Discuss the similarities and differences between early Judaism and Christianity. What were the relationship?

Answer 1

That is a good question that most people don't think about.

It is important to remember that religion is not borne in a vacuum. It is typically an evolution of already established beliefs that seek to accomodate changing social and geo-political influences. Therefore, a strong argument could be made that Chritianity is a PRODUCT OF rather than COUNTER TO Judaism. Many of the constructs of the Christian faith parallel Judaism. Why is that? Well, the early Christians who members of the radical Jesus movement, were in fact Jews. Gentiles only joined the faith 100 or so years later when the faith gained momentum in parts outside Judea such as Greece, Ephesus and so forth. So it follows, that many Jewish customs and beliefs would have found there way into the Jesus movement and later adopted as part of the Christian doctrine. I could cite many examples but the two that stand out the most are : 1) a dedicated day of worship that coincides with the end of the work week. Both Islam and Christian observe such a day. 2) Using water or washing as part of ritual/spiritual cleansing. Again, an element found in both Islam and Chrsitianity.

Answer 2

One similarity I can think of is that both groups were being oppressed by a foreign power right at the beginning - the early Jews by the Egyptians, and the early Christians by the Romans.

A major difference between the two was that Jesus redefined the relationship God had with human beings. Instead of being a harsh, vengeful, and vindictive God, Jesus redefined God to a more loving father figure.

Answer 3

HATED EACH OTHER - like any other two beliefs that were so different yet so close. The Book of Acts spells it out for you - the Jews were amongst the main instigators of persecution.