Humanities and Western Civilizations - Essay Example

The new idea that I encountered concerning the Judeo-Christian religion tradition is the similarity of the value system between the two religions. The Christian Old Testament is the Jewish Torah. In my background, I had always assumed that the Jewish and Christian religion could not get along, but this is not true. I have found that Christianity is just an extension of Judaism. Islam is also an extension of Judaism. If more similarities were pointed out between the religions maybe an interfaith peace could be achieved.

The anti-Semitism in Europe and even in America made me believe that Judaism and Christianity were opposite religions. However upon second thought it makes sense that the two religions are similar. Both have the Ten Commandments and teach from the Christian Old Testament/Torah. The Seven Deadly Sins are the same for both religions. Even the Messiah concept is the same. The only difference is Christians believe that the Messiah has come, while the Jews are still waiting. Christians have just expanded upon Jewish tradition.

I also include Islam in Judeo-Christian religion because it is an Abrahamic religion. It is amazing that Islam and Judaism religions are so similar. Once again the conflict in the Middle East is hard to understand. Islam believes in the Prophets of the Old Testament/Torah. The difference is Muslims believe that Christ was a prophet, not the Messiah. Mohammad was also a prophet in Islam. Both Islam and Judaism believe in one supreme God, not the Trinity of Christianity.I found the similarities between the three religions disconcerting.

It makes me wonder why Christians, Jews, and Muslims do not get along better. One aspect of each religion differs from the other so instead of conversation it leads to war? I understand the similarities between the religions better now. I will never understand the deadly conflict among extremists in each religion. I also do not understand why the mainstream believers in each religion do not exert more influence on their religion. These facts make me more hardened against institutionalized religion.

I would just rather believe in God.