Question

How are the three major holy books of the monotheistic faiths both similar and different?

Answer 1

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have many differences. First and foremost, although all branches of Christianity claim to be monotheistic, this can be a point of contention among Muslims and Jews; Christianity claims to worship the same God that worshipped in Jewish and Muslim practice -- and indeed does. However, the trinity concept is foreign and incompatible with monotheism, from the perspective of either of the other two world religions. Even within Christianity, this concept is frought with explanatory difficulties, such as verbage to the following effect: 'one God in three persons,' 'a unity of three persons,' 'a trinity of one,' 'a tri-une Godhead,' etc. Within Christianity, it is generally accepted that this does not imply polytheism, but rather probes the complicated nature of God. Outside of Christianity, this is not necessarily certain. Thus, while Islam and Judaism (their other disagreements notwithstanding), mutually acknowledge each other as monotheistic, sharing one same God... officially, neither is entirely sure about Christianity.

So, for starters, it really isn't a given that all three are monotheistic. This caused difficulties historically for Jews who refused to convert to Christianity, even on pain of death. And this continues to be a fundamental sticking point for Muslims as well. As to differences... there are certainly many. Whereas Judaism, and to a great extent Christianity as well acknowledge the children of Israel (ie, Jacob's descendents) as God's chosen people, Islam denies this. In Islam, it is held that it was not Abraham's son Isaac that received God's blessing, but rather his son Ishmael, father of the Arab nations. This is a fundamental reason for the constant strife over the state of Israel today -- the holy books of both Islam and Judaism absolutely promise this land to them... both. Christians, for their part, have fewer absolutes, and doctrine varies by denomination; By and large though, Christians view themselves as spiritual heirs to this very same promise, having supplanted the Jewish people as God's chosen representatives among mankind.
~J3$$~

Answer 2

thank you!

Answer 3

Your welcome = )