Overview of Abrahamic Religions

Readings About Abraham:

 

Judaism:

  • Followers: Jews
  • Approximate World Population: 14 million (0.2%)
  • Begins with God’s covenant with Abraham
  • Readings: Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy); Tanakh (Entire Old Testament)

 

Christianity:

  • Followers: Christians
  • Approximate World Population: 2.2 billion (31.5%)
  • Begins with Jesus’ preaching which lasted about 3 1/2 years; Jesus lived: Approx. 4 BC-30/33 AD
  • Readings: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible; 2 Samuel 7 in the Bible – God promises David his throne will be established forever; Old Testment includes God’s promises to Israel and prophesies for Israel and the Messiah; New Testament contains Jesus’ teachings and the teachings of his followers

 

Islam:

  • Followers: Muslims
  • Approximate World Population: 1.6 billion (23.2%)
  • Muhammad taught from around 609-632 AD; Muhammad lived approx. 570-632 AD
  • Quran

 

Source for Population Data:

http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-exec/

 

Prayer:

LORD, please guide me to understand the difference between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.  Please guide me to your true teachings and promises.  Please help me understand who Jesus is.  Please protect me on my faith journey.  Please help me understand if all religions truly believe in the same God.

 

Suggestions:

  • Attend various houses of worship for Abrahamic religions; while sitting in services, ask God if he is there
  • Ask followers how they pray, what they pray about, and their basic beliefs
  • Ask others what they think of various religions and denominations and what they are skeptical of
  • Research differences between the main religious texts
  • Consider that no one house of worship may have all the answers; they are run by humans
  • Consider that an all powerful God who is worthy of you accepting Him might have more answers than you and can lead you in the right direction
  • If you’re not sure where to start, ask a friend or family member or look up on the web.  Pray for God’s direction