The Least You Need to KnowBig 3 monotheistic religions

Origins

•All 3 monotheistic religions connect to Abraham (prophet)

•Jews and Christians trace lineage through Isaac (son of Abraham and Sarah)

•Muslims trace lineage through Ishmael (Son of Abraham and Hagar)

Branches/Sects•Religions have broken into different groups

based on interpretation of teachings•Different sects still identify as the same

religions, but have different practices

Religion

Sect 1Sect 2

Sect 3

Judaism• Beliefs summarized in the Torah

• 10 commandments•Talmud offers commentary on law• Messiah will come to save Israel (God’s chosen

people)• Believe keeping Jewish laws is path to heaven• Branches:

• Orthodox, “Liberal” (Conservative, Reformed)

Christianity•Begins as sect of Judaism

•Believe Jesus is Jewish Messiah •Beliefs summarized in the Bible (Torah/old

testament and new testament)•Believe salvation through Jesus is path to

heaven

Christianity

Orthodoxy• Led by Patriarch• Based on

Constantinople

Catholicism• Led by Pope• Based on Rome• Division w/

Orthodox begins after fall of Rome

Protestantism• No set leader• break away under

Martin Luther• many groups under

protestantism

Islam•Founded by Muhammed

•The last prophet (Abraham and Jesus are others)

•Beliefs summarized in the Koran (multiple spellings), 5 pillars

•Believe following teachings of Muhammed is path to heaven

•Branches: Sunni and Shi’ite