Judaism: One of the World’s Oldest Religions
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions. Conceived thousands of years ago, Judaism’s roots are embedded deep in ancient history, having been fought for, restored, and adapted over dozens of centuries. It’s a faith that’s been passed down for generation after generation for a reason. But who started it? Who was responsible for its inception and its doctrines?
The answer, surprisingly, is one individual: Abraham. As Judaism’s founding father, the bible states that Abraham (or Avraham, as he is known by his Hebrew name in the original Torah) was the first person to believe in and accept God’s word. According to tradition, Abraham encapsulated God’s mission and vision, effectively solidifying the basis of Judaism in the eyes of many.
But while Abraham is credited with introducing the foundation of Judaism’s beliefs, the structure and formation of these doctrines and traditions largely fall in the hands of his grandson, Jacob, and then Moses. When Abraham’s descendants – Jacob, who is also referred to as Israel, and his twelve children – moved to Egypt, they were enriched by the numerous cultures and expansions that surrounded them and adopted many of them. It was this melding of cultures and mindset that were eventually formally organized and structured by Moses that transformed Judaism from a family-focused idea and forged it into a worldwide religion.
Moses formalized Judaism into three core sets of tenets, known as the Written Torah, the Oral Torah, and the Hebrew Bible. While the Written Torah could be considered Judaism’s set of laws and regulations, often cited in a wide array of both spiritual and secular capacities, the Oral Torah could be argued as the home or hub of the religion. It’s the compilation of stories passed down, with each layer revealing an all-encompassing, multifaceted view of the faith and its followers. Finally, the Hebrew Bible is the story of the religion itself, from its early manifestation to its later period of circulation and back to the present day.
Overall, Judaism hinges upon a basic tenet of faith: Monotheism, the belief in one god. This idea is the platform upon which all of the carious traditions of the Judeo-Christian culture have been built.
Judaism and its Relation to Christianity
Despite having some similarities, such as the overarching belief in one god and common themes throughout history and scriptures, Judaism and Christianity have significant distinctions. For one, the Jewish faith does not recognize Jesus to have been the son of God nor do they regard him as the Messiah, while Christianity, in its most common forms, and many denominations, embraces these concepts.
Additionally, Christianity’s savior comes to alleviate humanity’s sins of the past, whereas Jews look to work towards a future governed by godly principals, of which Moses set the precedent for with his teachings. Jews also accept the Torah, but also the Talmud, which informs their views and behaviors. Of prime importance is leading a holy life and adhering to the restrictions set forth from god.
Finally, the notion of god’s relationship to man and the means of attaining an exceptional status to be closer to god in a spiritual sense differ between both faiths. Of these two, Christianity places a greater emphasis on grace and salvation, while Judaism’s focus is more on adherence and righteous behavior.
Judaism’s Diaspora and Dispersion Throughout History
As a result of Moses’ thrust to spread and share the Judaic faith, Judaism made its way beyond ancient Israel and into the wider world. The diaspora of Judaism has been in effect for centuries. This has resulted in a spread of customs, beliefs, and practices that have circulated amongst Jewish followers and not only dates back to biblical times but persists to the present day.
Today, many aspects of the religion have come to be accepted as evidence of a lasting trend among adherents to observe Jewish traditions. This has been borne out in numerous ways from the way Jewish families host traditional events like Passover and Rosh Hashanah to the trending of folk jewelry throughout Western Europe, where symbols of the Star of David regularly figure prominently in mainstream fashion.
The impact of Judaism over the centuries has been far-reaching. Jewish law is embedded in the societies of nations around the world, many of which have since adapted them to suit personal preferences. This rather unique approach to integrating different cultures and traditions has granted Judaism a certain spotlight and the notion of a resilient faith that has often shone through periods of great strife.
Citation of Jewish Theology
As one of the oldest religions of its kind, Judaism’s influence and impact upon the wider world is undeniable. Its theology has been cited in many of the world’s major philosophies and cross-cultural theories and has often been used to establish the ethics upon which current society is based.
Jewish symbolism, too, is regularly found in numerous contexts around the world, from Europe and the United States, to Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The Star of David, the eagle of the Tribe of Judah, and the menorah of the Temple of Jerusalem, have come to be indicative of the faith itself, regardless of denomination or ideology.
The vast scope of Jewish theology and its prevalence throughout the world has been testament to the faithfulness of its followers and the power of its presence. Its relevance remains undiminished despite the changes in religious leaders and its intensity as been as firm as ever in the face of time, illustrating the strength of Judaism’s adherents and the power that their faith holds.
Jewish Impact Within the Modern Era
For Jews of the modern era, their faith has been a source of solace and a root system to an evergreen tree of traditions that spans centuries. Among those are a plethora of inherited holidays, rituals, and festivals that serve as a cornerstone for both the cultural and religious expressions felt throughout the worldwide Jewish community.
The importance of this belief system manifests in Jewish organizations such as Chabad, which focus upon uniting the Jewish community, allowing them a place where everyone, regardless of ethnicity or religion, can come together to socialize and learn more about their shared faith.
Putting the spotlight on Israel, the country has become a strong symbol of the faith Judaism stands for, a place where it is thriving and prospering and is further developing in the eyes of many. This has largely been in part due to its overriding secular stance, but Jews’ pride in their homeland is undisputed, with a large percentage of Jews from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom having made aliyah and resettled in the country.
As a religion, Judaism has been adopted by countless individuals in numerous countries and, while it has its detractors worldwide, it remains one of the oldest world religions and its heritage remains a source of great pride and identity for many. Few other religions have managed to survive in the face of such adversity and fluctuations that Judaism has so strong-heartedly endured.
The Message of Judaism
The message of Judaism is one of resilience, perseverance, and strength. In a faith where many members are subjected to persecution and discrimination, the ability to stay the course has been remarkable, having shown itself through thousands of years of spiritual adoration and faithfulness.
For those who follow Judaism, the message has been clear: stay firm to one’s faith and never compromise on that which matters most. Jewry’s tenacity and dedication to their beliefs are befitting of Abraham and those that followed him, each of whom planted the spiritual and cultural tree that blooms to this day.
The Contribution of Judaism in Society
The contribution of Judaism to the world is extensive and wide-ranging. Its principles and ideologies have been a guiding light for billions since it’s inception. From the founding of the first monotheistic religion to its role in structure of parameters of ethics, morality, and law, Jews have been integral in advancing civilization.
Jews have long been advocates of the ideal of the ‘Golden Rule’, where one should treat others with respect and kindness. This altruistic ideal has been applied by Jewish culture in all its capacities and is an ideal Jews are proud to keep alive.
The concepts of tzedakah and tikun olam also represent a value system that emphasizes the importance of selflessness, charity and stewardship of the environment as primes for achieving a higher level of communal consciousness. These ancient Jewish values are more relevant than ever in today’s world and harken back to a simpler, more compassionate way of living according to Jewish faith.
Conclusion of Judaism’s Longstanding Legacy
Judaism’s legacy has been ongoing for centuries, its influence taking many forms and its authority exerting itself in multiple spheres of life. Its longevity as a faith has been as impressive as it has been ever-lasting, with generations of Jews having fought to maintain and express the founding principles of their faith.
Foundationally built upon the concept of monotheism, Judaism has held itself as a beacon of hope, justice and morality, with its message to the world having remained unchanged throughout the ages. In a time where stability, certainty, and faith are often questioned, one thing stands true: the love and devotion to Judaism has withstood the test of time.
