Differences in Beliefs
Christianity and Judaism are two of the world’s most ancient and influential faiths. Each has its own set of beliefs and practices, though there are some similarities between them. Chief among the differences between the two religions is their understanding of the nature of God and the connection each faith has to the Bible. Another large difference between Christianity and Judaism is their views on the afterlife and the afterlife of individuals.
The central belief of Christianity is that Jesus is the Son of God, while Jews believe that God remains one and indivisible. Christians believe in the Trinity—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – while Jews subscribe to the belief in one God. For many Jews, Jesus is viewed as an earthly messenger, while for Christians he is seen as the divine, sacrificed savior.
Another important difference between Christianity and Judaism involves the way in which the Bible is interpreted and understood. Christianity, rooted in the New Testament, sees Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the New Testament as taking precedence over the Old. Jews emphasize the Hebrew Bible, seeing it as the true Written Law of God, and reject much of the teachings of the New Testament.
In Judaism, faith and actions are intertwined. The belief system is based on an abiding religious law known as halacha and adherence to the 613 commandments in the Torah. Christianity, on the other hand, believes that the saving grace of Jesus is all one needs for salvation, and does not put an emphasis on following the Law.
Relationship with Israel
Judaism has a complex relationship with the modern state of Israel. Jewish people are a minority in the country, while many Christians view the Jewish state as a fulfillment of biblical prophesies. Unlike Judaism, Christianity is not centered around nationality and as such, adherents of the faith have no deep, inherent connection to the country.
The State of Israel recognizes the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion. Non-Jews are able to observe their faiths freely and participate in public life alongside Jews, although this has been a source of tension in the past. Jews and non-Jews alike live together in peace, although there are some issues regarding the discrimination against non-Jewish minorities.
The relationship between Judaism and the State of Israel is very strong, as the majority of the country’s citizens are Jewish or of Jewish descent. Jews across the world have a spiritual connection with the land, as it is seen as part of the promised land promised to Abraham in the Bible. Christians, on the other hand, may have a spiritual connection with Jerusalem, due to its importance in the New Testament, but do not share the same strength of attachments to the land.
Differences in Holidays
Jews and Christians have different holidays. Christianity has holidays such as Christmas and Easter, that celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus. On the other hand, Jews have a range of different holidays, such as Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukah, that commemorate various biblical figures and events.
Many other holidays and observances exist in Judaism, including regular prayer and weekly Shabbat. In Christianity, each faith may have its own traditions, but there are also widely accepted liturgical practices, such as weekly church services and observing the Easter season.
Christian history also includes Lent and Advent, two periods of the year in which believers dedicate themselves to renewal. Lent is the time of reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice while Advent is a more general time of expectation leading up to Christmas. In contrast, Jews observe the 25-day period of repentance during the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Views on Signs and Symbols
Each religion has different symbols and signs that call attention to their beliefs. Christianity has signs of the cross, fish, and an empty tomb as visual reminders of their faith. Jews may use a Star of David symbol and the menorah as representations of their faith.
In addition to the prominent symbols associated with each religion, Jews and Christians also have smaller, more subtle markers to differentiate them from each other. For example, Jewish religious clothing may include ritual items such as yarmulkes and prayer shawls. In contrast, Christian clothing is minimal and left to personal choice or tradition.
The way symbols and signs are used also has a significant impact on the religions’ distinct cultures. Jewish practices are marked by rules and regulations while Christian devotion stresses more of a personal, emotional connection with Jesus.
Differences in Dietary Restrictions
Both Jews and Christians observe some dietary restrictions. Jews follow the ancient dietary laws set forth in the Torah, often referred to as Kashrut. Meat and dairy cannot be mixed, and pork and shellfish are also prohibited. Jews follow these restrictions even when they’re eating outside of a synagogue or home setting.
Among Christians, dietary restrictions may vary. Some Christians may choose to follow the restrictions set out in the Bible, such as those set forth in Leviticus, abstaining from eating pork or certain types of seafood. Other Christians may opt to eat whatever they choose.
Some denominations of Christianity may also encourage their followers to adhere to different diets for health or religious reasons. For example, members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church are encouraged to abstain from meat and other animal products in addition to avoiding certain substances considered to be unhealthy.
Attitude towards Religious Conversion
Religious conversion is seen quite differently between the two faiths. Jews have traditionally been opposed to conversion, partly due to the central figures of the faith, Abraham and Moses, who were of a single people. Jews also believe in the unity of the Jewish people and thus discourage conversion.
Christians, on the other hand, encourage non-believers to become Christians. In fact, Christianity has grown largely because of its willingness to accept converts from other faiths. Christianity holds that anyone can become a child of God through faith in Jesus, regardless of their background.
While Jews may have a less open attitude towards religious conversion, individual Jews may still see conversion as a viable option for those wishing to explore the faith. Christianity, meanwhile, offers the opportunity for individuals to become a part of the faith through baptism.
Stance on Interfaith Marriages
Interfaith marriages—those between two individuals with different religious beliefs—are seen quite differently within Judaism and Christianity. According to traditional Jewish law, marriage between two Jews is encouraged, while marriage between a Jewish person and someone from another faith is frowned upon. The same laws apply to intermarriage between two Christians, with marriage being seen as preferable to any other form of relationship.
In contrast, some Christian denominations are more accepting of intermarriage and believe that it is possible for couples of different faiths to have a successful marriage. Cultural and religious norms may need to be respected, but many Christian churches will perform interreligious wedding ceremonies.
Although interfaith marriage is more accepted within Christianity, it is still seen as a matter of personal choice. Both religions encourage respect, understanding, and appreciation of each other’s beliefs and practices in order to maintain harmony in a marriage.
Views on Abortion
The question of abortion is a controversial one in both Christianity and Judaism, although in slightly different ways. In Judaism, abortion is generally seen as permissible when a woman’s life is at risk, and in certain other cases, such as if a child will be born with a severe disability or deformity which would make life very difficult. Overall, however, the concept of abortion is contentious among Jews.
Christians, on the other hand, generally accept that abortion is a personal choice. While some Christians believe that life begins at conception and is thus sacred, other Christians believe that each person has the right to make their own decisions about their health and body, in line with their conscience.
As such, different denominations of Christianity, and even different individuals, may have different stances on abortion. However, all faiths, including Christianity and Judaism, share in the general belief that life is valuable and should be respected.
Attitude towards Other Religions
The two faiths also have different approaches to other religions. Jews have traditionally been much more open to other religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, while Christians tend to be less accepting of less-known faiths. Judaism emphasizes that people of other faiths should be accepted and respected, while Christianity is more focused on trying to convert non-believers.
Given the old and widespread nature of the two faiths, both have had to deal with their share of persecution. While Jews have experienced the perils of anti-Semitism throughout history, Christians have experienced intense derision and violence against their beliefs. Both faiths have tried to embrace love and understanding towards non-believers, avoiding violence or any form of persecution.
Despite their large differences, Christianity and Judaism share in many of the same values, including the importance of peaceful coexistence and understanding between all peoples regardless of their faith. Both also serve as powerful examples of how faith can be both a source of guidance and a driving force for good in the world.
