I. Judaism

A. Background

1. Hebrews-later called Jews

2. Hebrew Scriptures: the Torah; Old Testament to Christians

3. Abraham “father” moved people to Canaan (Palestine)

4. Monotheistic; all-knowing, all-powerful; eternal

B. Creation

1. in God’s image with divine spark

2. moral freedom—capacity to choose between good and evil

C. Morality

1. Bible: code of law

2. Hebrew Code: Ten Commandments; focus- morality and ethics

a rules of social and religious behavior

3. prophets: messengers from God; attacked war, oppression, greed

II. Christianity

A. Background

1. Jesus of Nazareth; born 6-4 BC; Jew and Roman subject

a teachings: monotheism; principles of the Ten Commandments

b stressed: importance of love

c Executed: political threat; increased membership

B. Spread: Roman Empire initially hostile yet spread ideas

1. exiled Jews from homeland (AD 70): Diaspora

2. becomes official religion of empire AD 380

III. Islam

1. Background

a monotheistic; taught equally of all persons and individual worth

b Muhammad: prophet; based on his teachings

i emphasized dignity of all human beings; brotherhood of all people; bond on community

IV. Impact of Monotheistic Religion

a duty of the individual and the community to combat oppression

b worth of the individual

c equality of people before God