Syllabus for Independent Study
JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM:
A COMPARATIVE STUDY
METHOD OF STUDY
Read the sacred texts, as well as the comparative studies on the Abrahamic faiths. Attend services in the three major traditions. Evaluate learning by composing an essay comparing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
OBJECTIVES
Seek insight into the three Abrahamic faiths, with emphasis on both their unique and related elements, and with reference to Scripture and tradition, monotheism, authority, worship and ritual, ethics, the material culture, political order, and dialogue.
OUTLINE
ORIGINS
Semites and the Proto-Semitic Religion
Adam and Abraham
Abrahamic religions: Samaritanism, Rabbinical Judaism, Christianity, Mandeanism, Essenes, Islam,Druze, Karaite, Shabbataianism, Baha’i.
The three Great Religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam
"Religions of the desert"- "Religions of the Mountains"
Sacred Geography: Jerusalem; Pilgrimage
MONOTHEISM
The Only God
Attributes of God
Greek philosophy influences
Folk religion: spirits, angels, and demons
REVELATION
Revelation
Verbal emphasis
Prophets
SCRIPTURES
"People of the book"
Primary sacred texts: Tanakh, New Testament, Qur'an
Secondary texts: Talmud; Theological writings, hymns, canons, creeds; Hadith
Common Characters: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah
Jew, Christian and Muslim views on Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad
MANKIND
Linear history
Sin
Salvation
Ethics
Tzedekah, Charity, Zakat
Judgment, Paradise, Hell
Messiah, Mahdi
Ressurection
COMMUNITY
Israel, Church, Ummat al-Mu'minin
Halakah, Canon Law, Sharia
Kosher, Halal diet
Fasting
Sectarism
Religious office: rabbis, priests/pastors, imam, umah.
WORSHIP
Synagogues, Churches, Mosques
Collective worship; Sermon
A rare practice: Animal Sacrifice
MATERIAL CULTURE
Non-Iconic representations of the divine
Music
Architecture
Literature
DYNAMICS
Co-existence in conflict and tolerance
Dialogues
Fundamentalisms
REFERENCES
1996-1997.
Hall, 2001.