Linking Christianity and Judaism

Contrary to what is believed by some people Judaism was around many decades before the idea of Christianity ever came about. All modern day mono-theistic religions sprang in some form from Judaism.

When the man known as Jesus was born he was Jewish. In those days everyone was either a Jew or a pagan like the Romans and Egyptians who believed in many different gods. The concept that became known as Christianity did not come into being until after Jesus had died.

The link between the two religions, Judaism and Christianity, also lies in some of the beliefs, traditions, and customs practiced by both peoples. With the exception of those beliefs that are tied directly to Jesus many customs stemmed from the already established Jewish traditions. Both religions believe in a single God. While the two religions disagree on the arrival of the Messiah, both do agree there is one to save us all.

Judaism has the Torah and the Haftorah; the Torah being, that which contains the writings for worship and life, also known as the first five books in the Old testament of the Bible - Genesis, Leviticus, Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.The Haftorah are works from the Prophets. These works along with some others not used by the Jews go to make up the remainder of what is called the Old Testament in the Bible. While Judaism dismisses the portion of the Bible known as the New Testament since this contains works pertaining to Jesus; the New Testament is widely used by Christians.

If it were possible to trace family origins back far enough both Jews and Christians would find common ancestors in Abraham, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Isaac, and Jacob. Go back further still and there would be Noah and his three sons; and further yet back to the beginning of mankind and there is Adam and Eve. A common family member is the most basic link between people no matter what their current beliefs or how they choose to worship.

Some of the laws that were created for all people came from the book of Exodus and the Ten Commandments. These non-religious laws that govern many lands today stemmed from a religious book used by both Jews and Christians.

Religious beliefs and how people choose to worship has long been a contention for war and arguements but in the end the basic ideals are the same and come from the same place. The link between Jews and Christians is closer than we would like to believe.