Do Christians really believe that Christianity has more in common with Judaism then Islam does?

Question

My only conclusion can be that they never studied the three faith traditions in any detail.

Have any of you even read the Five Pillars of Islam. With the possible exception of the Pilgrimage they match up with Jewish practice and tradition perfectly.

Suzanne

First I am not insulting Christianity in my question, I am simply amazed that anyone who has studied the three faiths could not tell that Judaism has more in common with Islam then Christianity.

As for what the Koran says I am well aware, I am also well aware what the New Testament says. Neither of them are models of tolerance. Much if not most of anti-Semitism in the world comes from the New Testament (including much of the views expressed in the Koran).

But fact is fact, four of the five pillars of Islam are almost verbatim out of Judaism. Not to mention that Judaism and Islam are action based faiths while Christianity is faith based. The Christian concept of G-d is alien to both Jewish and Islamic tradition, yet they are near identical to each other. In honest fact where they differ (Islam and Judaism) is where Islam and Christianity meet. There are many more similarities when you enter ritual as well, Hallel and Kosher for example, how we pray as another example.

Answer 1

From a philosophical standpoint Christianity doesn't match any religion. From what I can tell it is the only religion that allows you to attain salvation by riding on someone's back. Almost every other philosophy either requires enlightenment through meditation and studying or good works.

Answer 2

Of course! Other than monotheism, I really can't think of any true theological commonalities. Remember, you aren't asking about "similarities," which may be true here, at least on the surface.

Honestly, how can you -- a Jew -- ignore the multitude of disgusting references in the Koran to Jews, just so you can insult Christianity? I really thought you were above this. If you've never read them, here they are:

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/anti-semitism/koranjews.html

Read them ALL and then send me a message telling me you still think Islam and Judaism have many things in common. I'd need to see it with my own eyes that you'd ever write this.

EDIT: As to the "Five Pillars," please keep in mind that Muhammad spoke with many Jewish sages while he was dreaming up his new "religion." The Pillars are only a false front; you must dig into the Koran to understand what they truly believe.

Answer 3

Actually, the pilgrimage is taken directly from Judaism.

In many ways. Islam is closer to Judaism than Christianity is. However, in specifically one area, Christianity is in complete concert with Judaism and that alone makes it infinitely superior to Islam. Christianity, like Judaism, places the highest value on the sanctity of life.

Answer 4

Oh please.. Abraham is considered a great prophet in Islamic history otherwise they have nothing in common with Christianity.
In fact, the Moslems have been trying to wipe out Christianity since their inception in the 13th century. They near devastated the Holy Land that started the Crusades!
After Jesus died the Jews and the Christians had their tiffs but they are not out focused to wipe each other off the face of the earth.. the Moslem's want to wipe both sects out!

Answer 5

I have studied all three faiths, and I believe that Judaism and Islam have a lot more in common with each other than either do with Christianity, even though Christianity is actually the culmination of Judaism.

Answer 6

All 3 Faiths are based upon the GOD Of Abraham, Jews and Christians believe the 10 Commandments were given to Moses on Mt Sinai, All Christians believe in the Tanakh, the difference is the divinity of Jesus and that you do not go to heaven by *Works* but by Grace through belief in Jesus Christ.

Many of the prayers you hear in a Jewish Synagogue you will here in a Christian Church as well.

Answer 7

Considering that Jesus was a Jew and Mohamed wrote the Koran about 50AD then I would say yes, Christianity has more in common with Judaism than Islam.

Answer 8

All 3 originate from the parent religion...Judaism, which of course would have been an offshoot of a tribal-based "religion" practiced waaay before that. Judaism is the oldest continuously practiced religion on earth, dating back more than 5767 years ago.

Answer 9

Hey, Christians support the Jews' existence. Muslims want to exterminate them. If Muslims have so much in common with the Jews, why are they so hateful and murderous?

And, quit calling Christians uneducated. Personally, I can quote the Bible and the Qu'ran--but my personal opinion of the Qu'ran, in all due respect, isn't very high--because I HAVE studied it, and found it to be lacking and misleading.

Best of luck in your search for truth.

Answer 10

In my experience many Christians really do believe that, and worse, are offended by the fact that those of us who are not Abrahamicists really don't see much difference in their message or histories. Everywhere an Abrahamic religion gets to be a majority, the minority gets the same damn treatment.