JUDAISM
Judaism is a one of the oldest organized religions and is based on monotheism. The belief in one and only one God is fundamental to Judaism as a religion. Judaism did not begin with one single originator, but is practiced as a way of life traditionally by the Jewish community.
The faith is based on the stories from the Hebrew Bible also known as the Tanakh, Torah or as Christians call it ‘the Old Testament’. Also, they created a series of Jewish laws that Jews should follow called the Talmud. Jews hold the “Five books of Moses”, called the Pentateuch, as the most sacred section of their holy scriptures. Judaism teaches that God has done or will do three things. One, God created the universe. Modern Jews believe that science best explains how the universe was produced, but believe that God created it. Second, God revealed the Torah to Israel for the use as a guide for His chosen people. Thirdly, Jews believe that God is a loving caring God and offers redemption. Rabbi Kertzer states “Our God is thus a God of creation, revelation and redemption” (1996).
Jewish people believe they have a special covenant with God. Devote Jews are taught to obey the laws and rules God has given, while God grants special favors to these people. This special connection began with a relationship between God and Abraham (on behalf of the Jewish people), and as a universal agreement with all mankind between God and Noah.
Jewish people do believe in sin, as they believe in the “grand promise of atonement and forgiveness” (Kertzer, 1996). However, they do not believe in the doctrine of “original sin”, and do not believe that all human beings are sinners. Although there are a number of Satan reference ...