Study GuideSociology – Religion1. Judaism, Christianity, and IslamAs societies grow bigger and more complex, people often turn to monotheistic religions—religions thatbelieve inone God. The three most influential monotheistic religions in history areJudaism,Christianity, and Islam, all of which started in theMiddle East.1.1 JudaismJudaism began around1200 B.C.The first Jews, calledHebrews, were nomads who eventuallysettled inCanaan, near Egypt. Unlike their neighbors, who worshiped many gods, the Hebrewsfocused onone almighty God, known asYahweh. They believed instrict obedienceto God andfollowed a detailed moral code, calledthe law.Theholy book of Judaismis theTenakh, which Christians refer to as theOld Testament. Inside theTenakh is theTorah, the first five books. The Torah starts with the creation of the world and tells thestory of the early Hebrews. It also records God’s messages toMoses, including laws on worship anddaily life.The Torah is very important in Jewish worship. In asynagogue(Jewish place of worship), therabbicarries the Torah scroll from theark(a special cupboard), places it on alectern, and reads it aloud tothe congregation. The scroll is often decorated with asilver crown.1.2 ChristianityChristianity started as aJewish sectand gradually became its own religion. Christians believe thatJesus Christis theSon of Godand theMessiah(meaning “Anointed One”), sent to save the world.After Jesus’ death, Christianity spread quickly. A key figure wasSaul of Tarsus, later known asSt.Paul, a Greek-speaking Jew and Roman citizen. He traveled widely, preached, and establishedchurches across the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece.Early Christians often facedpersecutionbecause they refused to worship the Roman Emperor. Thislasted until the4th century, whenEmperor Constantinemade Christianity the official religion of theRoman Empire. Today, Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world, especially influential intheWest.Preview Mode
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