In the Bible, we see God creating both man and woman. In this creation, man and woman are created equal until they disobey God. At this point, God tells woman that “her desire will be for her husband and [that] he will rule over her” (Gen 3:16). Woman was not all to blame and man was given punishment as well. While man was placed over his wife – God created the union of man and woman to be one that is shared in love and respect between the two. Men are programed to respect their wife – so God calls them to love their wives. Women are embedded with a need to love, so God tells them to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33).

With this, we see that men and women are made to love and respect each other. We see that men are supposed to lead women – but can God not use women? If God wants men and women to love and respect each other – then should a man listen and consider what their wife says? Should other men be able to respect what a woman says? And can a women guide, counsel, and lead men?

In each of the three religions, women have always had a high place. In the Old Testament, we are shown stories with women who helped shape the course of events in the history of Judaism – and this follows through with Christianity. We are shown Rebekah, Ruth and even Tamar – who take matters into their own hands. If it were not for these women, these three religions would be vastly different. This tradition of strong women continues into the New Testament with Mary and Elizabeth, who trusted God and gave birth to great men who would shape Christianity.

Were these women not allowed voices? Did they not lead in extraordinary ways? Did the men around these women think that they were not worth listening to, even though God was using them in ways he did not use the men?

When two people are joined in marriage – it is said that they are soul mates, that they are two parts of one whole, and that their union is for the glory of God. There’s also the belief that God created man in his image – and then that He made woman from a rib of man. If this is true, then weren’t both men and women made in God’s image – in God’s own being. This would mean, that while women are to be ruled over by their husbands, they are no lesser a creature. And there is evidence of God using women over and over in powerful ways that shape all we know in these three different religions – why wouldn’t God use women today?

This topic will forever be one that is up for debate – but the main worry in any of the three faiths is – is the message that God wants us to convey being done? If it’s a man who teaches others, that’s great – but women are just as in tune with God as men are. And if women are programed with the uncanny ability to love – then wouldn’t their teachings show the love of God in such a pure and natural way? First Corinthians 13 tells us that without love, any gifts and talents are as meaningless, and while faith, hope and love remain – love is the greatest of all.

Personally, I feel like women do have a place in the faith community as leaders. Yes, women should listen and obey to their husbands and fathers, but they should not be placed on a lesser status because of their sex. If God is unchanging – then He does not change his ways – and He is still very able to use women to shape the world and their faith communities, as He did thousands of years ago.

I plan to write my term paper on the idea of how Christianity believes in Judaism to be the foundation of their faith – yet do not keep the practices of Judaism – specifically the rites, rituals and feasts.

Christianity started out as a sect of Judaism because it was a new innovation within that faith, started by Jews in the first century CE. Jesus, who is views by Christians as the Messiah, was a Jew and followed many of the rituals and practices that God laid out for the Jews.  If Christians strive to be Christ-like, then why don’t they practice the faith that He practiced?

Option Question 3:
Each of the monotheistic religions has their Sacred or Holy Scriptures.  Discuss similarities and differences between each.

All three of the monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – each have their own Scared and Holy texts that guide their lives and help them understand the truths of God. Each one of the different texts has similarities and differences that create a deep connection to each other.

Judaism’s Sacred and Holy Scriptures are made of the Torah, the Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim.  Together, they are called the Tanakh. The Torah consists of the five books of Moses, which give Jews their creation story, their heritage, the rituals and laws, and their basic principles to live a good Godly life. The Nevi’im are the books of the Hebrew prophets, such as Eli and Elijah, who call the Jewish people to remember the books of the Torah, to keep the commandments and to follow God’s will.  The last section of the Tanakh is the Ketuvim, which are the writings, poetry, and scriptures of wisdom. These books give narratives into the lives of the lineage of Abraham, such as Ruth, and stories of mighty leaders of their faith, such as Esther, who saved them from annihilation during their time in Diaspora in the land of Babylon, and Samson, who was a strong and mighty warrior. They also speak of prophecy and end times, such as in the book of Daniel. These three parts form the whole, canonized Holy Scriptures of Judaism.

Christianity’s Sacred and Holy texts are the Old and New Testaments.  These books create The Holy Bible, which is a life source for Christians in their daily walk.  The Old Testament consists of the three sections of the Tanakh, since Judaism is the father faith of Christianity – being that Christians worship the same God and their savior, Jesus Christ was a Jew, himself. Christianity’s New Testaments are the books that were written in the first and second century CE. These books consist of the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which tell the life story of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection.  These books show how God sent his “only begotten son” to earth to save the lives of mankind from complete and eternal separation from heaven.  The following books of the New Testament are those of the epistles and letters fro various Apostles and Disciples of Christ urging the Christian community to obey God’s laws, live pure lives that are filled with the Holy Spirit that Christ sent to them in his leave, and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as savior to all the world.  The New Testament ends with John’s Revelations – a book of prophecy from his visions at the end of times when good will conquer evil, Jesus will defeat Satan and the Anti-Christ and all will be judged according to their faith and their actions during their life on earth. It is the collection of the books of the Tanakh, made into the Old Testament and the New Testament, the books centralized on the faith formed around Jesus Christ, that make up the canonized Holy Bible for Christianity.

Islam’s faith messes both Judaism and Christianity together to create a new religion.  The religion was started on the “Night of Power,” when the Arch Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad. He was told to speak and write the Qur’an, which is the Holy Scriptures for the Islamic faith. This Islamic Holy Scripture is comprised of 114 chapters, which guide Muslims in their daily lives.  The interesting fact about the Qur’an is that it lists Judaism’s prophets and Christianity’s Jesus all as supporting prophets.  Others, such as Ishmael are listed as well in this text as prophets leading up to Muhammad, God’s last great prophet.  According to the texts of the Qur’an of Islam, their Messiah – called the Mahdi, will come back, with the help of Jesus to fight the  “Great Deceiver.”

These texts, all Holy and Sacred to their specific religion, have common themes that are unmistakable, yet each of the three religions are vastly different due to their interpretations. Nevertheless, they are linked for all times by their shared beliefs and common stories.  While the three faiths may believe separate and distinct things, they will always share the title of a monotheistic faith.

Required Question 1:
Keeping in mind our emphasis on the monotheistic  religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, list  some of the characteristics of each and expound briefly on two of them.  Concluding your response to the question more specifically, take  one distinctive that you consider to be the unique distinctive in your estimation and expound. [60 points]

The world’s three monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – all have common characteristics to each other and differ, as well. Some of the common themes in these three faiths are the belief in one God above all others, Abraham as the first patriarch, belief in certain prophets, and the notion of a Messiah.  These common themes and many others link these religions together in a type of family bond.

Each of the three faiths believes first and foremost in a one true God.  Judaism refers to him as YHWH, Christianity speaks of God Almighty and the Lord, and Islam calls him Allah.  The names of god might be different, but the principles are still the same. Each religion states that God is the one creature that is above all other creatures and that there are no other gods.  God knows all, is all and controls all.  These faiths state that God must be worshiped through prayer and devotion.

Another fact that ties these three monotheistic faiths together and cause the term of “cousin-faiths” is the fact that they all look to Abraham as the patriarch and father of each of the faiths. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all recognize God creating a covenant with Abraham stating that he will be the father of a great nation and his descendents will be as great as the stars in the sky (Genesis 26:4).  Judaism sees this fulfillment through Abraham’s son Isaac and down through Jacob, who became Israel. From that line was bore King David and Christianity believes that Jesus Christ was also a direct descendent of Abraham. Islam’s faith states that the fulfillment of this covenant was fulfilled through Abraham’s son, Ishmael, through his servant Hagar.  Each of the three faiths holds this aspect of linage important; this is how they view find closeness and connection to God.

Another similar theme is that of sin and redemption. Sin is a concept used in Judaism, Christianity and Islam describing a transgression against the will of God, which calls for repentance. All three of the faiths have beliefs that are similar but vary. All three believe in the original sin within the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve disobeyed God creating a rift between God and mankind.  Judaism’s way of finding redemption is through their high, Holy day of Yom Kippur. This day is set into place in the Torah in Leviticus 23:27, where the Hebrews find forgiveness through fasting and prayer.  Today, Jews practice this Holy day by asking forgiveness from their fellow human beings (bein adam lechavero) they have done wrong to and ask forgiveness from God (bein adam leMakom). Once this is completed, they are cleansed in a body of water (normally a lake or river), which washes away their sins and are viewed a pure and clean of sin. While Judaism finds redemption through Yom Kippur, Christianity finds redemption through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  The Christian viewpoint is that since original sin, man has fallen short of the glory of God and his only hope of being reunited with God is through Jesus. In the Gospels of the New Testament, Jesus is shown as the savior of the world who comes to earth as a child, starts his ministry in his thirties, and three years later is crucified.  By His crucifixion, Jesus takes on the sins of all mankind and dies for the sins.  After three days, he defeats death by rising from the grave. By doing this, any human who accepts Jesus as the Christ/Messiah and repents of their sins that He already died for, find forgiveness and grace to be able to live eternity after death with God the father. After accepting Jesus as their Christ and savior, Christians vow to live a Godly live.  Since humans are sinful creatures, they will sin again – so they must continue to pray to Jesus and live their lives wholly devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Islam’s faith is taken from both Judaism and Christianity – seeing that they believe that both were the true religion until corrupted my mankind.  With this, Islam believes in the original sin and that there must be redemption made for each person before the end of times and the Day of Judgment. To find redemption, Islam sticks to their five pillars of faith, which they use to live their daily live and try to keep in balance so that they will be judged well on judgment day. These five pillars are that of (1) a one true God, (2) prayer five times a day towards Mecca – their Holy city, (3) charity and alms-giving, (4) fasting during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan, and lastly (5) making at least one pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca to worship with their Islamic community as a whole.  Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe that one must have a balance of the five to achieve redemption from sin and be judged well at the end of time.  While all three faiths have a different approach to redemption from sin, a common theme in the three is that of prayer – an acceptance of one’s wrong’s and asking for forgiveness.

These three monotheistic faiths are similar and different in numerous ways.  Their faiths are intertwined for all time and will constantly dispute and argue over their varied differences.  While differences arise in their texts, they can at least look back to the basic principles of a one true God, the patriarchal status of Abraham, and the needs of redemption from sin to see how they, the three “cousin” faiths, are similar.

Classes are going well. Judaism, Christianity and Islam isn’t hard at all.  I kind of feel like I’m not learning a lot in there, but it’s a good class.  The class with Rabbi Rami is excellent as always.  I really love how he teaches – it makes things interesting – looking forward, I really hope I can take Comparative Religion with him in the fall.  Hebrew, is well, Hebrew – I’m doing better, at least this semester.  Israeli Cinema is just fun – but I need to start writing more reviews. It’s my Introduction to Middle East Studies class which is the killer this semester.

As for midterms, I have three. Last night I took my first midterm of the semester in my Intro to Middle East Studies class.  It’s a hard class, believe it or not.  The professor demands a lot – but I want to learn a lot, so that’s a good thing.  As much as he intimidates me, I think I might take another class with him next semester – Arab-Israeli Conflict.  That could be interesting. We’ll see.  I still have 2 more short papers and a final to go.

My next midterm is a take-home essay exam. How hard can that be? Other people in my class are freaking out a little about it – but I don’t think it’ll be that hard.  It’s for my Judaism, Christianity and Islam class – just two questions – max of 5 pages. Piece of cake – I hope.

And then there’s my Hebrew final.  I love that I’m learning Hebrew, I just wish I was better at it.  It’s not like I don’t try or don’t care.  I’m just not good at the language.  I’m hoping after the fourth semester (I’m currently in the second), I’ll be better at it.  At least to where I can go and get by.  I have no thought of being perfect at it….but I would like to be decent.

Anyway, hopefully I’ll pass all.  I’m pretty sure I’ll pass all. Just have to wait and see how the tests go.  My Intro to MES wasn’t as horrible as I thought it was going to be.  Also, it probably helped that I gave myself a three-hour cram session before the test.  I’m going to start working on my JCI Essay Exam tonight.  And I’ve already been studying for Hebrew.  So, let’s hope for the best!

Most of you who have been around me in the past 6 months of my life know that I have grown a strong obsession with stabucks – mostly my favorite “decaf peppermint mocha.” Since Christmas – I’ve already become a gold member (aka, have to use a gift card for at least 30 purchases).  Even now, I’m having to take deep breathes realizing what exactly I am giving up. I’m glad I will be giving it up – I just know it’s going to be difficult.  Cold days call for warm drink.  But, I’m going to have to stick to my water and juice. No if, ands, or buts.  This is for me to come closer to God by giving up something I love and hold dear. Starbucks does not need to become an idol….

While I’m doing this to create a better physical and spiritual self – I have also decided to read at least an hour of the bible each day.  I was talking to the lovely Jessica Maloney, who just bought her very first bible, about this – and she is going to do it with me.  We are both going to encourage each other and meet at the end of each week to talk about what we read and what it means to us.  It’s actually really exciting because while Jessica is a Christian (catholic, by denomination) – she has never really delved into the word of God.  This is going to be super exciting!  Oh, and she’s going to give up cursing for the 40 days of lent.  I’m so proud!

Christianity’s Concept of the Trinity

The three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all have the belief in one God.  All three of the faiths hold that there is only one God and that God alone should be worshiped.  In Judaism, God is the Supreme Being who is spoke of as both male and female. In Islam, God is Allah, who is the same God of the Jews – but takes on a more masculine tone. However in Christianity, God is spoken of in three.

While Christianity escapes the notion of God being female at all, He is three masculine parts of a whole. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the omnipotent Lord God who appears at different times to different people.  We first see Him in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve where they know Him and walk with Him.  Later he appears to Jacob and when asked who He is, the response is “You should not ask.” Later to Moses, God is “I Am.”  He is referred to as God, Lord, YHWH, Jehovah, I Am, and many others.  The Old Testament is made up of the Hebrew Bible, the sacred text of Judaism, yet in that faith – God is still one God. Christianity does not change to text to state that there is more than one being – but through Christian doctrine, the belief of a three-in-one God in inferred.

Still in the Old Testament, we see God in the plural form. He is not alone – but with others who help him. Later, it speaks of “his spirit” during the days of creation.  And then with the New Testament we see the life of the “Son of God, Jesus Christ” – the Messiah.  At the end of Jesus’ time on earth, he even tells his disciples that he will send to them “His spirit” to be with them and guide them. Christianity calls this the “Trinity” – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Looking at this, Christianity seems to have three Gods, not just one.  Christianity gives us a Father God, a Son God and a Holy Spirit God. But Christianity claims to be a monotheistic religion – believing that there is and will only be one true God and that all others are idols that people create. So how does a religion that claims to have a three-in-one God really work?

All three faiths believe that God is omnipotent, all-powerful, and the Supreme Being that no one can ever truly understand.  If this is true, then isn’t it possible that a singular God could, in fact, have three different parts? Can God be God and be interpreted by different people and groups as a separate persona? Can Father God, Son God and Holy Spirit God all be the same God and just be viewed as different?  If God can do anything – then why wouldn’t God be able to be a Trinity while still being one?

All three religions have no problem in the fact that God can do all things and be all places – all at the same time – yet believing that God can be three parts of one is impossible for Judaism and Islam. If God can do anything – then why would He not be able to be three different entities all at the same time?  It is when looking at the beliefs and views of these three religions to be able to believe that God can do anything – even be a father, son and spirit.

The fact that Christianity believes in a three-in-one God does not make it a non-monotheistic religion. The faith of Christianity understands God to be all things – and with that, he can be a Father to some, a Son to others, and a moving and inspirational Spirit to others. Christianity’s concept of the Trinity reaffirms that God is a singular God who can do anything, be anywhere – all at the same time.

Update – Feb 23: I got this paper back last week and made a 25/25. YAY! 100/A!

In these next few paragraphs, I will address a few of the major tenants of Islam, so that you will have a basic understanding of the religion, culture and politics during your stay as the new US Ambassador to the Middle East.

It is important to know that a Muslim is someone who practices Islam – which in Arabic means an act of submission to God. Muslims believe that the five pillars of their faith, Islam, is the way in which they must live daily live. These pillars are Shahadah (statement or creed of their basic belief- stating that this is only one God and Muhammad was his messenger), Salat (worship and prayer five times a day towards Mecca), Sawm (fasting during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan), Zakat (charity/tithing/giving to the poor), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). The society and culture of the area reflect directly with the five pillars of Islam.
Other basic beliefs within Islam is that they are a monotheist faith – the belief in only one God, that God is just – rewards the good/punishes the wicked, that God does not cause evil, that people are responsible for their own actions, that they should try to justify God’s will to humanity and that with reason people will come to know God, and that the Quran, their sacred texts, was created by God through revelations to Muhammad, the prophet. To Muslims, the Quran is the Holy word of God.

In the Islamic faith, women do have important roles that helped further the religion. Two of Muhammad’s wives were important in the founding of Islam as a faith to the Arab people. His first wife, Khadijah, was a successful businesswoman who encouraged Muhammad during his revelations and was the first convert to Islam. Another wife, Aisha, was considered his favorite wife and was a great military leader. Muslims do respect women. However, in respect of their customs, when in conservative or religious areas, it would be wise to cover your hair with a handkerchief. Also, in strict Islamic countries, such as the ones around Saudi Arabia, there is segregation between in the sexes, mostly within the mosques – but occasionally within social settings.

In the media within the United States, you hear a lot about jihad in a negative light – that it is a “Holy war” for Muslims – but there is more to it. Jihad is a fundamental part of Islam, in which some call the “sixth pillar.” Some Muslims interpret jihad as “defending Islam against attacks, where military or verbal, from non-Muslims.” Others believe that it is an inner struggle between self and God.

Other things to keep in mind while interacting with the people in the area is that it is customary when greeting someone, shake hands using your left hand. The customary greeting is “asalam alaykum” meaning “peace be upon you” – the appropriate response would be “alaykum as-salaam,” meaning “and upon you be peace.” If you remember these basic tenants and aspects of Islam, you should find it easier to communicate effectively and learn the culture of the area.

Update – Feb 23: I got this paper back last night and wass given a 42/50.  That’s about a 84/B.