Origins of Judaism and Christianity
Judaism and Christianity are two of the world’s oldest religions, both tracing their origins back to the Middle East region. While the roots of both religions are deeply embedded in the same culture, they have developed in different and distinct ways over the last several thousand years. Both religions allege ideas and beliefs which are completely exclusive yet often, their fundamental concepts and practices bear similarities. This raises the question of what came first, Judaism or Christianity.
Some experts believe that the roots of Christianity, or at least the origins of ideas behind it, can be found in ancient Judaism. From the mid-second century BCE, Jewish religious sects started to develop into two distinct traditions; rabbinic Judaism, also known as Rabbinism, which is based off the teachings of Moses; and Hellenistic Judaism, that is, religion which was influenced by Greco-Roman culture. Preceding Jesus’ birth, many of his followers embraced a specifically Jewish form of hellenistic faith, while simultaneously maintaining their traditional cultic practise and rituals.
These ideas are believed to have given rise to the Jesus movement, later forming what we now know as Christianity. This movement was based off the belief in the man Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah, in combination with the idea of a new and renewed covenant between God and humanity. As a result, Christianity separated from Judaism as an autonomous and distinct religion. This separation became more clearly established in the fourth century CE when Christianity was adopted by the Roman Empire, achieving the status of a state religion and forcefully oppressing non-Christians.
At its core,what generated Christianity arose from within Judaism. It was heavily influenced by the Jewish Scriptures and its beliefs were based off orthodox Jewish traditions. To date, the ethical beliefs, practices and customs that Christians practise still share numerous similarities with beliefs maintained by Jews in the first century. Bart Ehrman, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina, argues that “there are good reasons to think that Christianity borrowed a good deal of its material from Judaism”.
The Nature of Jesus’s Teachings
Despite their similarities, there are significant differences between Christianity and Judaism. Jews focus on the Torah, its laws and traditions, while Christians refute the Torah, claiming the teachings of Jesus supersede everything by offering the assurance of redemption. This is founded on the belief of Jesus as the son of God, a concept which is contrary to Judaism’s monotheistic tradition that God is one being. Additionally, Jews do not believe in the concept of an afterlife, or in a physical resurrection as outlined in the Bible. For example, the Jewish philosopher, Maimonides states that as long as the soul remains bonded to the body, it does not go to heaven or hell.
It is for these reasons that Christianity can be argued to have emerged from Judaism, rather than it being the other way round. Their beliefs are based off the same framework, however, by rejecting some of the traditional Judaism beliefs, Christianity has developed a different and distinct set of principles. Dr William Harnage, Professor of Biblical Studies at McGill University states “Prior to Jesus’ arrival, Jewish concepts anticipated a coming Messiah as was prophesized in Israel’s scriptures, which is why many aspects of Christianity surfaced only after Jesus.”
In conclusion, while both Judaism and Christianity continue to be vastly different religions, it appears that the second had its foundations rooted in the first. Christianity, while maintaining certain features of Judaism, provides a different means of attaining redemption. In spite of their differences, both of these Abrahamic religions continue to strive to bring a spiritual meaning to the lives of its adherents.
The Spread of Christianity
The beginning of the spread of Christianity is believed to have begun with Jesus’ disciples who, after his death, travelled across the Roman Empire proselytising their beliefs, gathering followers and signifying to the people of other religions or those with no religious convictions who Jesus is. Christianity was rapidly accepted in the Roman Empire, with many of its citizens abandoning their previous religions for the idea of a new faith that promised eternal life, meaning and a renewed covenant with God. Later on, Christianity was spread by St Paul and his mission, shedding light to other regions of the Roman Empire.
By the fourth century, the large majority of the Roman Empire, except the Arabian Peninsula and Mauretania, had adopted Christianity, thus achieving the status of a state religion. This era is known as the “Constantinian shift”, after Emperor Constantine the Great, and is often viewed as the turning point of Christianity in history. While the adoption of Christianity encouraged the mass expansion of its teachings, it also brought along a repressive enforcement of the religion, significantly reducing the influence of Judaism in the Roman Empire and eliminating it in other parts of the world.
However, despite the spread and adoption of Christianity, there are still maintained pockets of devout Jews living in Palestine, Iraq, and Syria. Judaism has since then spread in the far corners of Europe and the Americas, while Christianity continues to be the primary faith in many parts of the world.
The Cross-Religious Esoteric Movements
Both Christianity and Judaism have enriched the history of many religions and cultures. As a result, a number of interfaith movements have emerged, consisting of elements from the two religions. The Kabbalah, for example, is a tradition of Jewish mysticism that has integrated parts of Christianity, combining an interpretative reading of scriptures and a philosophy of understanding the relationship between man and God. As well as this, the Catholic Church has adapted some ‘Judaizing’ elements from Judaism and showed an interest in its studies and arcana.
This fusion of ideas is exemplified further by movements such as the Christian Cabala, which was created by the Jewish convert Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, combining the esoteric theories of Jewish Kabbalah with Christian ideals. This movement has had enormous effects on Western religious, scientific and philosophical thinking. Additionally, a branch of Judaism called “Messianic Judaism”, born out of a synthesis of the two religions, has been rising in popularity since the 1970s. Religion professor Karl Kaltenthaler argues that these syncretic movements “attempt to make sense of a world in which the boundaries between religions have become much less clear than they once were”.
The emergence of these esoteric movements illustrate that, in spite of their differences, Christianity and Judaism are deeply intertwined with each other’s history and culture, suggesting that it is impossible to determine which religion was originated first.
The Role of Scholarship and Research
As is the case with any religion, scholarly research and studies of Judaism and Christianity are of great significance. Both theology and research in relation to general religious studies are essential for understanding aspects that are still unknown, or misinterpreted.
Religion professor, Neal Nangeroni from Heidelberg University, states “Religious studies allow us to understand deeply facets of these two ancient faiths that unite us, as well as point out the boundaries between the two. By engaging in a more meaningful way with religious texts and the writings of influential theologians, we can better identify the similarities and the dissimilarities between Judaism and Christianity”.
In recent years, with the rise in interfaith networks and collective movements, there is also an increase in programmes and university courses which focus on the commonalities and distinctions between faiths. Whether in the form of textbooks, articles, scholarly journals or structured courses, these means of understanding the two religions are integral for the education of students and the general public.
Additionally, the development of technologies such as LexiconTools has enabled easier access to religious scriptures and the works of eminent theologians and scholars, both past and present. The availability of such a resource not only facilitates our understanding of both religions, but opens the possibility for ongoing exploration of the commonalities and contrasts that exist between the two.
Modern Interpretations of Judaism and Christianity
In this modern era, Judaism and Christianity have vastly distinct approaches to their observance, interpreted in different ways by their adherents. Christianity is seen more as a theology of redemption and salvation, consistent with its strong belief in the afterlife and the concept of Jesus being the son of God who died on the cross to save mankind’s sins. Judaism, on the other hand, is heavily centered on the Torah and its laws, advocating religious rituals and belief in one God. It is also based on historical memory and the presence of God in human experience, making it more subjective and experiential in its expression.
The differences in interpretation of both religions can be seen in other areas, too. Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld states “Christianity has often interpreted the Bible in a detached, literal sense, whereas Jewish interpretations of scripture were often based off metaphor and symbols”. Additionally, the relationship between the two is constantly challenged by the fact that Christianity’s denominational structure concentrates power in the hands of a few, whereas Judaism’s analogous structure remains very much in the hands of the people and in local congregations.
It is evident that Judaism and Christianity emphasise different aspects of religious observance, relying on varying interpretations of their scripture. Their respective approaches to expressing faith has rarely been so distinct, while they remain much the same at their core with the same set of fundamental assumptions and instruction.
Opposing Perspectives on Jewish-Christian Dialogue
The two religions’ contrasting understandings of faith has been known to cause friction between the two communities and even give way to animosity. This is well captured in recent times by the debates between faith leaders from both sides on a variety of issues. The dialogue between leaders of different faiths still exists, however there remains a level of tension between the two sides.
This is captured in the arguments between prominent theologian and rabbi, Yitzchak Ginsburgh, and the Pope Francis, who have engaged in debates regarding the different ways in which each religion comprehends and expresses themselves. While Ginsburgh believes “the two faiths have much more in common than they have differences”, Pope Francis has maintained firm stances in his condemnations of antisemitism and the favouring of Christianity by calling for the “unity with Jews”, citing that “the Catholic Church wishes to express its fraternal regard, its compassion and its commitment to continue walking together with them.”
These opposing views are illustrative of the complexities that exist when exploring the dynamics between Judaism and Christianity. On one hand, Rabbi Ginsburgh promotes dialogue, unity and conciliation, while on the other, Pope Francis strives for the unity of Jews and Catholics, portraying the two religions as separate and distinct from one another.
The different views held by faith leaders about the relationship between Judaism and Christianity prove that there is no consensus on how the two, perceived to be so different, ought to interact with each other. Trying to foster relations between the two communities has, to some extent, been successful, however it is clear that more work is needed before a fully-functional
