Judaism, Islam, and Christianity each share a history; while takes on that history differ, there is a core base remains the same throughout all. It is not suprising that the philosophies and teachings of the three hold similarities as well. In the following section you will see each of the faiths put up against each other, to examine just what there is linking them, and in turn, separating them.

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Bound together by the story of Abraham, they are not only linked through this prophet, but also separated based upon their interpretation of his significance.

Regarding Judaism and Abraham, they view him as the father of the Israelites; his descendants would carry on as the chosen people, and inherit the Promised Land (Israel).

In Christianity, Abraham is seen as a model of true faith, with his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac for God; also, when God promised to Abraham, the interpretation is that Christians were those that were intended with the promise.

In Islam, Abraham is viewed as a Prophet, much in the vein of Muhammed, and even referred to as the first 'Muslim' due to his monotheistic beliefs. In Islam, it is Muhammad's son Ishmael that they believe he was instructed to sacrifice; Muhammad is also believed to be a descendent of Abraham through Ishmael.

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Common Factors Between All Three

Due to their origins, commonality is rather commonplace between all three of these religions. A given would be the fact that all three are monotheistic (though Christianity has a trinity as well).

They also recognize a similar history, with many of the same prophets and stories holding true (Abraham for one, Moses, Adam, Isaac). It's only the interpretation of said history that differs.

All three believe that despite a body's death and composition, there is a soul that remains to be judged by their respective God; however, Judaism doesn't specifically mention an afterlife.

They all frown upon homosexuality in their text, viewing it as abomination... earlier on in all three faiths it was punishable by death.

The moral and ethical values demonstrated by The Ten Commandments resonate throughout Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While the Commandments are followed directly (and called the Ten Commandments) in Judaism and Christianity, Muslims follow 10 very similar values mentioned in the Qur'an. They all hold to worship the one God, to not commit adultery, be kind to one's parents, and to deal justly (in Islam; a counterpart to the Old Testament's could be to not steal).

The moral values also connect to the defiant and explicit notions of good and evil that are predominant in all three faiths; this coincides with the devotion one has to God as well. As previously mentioned, not adhering to all the doctrines in a few cases can easily lead to a title of heresy.

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Christianity and Judaism

When it comes to Christianity and Judaism, the roots are most definitely visible; the Old Testament of Christianity is the Hebrew Bible of Judaism, the teachings of which are most definitely valid on both sides. Core concepts demonstrated therein are shown in the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments, etc.

The differences begin when we take a look at Jesus (that's a given). While Christian beliefs affirm that Jesus died and was ressurected, Judaism denies this ressurection. They view belief in Jesus as God or The Messiah to be heretical, as to them King David will one day supposedly rise again.

More differences arise in their philosphies; while both hold the value of good deeds and acting correctly, some branches of Christianity believe that faith alone is enough for salvation, while Judaism requires good deeds; it is more a way of living.

In Judaism, abortion is occasionally seen as necessary; they don't consider a born human baby the same as a fetus, which is still a part of the mother. In regards to Christianity, many consider it falling under the category of murder.

Christianity regards Judaism as being true, just lacking in completion; Judaism regards Christianity as being flat-out false.

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Christianity and Islam

Christianity and Islam, despite holding tensions that have lasted throughout many centuries due to difference in belief, hold many similar values. Despite the fact that they both originated out of the same roots, being Abraham, their later doctrines are also similar.

For one, both Christians and Muslims believe in a second coming and an antichrist. They also believe in an eternal heaven and hell in the afterlife.

Again, while Christianity views Jesus as the son of God, Islam recognizes him as a prophet and messiah - he is not divine, and did not ressurect. However, both believe that in the future he will come again.

In regards to war, an Islamic Holy War is extraordinarily similar to a Just War in Catholicism. Essentially, it is fighting for the right and just, in the name of their respective God.

Christianity believes that Islam is a false religion; Islam respects Christianity and its roots, but sees it as incomplete with wrong interpretations.

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Islam and Judaism

In looking at Islam and Judaism one can see quite a few similarities, and few (albeit strong) differences. Both can be percieved not only as faiths, but ways of life.

Jews do not view Muhammad as a prophet, for no one can be a prophet if they are not of the chosen people.

In Islam, there is no separation of church and state; religion is the law. With Judaism, this doesn't hold true, but there are religious views and laws that have the power to override secular law.

Both also deny that the idea of a trinity in Christianity can be deemed monotheistic.

Judaism considers both Christianity and Islam false religions and interpreations of events; contrary to this, Islam respects Judaism but again sees it as incomplete with incorrect interpretations.