Middle East - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - Assignment Example

Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam List and describe what you see as the primary common themes in Judaism, Christianity and Islam as practiced in the Middle East. Be sure to support your answer with examples from our class texts. You may also use outside sources, but be careful not to use them instead of the class texts. Undeniably, despite these three creeds in the Middle East all of them as per historical accounts cited to descend from the same patriarch (Abraham), their bases rest on similar basic themes. However, these themes based on varied perceptions and understandings of the respective followers differ significantly across them. They include, i. Religion The three creeds though diverse in mode of expressing and upholding the aspect of the religious theme, studies so far conducted contend core or basic norm in this case encompasses utter adherence to ethical living (Cohn-Sherbok 329). The characteristic of this is the response to divine mystery. This is quite evident in Leo Baeck (1873-1956) sentiments while asserting the commitment of Judaism and Christianity in what he referred as “embodying ethical optimism”, which supreme being will rewards faithful followers with a “better world” (Cohn-Sherbok 329). Hence, compel many into obedience and ethical living as per outlined laws found in these creeds’ sacred books or writings. This is also evident in Middle East whereby each creed fit adequately in referred by the term “religion of the book” due to respective adherents almost in all their lives’ aspects ought to align with particular outlined teachings (Hyman, Walsh & Thomas 215). Consequently, this extends even in political, social and cultural aspects as evident in Islam whereby Koran defines commercial code of its adherents. ii. Mythologies These encompass varied accounts that characterize these religions meant to expound numerous mysteries to the adherents and why they ought to believe or conduct certain practices in a particular ways. For illustration, Aslan (21) study relays how myths though by varied scholars referred, as being close to be untrue expound critical questions especially to the young adherents. These include what is a prophet and how one assumes this office especially to the extent of masses recognizing him as God’s messenger (Aslan 21). In both Islam, Christianity relay accounts of expectant Amina and Mary who based on respective creeds’ sacred books cooperated with the divine in bringing early-celebrated prophets - Messiah and Mohammed (Aslan 21). Similarly, like Islam and Christianity, mythology also characterizes Judaism whereby through Samuel’s anointing, God gave His children Kind David (Aslan 21). These accounts whereby to some may appear more of mystery to enable adherents try to feature what the supreme can do in quest of proving them what they want but in turn ought to exhibit utter asceticism coupled with obedience. Hence, expound adequately the complexity real experiences that people normally undergo (Armstrong 11) iii. Monotheism In all Middle East creeds, since their inception profess one Supreme, a norm they adopted from Abraham though due to varying or distorted interpretation of statutes and traditions that he left ended up having significant divisions. This is quite evident with Christians who adore one God but Islam views them together with Judaism as their versions though they misconstrued Allah’s traditions over time. Additionally, the theme of monotheism is also evident with other scholars citing what numerous people perceive to be “Christianity”, “Islam” or “Judaism” is only in their minds (Peters 120). Hence, this confirms the aspect of adoring one God, a norm that started with Abraham currently characterizes the three creeds. iv. Culture In the Middle East since the inception of these regions to date, act as tools of propagate its adherents’ cultural norms. Hence, they are inseparable with own cultural practices evident with Islam that has to date defied embracing emergent western ideologies especially those touching on human rights. Since, these ideologies conflict with its teachings, which is also the case with both Judaism and Christianity though the latter to some extent appearing to be lenient to some practices. Lenience in this case encompasses accepting the female gender in assuming some priestly roles, a norm that was not that rampant initially (Tomkins 24). v. Laws It is irrefutable that the creeds’ adherents conduct ought to align with already outlined statutes that demands strict and utter adherence. Mainly, besides these laws known to ensure ethical conduct, their core role encompasses instilling certain norms that are both religious and social as evident with Judaism (Neusner 79). The Judaic 613 statutes some outline and instil varied feats they ought to observe like Sabbath thus governing each individual’s life leave along the entire community (Neusner 79). Similarly, this is also evident with Islam and Christianity whereby their laws encompass instil norms they ought to embrace and observe. 2. What is the future of religious expression in the Middle East? Discuss the possible differences in the different nations that make up the Middle East. Contrary to what global media all along has portrayed Middle East characterized by religious rivalry; currently negotiations aimed at ensuring creeds’ acceptance comprise the order of the day (Betty & Bailey 19). This is especially in the case of Christianity whereby their Muslim counterparts exhibit a heightened acceptance contrary to what it used to be there earlier. In Betty and Bailey (19) study, they relay the present Muslim-Christian dialogue, which is an indication of increased future religious expression. However, religious tolerance and acceptance has not always been the case as these differ significantly whereby in the Saudi Arabia it is almost close to none (Carroll 1). Hence, together with Afghanistan represent some of the states in Middle East whose extent of recognizing Christianity and Judaism is extremely low besides characterized by maltreatment or extermination. This has also extended especially in Egypt whereby due to incidences of political limbo Christian population seem to decline. Current distribution of religious minorities especially Christians are as per the table. Table 1: Christian distribution In the Middle East States Religion Population Egypt Christianity 8 Million (10%) Syria Christianity 2.3 million (19%) Lebanon Christianity 1.6 million (39%) Jordan Christianity 390,000 Iran Christians, Judaism, Zoroastrians & Bahais 1.5 Million Iraq Christianity Read More