Why is Judaism considered the oldest religion?

Question

In Social Studies, I'm in 7th grade, we were learning about the World's 3 Oldest religions:
1.Judaism
2.Christianity
3.Islam

I'm a Hindu, and I'm not being a "Hindu Nationalist or w/e......
But shouldn't Hinduism be the world's oldest religion?

Last time I checked, Historically, it is!

Answer 1

it is the oldest because it is the first...it is the first origional correct religion, then along came Christ :) and He changed things and made them new again...thus Christianity being the correct religion, and hinduism and muslim being a blasphemy(devil worship)

Answer 2

Well actually you are right... sort of. Judaism and Hinduism are both the oldest religions that are still around. They are the oldest because no one really knows when they started (historically speaking). So there is not one single religion which is the oldest. It's a tie between Judaism and Hinduism

Answer 3

Most likely they meant oldest of the Abrahamic religions.

I would certainly bring this up to the teacher. Often they are completely ignorant to religions other than the mainstream Abrahamic religions and because of this, they do not teach their classes about other religions in the world. It's about time people learn what else is out there so the world stops being so ignorant. Only with education, can there be tolerance.

(And Ivan, it doesn't count if the religion is a dead one. The religion must still be in practice for it to count.)

Answer 4

It is hard to put a date on it...

But Judaism started at the same time as Hinduism.

And because Hinduism is a smaller religion (by its number of followers)... it does not rate against the big 3.

If you want to talk about oldest religion...
The Egyptians had their own religion before Judaism and Hinduism. The Hebrews did copy one of the Egyptian's religion to create Judaism.

Answer 5

Hinduism IS the world's oldest religion, but Judaism is the oldest Abrahamic religion. Maybe that's what your book meant?

Answer 6

Your social studies book is wrong.

Where are you going to school at.

They must be relying on the bibles crazy way of telling time. Its full of people who lived to be hundreds of years old.

I have been studying religion for over 50 years and All I have ever heard was that Hinduism was the oldest religion still practiced.

love and blessings Don

Answer 7

I don't think that Judaism "is" considered the oldest religion. However, it is the oldest of the 3 you mention.
The worship of the Hebrew God (same as Judaism) is the oldest religion, but I don't think it has a name.

Answer 8

Hinduism is CERTAINLY older than Judaism. The ancient Sumerian religion is at least as old. Of course, Native American religion and the shamanic traditions of various tribes are certainly much older. Even the Neanderthals may have had a religion. They seem to have worshipped bear skulls.

Answer 9

I'm with you on that one!! I'm Buddhist and I know that Buddhism and Hinduism are older than the religions you are learning about. You should do some research and invite your teacher to discuss the facts with the class...you'll probably get a better mark for being so keen!

Answer 10

Those are not the oldest religions by a long shot. But then, our school system really sucks. Do what you need to do in order to pass, but don't believe most of the crap they try to feed you. Study and learn on your own from good sources.

Answer 11

Actually, Zoroastrianism is the oldest religion. Judaism is the first monotheistic religion.