Origins
· Judaism is a one of the three Prophetic Monotheistic Religions in the world, the other two are Christianity and Islam.
· It is Prophetic as there were numerous Prophets who predicted the coming of a Messiah, Monotheistic and they believe in one God-Mono (one) Theology (belief/study of God).
History
· Jews are an ancient people of around 3000 years old, their history is told in the Bible and is traced back to Abraham of around 1900 BC (before common time era.)
· The Jews have been known as Jews, Israelites ad Hebrews. (Jesus was a Jew, however the Jews accept Jesus s a wise man, but not the chosen Messiah as Christians believe, hence Judaism predates and heavily influences Christianity, but is not part of Christianity.)
Abraham
· Abraham is one of the first recorded leaders of the Hebrews in the Bible. He was a wealthy man who was called by God to leave his land and move from Ur to Canaan, or Israel as it is called today.
· Abraham heard the call of the Lord to stop believing in pagan Gods (like God of wind, God of Mountain, etc) and he followed God’s request and led his people from Mesopotamia to Canaan.
Questions:
Who is Abraham?
What did Abraham believe? How was it different to the people of the time?
Abraham believed in one God only, whereas the people of the time believed in many gods (pagan Gods).
What do you think a Covenant is, what Covenant did God make with Abraham?
A covenant is an understanding or promise. Abraham made a covenant with God which included:
- To make a great nation/ further of many nations
-To bless everyone to his name
-Promise land
What sacrifice was Abraham requested to make? Why did God ask this of Abraham?
Abraham was requested by God to sacrifice the life of his own son Isaac in order to test his love and dedication towards God.
Search the site for the word Patriarchs? What does this mean?
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, are known as the Patriarchs and are both the physical and spiritual ancestors (fathers) of Judaism.
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