Judaism

Origins

·         Judaism is one of the three Prophetic Monotheistic Religions in the world; the other two are Christianity and Islam.

·         Judaism is Prophetic as there were numerous Prophets who predicted the coming of a Messiah, Monotheistic as they believe in one God- mono (one) theology (belief/study of God).

History

·         Jews are an ancient people of around 3000 years old, their history is told in the Bible and is traced back to Abraham of around 1900BC (before common time era).

·         The Jews have been known as Jews, Israelites and Hebrews. Jesus was a Jew, however the Jews accept Jesus as a wise man, but not the chosen Messiah as Christians believe, hence Judaism predates and heavily influences Christianity, but is not part of Christianity).

Abraham

·         Abraham is one of the first recorded leaders of the Hebrews in the Bible. He was a wealthy man who was called by God to leave his land and move from Ur to Canaan, or Israel as it is called today.

·         Abraham heard the call of the Lord to stop believing in pagan Gods (like God of wind, God of Mountain, etc) and he followed God’s request and led his people from Mesopotamia to Canaan. This journey is recorded in the book of Genesis. We can map his journey here: http://www.biblemap.org/#Haran

Questions

Who is Abraham?

Abraham was the first Jew. He was a man of God and learned to turn away from Pagan Gods and instead only follow and believe in one God, the Lord. 

What did Abraham believe? How was it different to the people of the time?

Abraham believed in one God, who was the Creator, whereas the people of the time believed in many Pagan Gods.

What do you think a Covenant is, what Covenant did God make with Abraham?

A Covenant is an understanding or promise. God made this Covenant with Abraham:

·         To make him a father of many nations

·         To bless everyone in his name

·         To give him the promised land

What sacrifice was Abraham requested to make? Why did God ask this of Abraham?

Abraham was requested to sacrifice his own son Isaac. God asked this of Abraham to test his faith, but before Abraham could make this sacrifice he sent an angel to stop Abraham.

Search the site for the word Patriarchs? What does this mean?

Patriarchs refer to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the fathers of Judaism.

From http://www.jewfaq.org