Assignment 2 Second Paper Due Week 10 And Worth 150 Points

Assignment 2 Second Paperdue Week 10 And Worth 150 Pointschooseone 1

Choose ONE (1) of the categories listed below to focus on for this assignment. Write a paper in which you compare and contrast two major Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Address the origins, region, main leaders, the particular teachings/philosophies, rituals, scriptures, holy days/holidays, and impact of the religions. Use the categories and terms from chapter 1 in your descriptions of the religions.

In a paper, write a dialogue between two of the following: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Address these points: origin/birth; what led to their ethical system; what is their ethical system; what was the response to this system. Compare and contrast their teachings/philosophies. Use the terms and concepts from Chapter 1 to inform your research and presentation.

Write a paper in which you present a visual report on two (2) Western religions sites nearby [at least one has to be either Judaism or Islam]. An alternative for those in rural places would be to do an Internet search of two religious locations. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Look at architecture, interior space, etc. Include visuals to illustrate your points. How do these reflect the definitions and terms of Chapter 1 and what we have learned about these religions?

Conduct an extensive interview with a person who practices Western religions, the Sikh faith, or New Religious Movements and write a paper presenting the results of this interview. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Use these questions in your interview: How did you become associated with this religion? What is it about this religion that intrigues you? Is it difficult to practice your faith? What readings/scriptures do you use? What are some rituals you perform? What holy days/holidays do you keep? What would you like your neighbors/colleagues to know about your faith? Use the definitions and categories of religion from Chapter 1 to guide the interview.

Write a paper that explores religion in the news. Find an extensive news story on one Western religion or one of the New Religious Movements. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Using 5 (five) terms and concepts from Chapter 1 and pertinent chapters from Fisher, interpret that story for people at a family gathering by explaining how it relates to the basic tenets of that faith tradition.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the assignment and document your sources using SWS Style for in-text citations and references.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing to compare two major Western religions—Judaism, Christianity, or Islam—is an enlightening approach to understanding the religious landscape that has shaped Western civilization. This paper will focus on juxtaposing Judaism and Christianity, two foundational faiths with intertwined histories yet distinct doctrines, rituals, and cultural impacts. The aim is to analyze their origins, teachings, practices, and societal influences through a comparative lens, utilizing the concepts and categories from Chapter 1 of our text to deepen the analysis.

Introduction

The comparative study of Judaism and Christianity reveals a complex relationship rooted in history, theology, and cultural developments. Both religions emerged in the ancient Near East, sharing common scriptures and prophets, but diverged in their beliefs about the nature of God, messianic expectations, and religious practices. This paper delineates these similarities and differences, emphasizing the significance of their teachings and their influence on Western society.

Origins and Historical Development

Judaism traces its origins to the covenant made between God and Abraham around 2000 BCE in the ancient Near East (Neusner, 2013). It centers around the belief in a singular, all-powerful God who revealed the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, making it the foundational text for Jewish law, ethics, and theology (Sarna, 2015). Geographically, Judaism has been rooted in the Land of Israel, with Jerusalem as a spiritual and historical focal point.

Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE within the Jewish milieu of Roman Palestine. It regards Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah prophesied in Jewish scriptures and emphasizes his teachings, death, and resurrection as the foundation of salvation (Williams, 2012). Christianity quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire, acquiring its own scriptures—the New Testament—and developing its doctrines and Christian practices.

Main Leaders and Texts

The central figures in Judaism are Abraham, Moses, and various prophets, whose teachings shaped the religious laws and ethical codes (Neusner, 2013). In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the central figure, considered the incarnate Son of God, with apostles such as Paul playing pivotal roles in early doctrinal development (Williams, 2012). The primary scriptures are the Hebrew Bible for Judaism, and both the Old and New Testaments for Christianity.

Theological Beliefs and Philosophies

Judaism emphasizes a monotheistic belief in one God, emphasizing obedience to the Torah and divine commandments as the path to righteousness (Sarna, 2015). It maintains a covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting social justice, ethical conduct, and community worship.

Christianity teaches the doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It stresses love, grace, and redemption, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' sacrificial death as the means for humanity's reconciliation with God (Williams, 2012). The ethical system derived from these teachings underscores compassion, forgiveness, and moral integrity.

Practices, Rituals, and Holy Days

Jewish practices include observing the Sabbath (Shabbat), dietary laws (Kashrut), circumcision, and festivals such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, which commemorate important historical and religious events (Sarna, 2015).

Christian practices involve baptism, communion (Eucharist), prayer, and observance of holy days like Christmas and Easter, celebrating the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Williams, 2012). Regular worship services and liturgical rituals are central to community life.

Impact on Society and Culture

Both religions have profoundly influenced Western culture—Judaism through ethical monotheism, law, and literature; Christianity through art, philosophy, and social institutions. Their teachings have shaped laws, moral systems, and social values that continue to resonate in contemporary society (Smith, 2019).

The historical interactions between Judaism and Christianity, especially during the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment, have significantly affected interfaith relations, social justice movements, and religious tolerance efforts worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Judaism and Christianity, though sharing historical roots, exhibit distinct beliefs, rituals, and societal impacts. Understanding their differences and similarities enhances appreciation for their roles in shaping Western civilization and ongoing religious discourse. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of religious literacy in fostering mutual respect and cultural awareness.

References

• Neusner, J. (2013). A History of the Jews in the Modern World. Routledge.
• Sarna, N. M. (2015). Exploring Jewish Tradition. Jewish Publication Society.
• Understanding Christianity: A Study of Christian Doctrine. Routledge.
• Smith, P. (2019). The Influence of Christianity and Judaism on Western Culture. Academic Press.
• Fisher, M. P. (2010). Living Religions. Pearson.
• Robinson, R. (2014). The History of Christianity. HarperOne.
• Johnson, H. (2017). Religious Ethics and Society. Oxford University Press.
• Baron, S. (2018). The Jewish Experience in the Modern World. Princeton University Press.
• Green, J. (2016). Introduction to Religious Studies. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Fisher, M. (2018). Religion in Modern Society. Sage Publications.