Monotheistic Religions

Judaism

The oldest monotheistic religion (1800 BCE). Followers of this religion consider Abraham to be the person who founded many beliefs.

Christianity

The monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Followers believe he is the messiah, or son of God

Islam

This religion was founded by Muhammad (around 600 C.E.) in Arabia.

Monotheism

Belief in one God

Jesus

A teacher and prophet whose life and teachings form the basis of Christianity. Christians believe Jesus to be Son of God.

Muhammad

Founder of religion of Islam. Muslims believed he was given messages from God to share with others

Abraham

Founder of Judaism who, according to the Bible, led his family from Mesopotamia to Canaan (in modern Israel) in obedience to God's command.

Mecca

City in western Arabia; birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and center of the Islamic religion. Muslims face this city when they pray

Synagogue

Jewish place of worship

Church

Christian place of worship

Mosque

A Muslim place of worship

Hebrew Bible (Torah)

A collection of sacred writings of the early Jewish people.

Christian Bible

The holy book of Christians. Contains the Old Testament (much of the basis of the Jewish religion) and the New Testament (which contains writings on the life and teachings of Jesus)

Koran or Qur'an

Holy book of Islam

Jerusalem

A city in the Holy Land, regarded as sacred by Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

Oldest major monotheistic religion

Judaism (1800 BCE)

Second Oldest major monotheistic religion, shares many beliefs with Judaism except for belief in Jesus as messiah

Christianity (1 CE)

The newest of the three major monotheistic religions

Islam (600 CE)

Muslim

A follower of Islam

Moses

Jewish leader who led his people out of slavery from Egypt across the Red sea on a journey known as the Exodus. He also received the 10 Commandments from God.

Symbol of Judaism

The star of King David

Symbol of Christianity

Cross

Symbol of Islam

Crescent and Star

Prophet

a religious teacher who is regarded as someone who speaks for God

Rabbi

Jewish religious leader

Pope

Leader of the Catholic Church (the largest type of Christian church)

Messiah

a savior sent by God

A.D.

Means "anno domini" which translates to "Year of our Lord" in the Latin language.

B.C.

Means, "before Christ" or years before the birth of Jesus

Hijab

a headscarf worn by Muslim women

Yamaka

In the Jewish faith, the skull cap worn by the men at temple services and funeral services.

Crucifix

a representation of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ on it

Christmas

A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ

Easter

The day on which Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead

Yom Kippur

Jewish Day of Atonement- fasting and reflecting on one's sins

Passover

a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days) celebrating their freedom from Egypt

Ramadan

Month of fasting by Muslims to bring oneself closer to God

Hannukkah

The eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year and the start of the high holy days in Judaism.

Jesus Christ

A teacher and prophet whose life and teachings form the basis of Christianity. Christians believe Jesus to be Son of God.