The Jews had two Holy Scriptures: the Tenakh (Old Testament) and the Thalmud (commentary on the Old Testament). Jews and Christians therefore share two thirds of the Bible.
The Jews firmly believe in God, the creator and maintainer of all things. God is almighty and holy (Deut. 6:4).
Jews do
not believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. He still has to come.
It is a Jewish building. It is square or rectangular. The Ark is found on the one side (rolls that contain the laws) facing towards Jerusalem.
Kosher means
pure .
Islam
During the month of
Ramadan , the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, it is expected of everybody (except the ill, the aged and small children) to fast from sunrise to sunset. During the night food and drink may be used. It teaches the Moslem people self-discipline, dependence and sensitivity towards the less privileged everywhere on Earth.
Strong leadership (Mohammed); appealing religion, because the responsibilities of believers are clearly stated.
The Moslem people believe that they pursue the same religion as Abraham, Jacob and Ishmael. The Islam recognizes the prophets of the Bible, and has a high esteem of Jesus as exceptional prophet and messenger. After God (Allah) revealed himself through the prophets (also Jesus) to the people, He revealed himself the clearest through Mohammed.
Hinduism
Various animal gods are worshipped, e.g. Hanumam (monkey of learning), Ganesha (with the head of an elephant and a trunk – the lord of the army), cow (honoured as a human being – the most exalted in creation).
Reincarnation: all living creatures return every time in a new form (eg. egg, worm, larvae, butterfly).
Meditation
Literally millions of deities exist. Almost every plant, animal, river, or natural phenomena is honoured as a god. However, there are certain supreme beings such as Brahman (omnipresent and mighty ruler), Trimurti (consists of Brahma, Wisjnoe and Sjiwa).
Buddhism
Buddhism – monks live a simple life and sacrifice most of their belongings. They pray, teach and meditate and beg for their food.
Christianity
The father of Jesus was a carpenter and his followers were ordinary people: craftsmen, traders, fishermen and tax collectors. The gospel of Jesus (preaching love, hope and salvation) attracted the poor and suppressed. He used stories about farming and daily events as parables to teach people spiritual truths.
There was a period of peace in the Roman Empire (Pax Romana). King Constantine legalized religious freedom in the roman Empire.
Greek as general vernacular was spoken because everybody understood it.
The translation of the Old Testament into Greek.
An excellent network of roads between the important cities – it encouraged people to travel.
There was a message of hope and liberation for everybody.
Devoted disciples and apostles (e.g. Paul) were prepared to die as martyrs for their religion.
