work in progress/ differences between Christianity and Judaism?

Question

I have often heard people say the only difference between Christianity and Judaism is the acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.

I started to create a list to show its much more

this is what I have so far

Christianity- original comes from the sin of Adam and Eve and the only way to get rid is to accept Jesus

Jewish- everyone is born free of sin. What the sin of Adam and Eve did was more of a reduction in clarity in that it is harder to have a relationship with G-d the Torah is their to compensate for that lack of clarity.

Nature of G-d

Judaism- G-d is a single eternal entity with no distinct parts

Christianity – G-d is in three parts and represents a compound unity.

Heaven

Judaism- Heaven (or the world to come) is measured depending on a persons actions in fulfilling his potential this world. For a Jew it’s by following the Torah, for a Gentile by the seven nochide laws. As a result not everyone’s share is the same.

Christianity- Heaven is reserved for only those that have faith in Jesus and repented for their sins through him. Heaven is equal to all regardless actions in life.

Hell

Judaism- the concept of eternal damnation is virtually non existent rather hell serves more as a purgatory to cleanse people from sin (abet it’s still not fun) before receiving their reward.

Christianity- those that do not accept Jesus, regardless of their actions in life, are sent to suffer in hell for all eternity* (much debate in Christianity on this point).

if anyone can help me add on to this list they would be of great help ;)

GreenGrasshopper

thats actually not true, I thought the same thing when I was younger, the day of atonement (Yom Kippur) is a day set out for atonement because in Jewish theology it is seen as a time favorible to repentance but by no means is the only time, Jews have the ablity to ask for forgiveness at any time just as Christians do the only differance is Jews dont do it though Jesus

Answer 1

You have a good list. I probably don't have too much of worth to add. But I'll give my input.

Jews and Christians view Biblical prophecy in different ways. Jews read the prophecies pretty much literally, whereas Christians (sometimes even without realizing it) read them as a foreshadowing, more so than actual "prophecy." Let me try to explain. Christians often see all of history before Jesus as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the penultimate event of history (thus far). So whereas a Jew will read the book of Jonah more or less straightforwardly, reading it in its own right, Christians see in it an allegory of Jesus. So the New Testaments speaks of the "sign of Jonah" and that sign is Jonah being hidden in the whale for 3 days. Christians have come to see this as a foreshadowing of Jesus' death before his resurrection. Christians have told me that Jesus' being in the grave for 3 days is a "fulfillment" of the "Prophecy" of Jonah. But technically, this language is incorrect. Jonah being in the whale is not technically a prophecy. It was just an event in the story of Jonah. So there is nothing to "fulfill." But Christians see it as a parallel. A foreshadowing. To Christians, this is a perfectly acceptable way to read the Hebrew Scriptures, and in fact, some would argue, it's the only acceptable way.

So the psalms of David, wherein he laments over the ridicule of his enemies, to Jews is just that. It's David lamenting over the ridicule of his enemies! Now, to Jews, they can certainly relate to David's suffering. But it is not seen as a foreshadowing of the Messiah's suffering. It is not a "prophecy." But to Christians, they will often regard these laments as "prophecies." Again, the language is not technically exact. It is more properly a "foreshadowing" since the text can be read as straightforwardly, as dealing with present events, and not as a foretelling of any future event.

This makes for one great source of conflict between Jews and Christians sometimes. To the Christian, the Hebrew Scriptures are overfull of "prophecies" about Jesus. The Christian sometimes cannot understand what's "wrong" with the Jewish person that he or she cannot see this! But to the Jew, he or she reads the Bible more straightforwardly, and thus he or she does not regard these things as prophecies.
There ARE prophecies about the Messiah in the Hebrew Scripture, and those are read as prophecies by the Jews. But from these prophecies alone, there is truly no reason to assume or conclude that Jesus fulfilled the job description of the Messiah.

To the Jewish mind, the Messiah will establish earthly justice, in quite a literal way. But to the Christian mind, it is seen as inferior to want and await earthly justice. They prefer the "other-worldly" type of salvation to the "this-worldy" salvation.
But to the Jewish mind, there is nothing inferior about wanting and striving for earthly justice. First of all, a straightforward reading of Scripture indicates that God has promised an earthly justice and salvation. So the Jews are not being "small-minded" to await such a salvation. They are just going by the Book! But to Christians, this world is not what is important. What good is earthly salvation which is temporary, they would ask. It is far better to have spiritual salvation in the afterlife.

While I think that philosophically speaking, there is merit to both views, let me share one personal story about the 2 ways of thinking:
When I was a Christian, we would sing songs which I considered to be "happy" songs about how "There will be no more crying up there," "Oh they tell me of an unclouded day," etc. These otherworldly songs were sung with great anticipation and joy. However, I was always so thoroughly depressed after singing these songs. I could never understand why.
The fact is, the songs subtly send the message that THIS world is bad. THIS world has nothing to be desired. We can only be happy about the NEXT world. In the next world is our hope and true source of joy.
No wonder Christians would tell me, in my depressed state, "Don't worry, for 'this too shall pass.'"

When I first read about Judaism, I read that Judaism tends to be "this-worldly." My first thought was, "OH my! How depressing!"
What I soon learned however, was that far from depressing, the "this-worldly" focus was uplifting. Instead of "This too shall pass" my Jewish friends would tell me "Gam Zu Letovah - This too is for good." What a difference!
THIS life is good. God created this world for good purpose. By acknowledging the goodness of this world, my depression lifted. For me, it was a HUGE difference.

Answer 2

A major difference between Judaism and Christianity is that there is a element to Christianity - the making of statues and paintings of God - which in Judaism is prohibited and consider to be the actions of pagans.

The idea the priests (Catholic) should be celibate runs counter to Judaism where religious leaders (Rabbis) are expected to marry. Again this practice to Jews would be considered that of pagans - even though that may not be the intent of Catholics.

There was a great book I read years ago called "The History of God" by Karen Armstrong that I would suggest you read. The author does in what I think is the best and most respectful manner discusses Judaism, Christianity, and Islam how they developed and how they are different.

Good luck in the rest of your search for information.

Answer 3

It's a bigger issue from the Jewish perspective that Christians worship Jesus as God, than the issue of Jesus being the Messiah.

Answer 4

They believe Jesus was just a prophet, even lower than Muhammad, never claimed to be son of God, never died on the cross. They believe the Bible used to exist but has been lost to time, and what exists now is a false one. A pretty odd claim indeed when u examine the Quran. They believe in works/righeouness, that a man is justified by his works, not grace from God. God is rigidly monotheistic, no trinity.

Answer 5

I think many of the Jewish traditions are meant to instill discipline, moderation, and self-restraint. I don't get a sense of that in Christianity.

In Judaism we thank God for what He does for us, all the while reminding ourselves that He expects us to do those same things for others. Everything we do is a reminder of our obligations to God and to humanity.

In Christianity, I see a seach for inner peace and asking God to do something for me, rather than reminders of what action I should be taking.

As a Christian, I met major objections to any questioning. In Judaism, I am not only allowed to ask questions, I am encouraged to do so.

Christianity is limited to the teaching of one rabbi. Judaism records the wisdom of thousands of rabbis. Christianity teaches morals/ethics with one law -- love your neighbor.... Judaism teaches the specifics of morals/ethics.

Answer 6

You seem to have done an excellent job of summarizing the points. Do you intend to study theology in college? Your level-headed, even-handed approach is an excellent one for an academic setting.

Answer 7

Christianity-If you are ignorant you don't go to hell for the stuff you don't know. That would be very unfair to alot of people who either don't see christians like that or can't read.

Answer 8

Atonement. I forget which holiday it is in Judaism, but Jews have a day of atonement.

Christians can repent anytime, even continually.

Answer 9

Christians have the bible.

Jews have the Tanakh(old testement), oral law, Talmud and various Kaballah texts and maybe more that I do not know of

Answer 10

God is a fair judge in all matters. He judges us by Jesus and/or our actions. With Jesus its rewards, without Jesus its our actions that determine destiny. And what ever He says obviously is final.