Introduction
Christianity and Judaism are two of the oldest and most influential faiths in the world. Both draw on their shared roots in the Abrahamic tradition to shape their beliefs and practices. They both love, honor, and serve the same God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The similarities end there, however. Christianity has a belief system and a set of practices that are distinct from Judaism. Yet, there remains a common thread between the two religions that often helps to bridge the gaps between them. It is in this common thread that we can begin to understand what Christianity and Judaism have in common.
The Abrahamic Legacy
Underlying the shared beliefs and practices of Christianity and Judaism is the common ground of the Abrahamic legacy. Abraham is the progenitor of both of these religions, whom God blessed with a special covenant. This covenant forms a core belief between both religions- the idea of one God, and the importance of applying His teachings to our lives. Both Christianity and Judaism revere Abraham as a figure of both faith and obedience, and recognize the covenant that God made with him as the basis of their faith.
The Commandments
Another universal tenet of both Christianity and Judaism is the commandment to love God. This teaching is set forth in the Bible and is shared by both religions. Both faiths require adherents to obey the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. Adherence to these commandments involves acts of loving kindness and respect for one another, or as it is known in Judaism, ‘Hesed.’ This common thread of love for God and for one another is a unifying force between both Christianity and Judaism.
Church and Synagogue
The church and synagogue are two places of worship that both Christianity and Judaism have in common. Both faiths meet for religious services, to learn about God and His teachings, to celebrate and mourn, and to fellowship with one another. Christianity and Judaism also share a belief in a bodily resurrection from the dead and in the life everlasting. There are, however, a few points of divergence in the views and practices in each religion’s respective places of worship.
Holy Scriptures
The holy scriptures of both Christianity and Judaism are mutually revered and held in high esteem. For Christianity, it is the Christian Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible unifies believers in their common faith and serves as the source of revelation, guidance, and instruction. Judaism also reveres the same Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh or “Old Testament.” This is the basis of Jewish faith and practice, although some texts and interpretations may differ.
Liturgy and Rituals
Christianity and Judaism share a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of liturgy and rituals. Both religions use the same language and symbols in expressing their faith, for example, the use of the Star of David for Judaism and the Cross for Christianity. This reinforces the underlying commonalities between the two faiths, namely, the sacredness and importance of spiritual life and worship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christianity and Judaism have many commonalities in their beliefs and practices. Their shared legacy of the Abrahamic covenant, the Ten Commandments given to Moses, the veneration of the Scriptures, the place of the church and synagogue in each faith, and their mutual appreciation of liturgy and rituals, are just a few of the common threads between the two religions. By understanding the commonalities between Christianity and Judaism, we are better able to bridge the divides between them and find the common ground of faith that they share.
Unique Spiritual Path
Christianity and Judaism both hold that one’s spiritual journey is a unique, personal affair. While Christianity promotes the path of redemption through Christ, Judaism emphasizes the path of divinely guided self-transformation. Both faiths stress the importance of one’s own inner spiritual journey and understanding. They both recognize that the process of personal spiritual growth is a gradual one, and that it should be nurtured through prayer, meditation, and the study of sacred scriptures.
Ethics and Morality
Central to both Christianity and Judaism is moral and ethical conduct. Each faith places a strong emphasis on moral behavior as a central part of its faith. For Christianity, this means abiding by the teachings of Jesus, who encourages disciples to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” and to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This same principle can be found in Judaism, with the religion emphasizing morality, justice, and ethical living as a cornerstone of faithful practice.
Perpetual Covenant
The Covenant between God and the people of Israel is seen in both Christianity and Judaism, as is a strong emphasis on the importance of covenantal relationships between people. For Christians, the manifestation of the covenant is seen in the New Covenant between God and Jesus. For Jews, the concept of the Covenant, or Brit, is seen as an eternal bond between God and the Jewish people.
Eschatology
Both Christianity and Judaism have a shared hope in the idea of an end times and a judgment of the world by God. Eschatological beliefs can be found in both religions, with Christianity looking to Jesus for the fulfillment of the prophecy and the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth, and Jews looking to the Messiah for the same purpose. They both see an end of all the world’s suffering and a restoration of harmony and peace.
Tikkun Olam
The concept of Tikkun Olam is shared by both Christianity and Judaism. Roughly translated to “repairing the world,” Tikkun Olam is the idea of each believer striving to make the world a better place. Both faiths agree that it is our moral obligation to fix the brokenness in the world, and to do good in the name of God. This is seen in the service-oriented nature of both Christianity and Judaism, and in the emphasis on acts of charity and kindness as a way of enacting Tikkun Olam.
