Judaism

Judaism is the culture and religion of the Jews and one of the world's oldest religious traditions. From a religious standpoint, Judaism is said to originate in a compact between God and Abraham whereby God would help the development of His chosen people, the people of Israel, in exchange for their devotion. (Johnson 36-38)

Basic Information

Founder Figure

Abraham and Sarah (Hagar)/ Moses and Miriam

View of the Divine PV (PROPHETIC VOICE) / MV ( MESSIANIC VOICE)

Prophetic voice

Book of scripture

Torah (old testament)

Creation myth aka Cosmology

Geneses account

Moral code

10 Commandments

Ending myth aka Eschatology

Less important than meaning of life on your planet (Tikkun olam)- Orthodox and Hassidic think about heaven

Central Doctrines

Principally a way of life, Judaism emphasizes religious practices rather than articles of faith. In Judaism heresy is thus defined as denial of the existence of God and of his oneness. Nonetheless, the rabbis did not formulate a binding statement of Judaism's principles of faith. Although Maimonides' “Thirteen Principles” as formulated in the liturgy are still affirmed by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, they are subject to interpretation. Reform Jews have periodically formulated alternative statements of the essential Jewish beliefs, but by and large they continue to endorse the first five, namely, the existence of God, that he is one, that he has no bodily form, that he is eternal, and that he alone is to be worshiped. (Seltzer 65-67)

Moral Code Of Conduct

Judaism does not distinguish between duties toward fellow human being and duties toward God. The Hebrew Bible and the rabbis regard moral and religious duties as inseparable. The emphasis is on attaining holiness, on “walking in God's ways” (Deut. 10:12-13), thus allowing his presence to dwell in one's midst.

Sacred Books

Judaism is a text-centered religion, the writings it regards as sacred constituting a vast library of thousands of volumes. Its foundational text is the Hebrew Bible, which is divided into three parts: the Torah, forming the five books of Moses (also called the Pentateuch); the Prophets (Nevi'im); and the Writings (Ketuvim or Hagiographa). Jewish tradition holds the Torah to be the direct, unmediated Word of God, whereas in the Prophets men said to be divinely inspired speak in their own voices, while the Writings are considered to be formulations in the words of men guided by the Holy Spirit. (Seltzer 65-67)

Sacred Symbols

Judaism has a culture rich in religious symbols, objects, and rituals that represent abstract concepts, particularly of God and his teachings and of his providential ...