianity further enhances the teachings and practices of Judaism.ReferencesArmstrong, Karen. (1993). A History of God The 4, 000- Year following of Judaism, Christianity a nd Islam. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., USA.Cohn-Sherbok, Dan. (1999). Judaism. London Routledge,Corrigan, John, Denny, F.M., Eire, C. N., & Jaffe, M.S. et. al. (1998). Readings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prentice Hall, Inc. New Jersey, USA.Frank, Kristoff S. (2006, May 09). On Judaism. fall in States New Jersey.Introductory Notes in Judaism. (1997).Peck, A.A, and Neusner, J. (2004). The Routledge Dictionary of Judaism. New York Routledge.Random House. (1998). Websters Unabridged Dictionary, 2nd edition. New York Random House Inc.