Judaism

Introduction

Judaism is a religious culture practiced by millions of Jews of the world. It is one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. The tenets and history of Judaism are the major part of the foundation of other Abrahamic religions, including Christianity and Islam. For all of these reasons, Judaism has been a leading force in shaping the world and being unique in it.

Unlike many other religions that developed a cyclical conception of time, Judaism developed a linear conception with a beginning of time in Creation and an end of time with the coming of the Messiah (Carlebach et al, pp. 189). In view of Judaism, the world moves toward the ultimate goal that God Himself decided; the end of the world. There are various facts that make Judaism unique; however, there are four key facts. Firstly, the understanding of the trinity is unique. Secondly, the experience of pain and suffering of Jesus is impossible. Thirdly, the impossibility of God taking other human forms and having emotions is an issue. Lastly, Judaism was a national revelation. Judaism has helped shape other religions like Christianity and Islam. There are various facts of these religions that took birth from Judaism.

Discussion

The cyclical conception is obsolete in these days and seen to have been from prehistoric times. This is due to the fact that the cyclical conception is oblivious to the reality of the ultimate goal. Jewish environmentalists struggle to verify this belief and question whether Judaism truly sees time and nature this way.

Judaism has stated that people can freely view time as unstoppable and that it moves toward a pre-determined end. However, can this be applied to the events and processes that occur during this time? The change of weather is an observance of a change of time. A person is fascinated when attention is paid to the change of the day to night or vice versa. Same is true for the change of seasons.

One of the most amazing aspects of living in a free society such as America is the ability to engage in intellectual debates with members of different religions and theologies without fear of retribution. However, this was not the case through many periods of American history.

The first fact that makes Judaism unique involves an understanding of the trinity. The Christian belief that God takes the form of three entities or has three components is contradictory in Judaism. If the bible claimed that God is one, how could he have three parts simultaneously? It is not sufficient for an Orthodox Jew to claim that he “feels” God's presence in Shabbat, which is the most important ritual observance in Judaism and, therefore, believe in God.

The second fact is the possibility of Jesus to experience pain and suffering if he was perfect. Would not a perfect deity be capable of avoiding physical discomfort and ultimate crucifixion? Despite the negative connotations in limiting God's abilities, Judaism maintains that God cannot be imperfect and is, therefore, ...