RE T4 Y8 Flashcards
Symbols that Represent Judaism
- Star of David
Significance: It is widely recognized as a symbol of Judaism and the Jewish community. It is often used on synagogues, Jewish tombstones, and the flag of Israel.
Torah Scroll
Description: The Torah scroll is the central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, containing the five books of Moses.
Symbols that represent Christianity
- Cross:
Significance: The cross is the primary symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. It embodies faith, redemption, and hope. - Dove:
Significance: The dove represents the Holy Spirit, peace, and purity. It is also associated with the baptism of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove.
Symbols that represent Islam
- Star and Crescent: A crescent moon with a star.
Significance: This symbol is often associated with Islam and is used on the flags of many Islamic countries. It represents the lunar calendar, which is used to determine Islamic holidays and events.
What are the types of Initiation rituals in Judaism?
Bar Mitzvah:
- ‘Mitzvah’ means commandment and ‘Bar’ means son. Together, Bar Mitzvah means Son of the Commandment.
- It is a ceremony that welcomes a Jewish boy into adulthood. This happens at about 13 years of age.
- At this point, the Jewish man must now abide by the 613 commandments in the Torah.
- Traditionally, the boy is called up to read from the Torah in the synagogue. He must speak in Hebrew.
- This is followed by a festive kiddush - a prayer recited over a cup of wine.
- It is becoming increasingly popular for Jewish kids transitioning into adulthood to twin with someone from their heritage.
Bat Mitzvah:
- ‘Bat’ means daughter. Together, Bat Mitzvah means Daughter of the Commandment.
- Bat Mitzvah’s have only occurred since the mid-nineteenth century, though it wasn’t part of the synagogue service.
- It is for girls from around 12 years of age.
- Since 1975 it has been incorporated into a synagogue service in Reform services.
- Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are very central to Jewish culture, and they often become big celebrations.
It is a big celebration - you are now an adult. It is an opportunity for your family to become one and gather together.
Brit Milah:
- Eight days after their birth, Jewish boys are circumcised by an officiating celebrant called a mohel. The mohel will come to their home and do this.
- It is a visible of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
‘Brit Milah’ means ‘Covenant of the Circumcision’.
What are the types of initiation rituals in Christianity?
Baptism:
- Water has been used ritualistically in many (alive & stagnant) world religions. The Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Jewish, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Mayans and Aztecs.
- Christian baptism is one of the world’s best-known water rituals and is borrowed from the Jewish faith. Judaism required members to immerse in water before they could be accepted into the community.
- St Paul taught that baptism is a “watery grave” in which we bury our former, sinful life and “proclaim faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus”. Baptism was the commencement of a new spiritual life.
Confirmation
When: Usually occurs during adolescence, after baptism, depending on the denomination.
What: This ritual involves the laying on of hands by a bishop or pastor, and anointing with oil.
Significance: Confirmation strengthens the individual’s commitment to the Christian faith, allowing them to affirm the promises made on their behalf at baptism. It is seen as a deepening of the grace received at baptism and a strengthening of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
First Communion
When: Typically occurs around the age of reason (about 7-8 years old) in many Christian traditions, after a period of instruction.
What: The individual receives the Eucharist (Holy Communion) for the first time.
Significance: This sacrament represents receiving the body and blood of Christ and is a significant step in an individual’s spiritual journey, signifying their full participation in the Eucharistic community.
Reconciliation: Baptisms gift is to graft you into the family, to mark you for life as belonging to God/Christ. Conforming your free will to full unity with Christ is a process.
What are the three crucial elements of Baptism?
Chrism, clothing and a candle.
Chrism: Is olive oil scented with balsam, the oil is blessed by a bishop at a special mass during holy week. Olive oil represents new life - it heals and strengthens.
Clothing: A white garment worn by the one being anointed/baptised. White symbolises the life Christ has given them.
Candle: The baptismal candle indicates they have been enlightened by Christ, whose light burns within them and in turn enlightens the world.
What are the types of initiation rituals in Islam?
Muslim Birth ceremonies:
When the baby is born one of the first things they will do is read the call for prayer in Arabic, the Adhan is recited I the right ear of the baby and in the left ear the Iqamah is recited. God is great or Allahu akbar is recited four times. Anyone can do it but generally the dad does it- it is seen as a blessing for both of them.
Iasmiyah - naming the baby, it is recommended to call the baby after one of the 99 names of God
Tahneek - Putting something sweet in the mouth of the baby so they will grow up into someone with a sweet nature
Khitan - circumcising the baby boys - as the prophet Abraham or Ibrahim did this to his son and it is carried on - symbolizes purity
Aqiqah - sharing a meal on the seventh day after the baby is born - introducing the baby to the whole family and bring everyone together
Shave the hair of the baby and weigh it, then find out the value of the weight in gold and to give that to charity.
Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
When: Can be recited at any time, often during the conversion to Islam.
What: Reciting the Shahada, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
Significance: It is the fundamental declaration of faith in Islam, symbolizing the acceptance and commitment to the Islamic belief.
Muslim initiation rituals include Bismillah. Bismillah is when at the age of four the child learns to recite the Bismillah which is the invocation of the Qur’an “In the name of Allah, the merciful, the compassionate.” From puberty Muslim children are expected to assume reasonability for ritual obligations.
Marriage is also an initiation ritual for Muslims. Muslim are expected to marry as a part of their religious duty. Marriage is a contractual ceremony - their religious leader an Imam does not need to be present and at the ceremony the Adq Nikah is spoken.
What is the name of God in Judaism?
In Judaism, the name of God is considered highly sacred and is often referred to in several ways, each with its own significance and use. They believe they should never say God’s name because they respect him (they think that they are not worthy enough to call him by his name) so they call him:
YHWH (Yahweh)
Description: The Tetragrammaton, consisting of the Hebrew letters Yod, He, Vav, He (יהוה).
Significance: It is the most sacred and ineffable name of God, often rendered as “Yahweh” or simply “The LORD” in English translations. Traditionally, it is not spoken aloud, and when reading the Torah, Jews substitute it with “Adonai” (My Lord).
Adonai
Description: Means “My Lord” in Hebrew.
Significance: Used as a respectful and reverent substitution for YHWH during prayers and scripture reading.
Hashem
Description: Literally means “The Name.”
Significance: Used colloquially among Jews to avoid using more sacred names in casual conversation.
What is the name of God in Christianity?
In Christianity as a monotheistic religion, they believe that there is only one God. They believe there is a relationship with God with people, and that they are intertwined with God. They believe that God is divisible into three parts, the holy or blessed trinity. The creator, Jesus and the Hoy spirit. These three forms are all god, and all represent a different aspect of Gods power.
- God the Father
Description: The first person of the Holy Trinity, representing God’s paternal relationship with humanity.
Significance: Emphasizes God’s role as a loving and caring parent to His creation.
- Jesus Christ
Description: The second person of the Holy Trinity, God the Son, who became incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth.
Significance: Central to Christian faith as the Savior and Redeemer who died for the sins of humanity and was resurrected.
- Holy Spirit
Description: The third person of the Holy Trinity.
Significance: Represents God’s presence and action within the world and within believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them.
What is the name of God in Islam?
In Islam, the name of God is Allah. Islam acknowledges 99 names or attributes of Allah, each reflecting a different aspect of his nature, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise). These names help Muslims understand and connect with the various facets of God’s character.
Allah
Description: The Arabic word for God.
Significance: Allah is the singular, eternal, and all-powerful deity worshiped by Muslims. The name emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid) and is used universally by Arabic-speaking Christians, Jews, and Muslims to refer to God.
What are the five pillars of Islam?
- Shahadah (Creed)
- Salat (Prayer)
- Zakat (Charity to the poor)
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
What is the religious building in Judaism?
Synagogue:
There is no cross as it has no significance to Judaism. They do not believe in Jesus, therefore they do not use the cross as their symbol. On one side, the women sit, and on the other side, the men sit. The Rabbi (leader) stands on the podium and reads/speaks about the Torah. Traditionally, there were women upstairs and men downstairs, but now that there are less people going to the Synagogue, they are all on the same level.
Tallit:
It is a cloak that someone would wear when they were playing. The Rabbi wears it, and the child who is transferring into adulthood would wear it. Within the Orthodox tradition, only men can wear the Tallit.
Torah:
Traditionally, the Torah is not a book, it’s a scroll. There are five of them for each book of the Torah. It is made out of leather, which is flattened out to make it really thin. There is a special Rabbi who transcribes from one Rabbi to another. If the Rabbi who is transcribing (writing out a new torah) makes a mistake, the entire thing has to be burnt. If the Torah gets a tear in it, the whole thing has to be burnt and destroyed as well. This is because it is a really sacred object, so they don’t want it to be damaged, the want it to be perfect - they’d rather have none, other than having a damaged one. If you go to the synagogue you will see them in a special place - at the Reverse. They are covered in expensive materials to cover/protect them.
Yad:
In the same way the Torah is a really sacred text that they don’t want it damaged, it is considered so sacred that they don’t want people touching it, so they have a yad which they use instead of their finger, which helps them follow their page.
What are the religious buildings in Christianity?
- Church
Description: The primary place of worship for Christians.
Significance: Churches are where Christians come together for worship services, prayer, and religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Features: Often include an altar, pulpit, nave, and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.
- Cathedral
Description: A large and important church that serves as the central church of a diocese.
Significance: Cathedrals are the seats of bishops and archbishops, playing a central role in the administration and spiritual leadership of the diocese.
Features: Known for their grand architecture, such as vaulted ceilings, towers, and intricate stained glass.
- Basilica
Description: A special designation given to certain churches by the Pope, based on their historical, architectural, or spiritual importance.
Significance: Basilicas often serve as pilgrimage sites and hold significant religious relics or artifacts.
Features: Typically have a special altar and a distinct architectural style that sets them apart.
- Chapel
Description: A smaller place of worship, often within another building like a hospital, school, or airport.
Significance: Chapels provide a space for worship and prayer in more intimate or specific settings.
Features
What is the religious building in Islam?
Mosque (Masjid)
Description: A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims.
Functions:
Worship: Muslims gather in mosques for the five daily prayers, the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer, and other religious activities.
Community: Mosques serve as community centers where social, educational, and charitable activities take place.
Learning: Many mosques have schools (madrasahs) attached to them where Islamic teachings and the Quran are taught.
Key Features:
Mihrab: A niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca (Qibla), which Muslims face during prayer.
Minaret: A tall tower from which the call to prayer (Adhan) is announced.
Minbar: A pulpit where the imam (prayer leader) delivers sermons, especially during the Friday prayer.
Prayer Hall: An open space inside the mosque where congregational prayers are held, often covered with carpets.
Courtyard: Many mosques have a central courtyard, sometimes with fountains for ablution (Wudu) before prayer.
What are the ways in which people abide by God’s laws in Judaism?
The Mitzvah: The name for the 613 rules that Jewish people live by. These rules are found within the Torah, the majority found in the chapter of Leviticus. Once a boy has completed their bar mitzvah, they must now abide by the 613 commandments from the Torah.
What are the ways in which people abide by God’s laws in Christianity?
The Ten Commandments:
You shall have no other gods before Me: Worship only the one true God and do not place any other gods above Him.
You shall not make for yourself an idol: Do not create or worship idols or images as representations of God.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain: Use God’s name with reverence and respect, not in a careless or disrespectful manner.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: Set aside the seventh day of the week as a day of rest and worship.
Honor your father and your mother: Show respect and obedience to your parents.
You shall not murder: Respect the sanctity of human life and do not commit murder.
You shall not commit adultery: Be faithful in marriage and do not engage in sexual relations outside of marriage.
You shall not steal: Respect others’ property and do not take what does not belong to you.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: Be truthful and do not lie or give false testimony about others.
You shall not covet: Do not desire or envy others’ possessions or relationships.
What are the ways in which people abide by God’s laws in Islam?
- Observing the Five Pillars of Islam
Description: The Five Pillars are the foundational acts of worship and practice in Islam.
Practice:
Shahada (Faith): Declaring the belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers at prescribed times.
Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need.
Sawm (Fasting): Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
What are terms to describe the nature of God in Judaism and Christianity?
In both Judaism and Christianity, they both see God as 4 main things:
Omnipotent: All powerful
Omnipresent: All present
Omnibenevolent: All good
Omniscient: All knowing
Judaism: They view him as Allah, they do not say his name as they believe they are not worthy enough.
Christianity: The trinity: the father, the son, and the holy spirit. They also view him as a dove - representing peace.
What are the terms to describe the nature of God in Islam?
The most common name to call God in the Islamic religion is Allah, but they also call him by the other 99 names of Allah, each representing one of his many traits.
What are the similarities in how in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam understands the nature of God.
· Abraham is an important figure in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This connect is why these three religions can be referred to as the Abrahamic Religions- ‘Faith derived from common ancient Semitic tradition adherent to Abraham’
· They are all monotheistic religions - they claim to worship the one true god of creation who is all powerful and controls the universe. Judaism and Islam believe in the one form of God, but Christianity believes that god is in three forms.
· God is part of the supernatural guidance of history and that God was very active through history with is interactions with human beings. E.g. inspiring prophets and giving people visions of god and his mission, sending angles to earth.
· Emphasise and stress moral responsibility and accountability of human beings and that there will actually be a ‘judgement day’ where people will be given an eternal reward or punishment for their actions
· They all emphasize their covenant and promise with God
· They also share that almost all biblical prophets with each other
· Their scripture also have similarities too, the Christian Bible uses the Tanakh from the Jewish scripture for their old testament and the Quran also tells similar stories e.g. the crucifixion of Jesus, however it is told differently and Muslims believe that the Christian and Jewish versions are corrupted and that theirs is the most accurate. .
· Pilgrimages are another similarity between eh three religions, Mecca and the Pillars of Islam for Muslim’s, Jews journey to Jerusalem, Roman Catholics journey to Santiago de Compostela
· Peace is also a central concept of all three religions - which is reflected in their greetings all meaning Peace. Peace be with you.
· They also share the belief in common specific names for God - Muslim uses the Arabic term Allah for god, they have a lot but many names are considered too holy so they are replaced with other worlds like lord or god.
· That god created the world in six days and the Adam and eve were the first humans
What are the differences in how Judaism, Christianity, Islam understands the nature of God.
· Muslim believe that humans are born sinless but the human soul is weak and prone to sin, they believe that sin is committed by humans because of the concept of free will. Jews reject the idea of original sin and atonement for sin is made by seeking forgiveness - Yom Kippur. In salvation is mainly earned by strictly following the covenant and promises with and from god- the Torah. The Christian belief is that sin is an evil act of offense against god characterised by despise of him and commandments. They believe in the original sin of Adam and Eve passed down through humanity, they believe that Jesus made amendments for their sins by dying on the cross.
· Their holy days are on different days. Islam - Friday, Judaism - Saturday, Christian - Sunday
· They have different Messiahs. Christianity - Jesus, Islam - Mii or Guided one the Prophesized redeemer of Islam, Jewish - the messiah refers to a king like figure who will rescue Israel form its oppressors.
· The Muslim book the Quran is believe to be the exact words of god and written by the prophet Muhammad. Judaism haves the Tanakh sacred scriptures the Torah. Christians have the old testament - the Torah and Jewish book, and the new testament.
· Jesus is seen differently. Islam - resected and that he was the last prophet before Muhammad, but was not divine- mission was to proclaim the gospel or Angle, that he will not be resurrected. The Jewish religion - believe that Jesus did exist but that he was a false prophet, that he was neither a prophet, messiah or divine and that he was crucified for his claim to be the Messiah. Christians view Jesus as the son of God, which is one of the main reasons why they split from Judaism, that Jesus’ purpose was to reconcile the relationship between God and His people and to bring everyone to Gods kingdom, that he sacrificed himself via crucifixion to the sins of Man and ascended to heaven.
· Judaism believe that no human can die for the sins of others, however Christianity says that Jesus died for the sins of Mankind. Judaism says all humans are born innocent but Christianity says they are born with original sin. Judaism believes that no man can come on earth twice however Christianity says Jesus was resurrected and will have a second coming. J- every person should speak directly to god, C - Jesus says the only way to reach the father is through him. J - god is one and indivisible and cannot be separated, C - believes in the Father - god Son- Jesus and the holy spirit. J- all equally god’s children. C - Jesus was gods son above all of humankind. J - the messiah will be a normal mortal man, C- Jesus was the Messiah.
The founder, prophets, and Saviors of Judaism.
Judaism traces its origins back to Abraham, who is considered the founder and the first Jew. He is seen as the physical and spiritual ancestor of the Jewish people.
Judaism recognizes 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses according to the Talmud. Some of the most notable prophets include Moses, who is considered the greatest prophet and the giver of the Law, as well as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
They believe that they have not yet found their Saviour, they are still waiting.
The founders, prophets and Saviour’s of Christianity.
Founders
Jesus of Nazareth: The central figure and founder of Christianity. Christians believe he is the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.
Prophets
Old Testament Prophets: Figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are considered major prophets. There are also minor prophets like Hosea, Amos, and Micah.
New Testament Prophets: Figures like John the Baptist and Philip the Evangelist are recognized as prophets.
Saviour
Jesus Christ: Christians believe Jesus is the Saviour who was sent by God to redeem humanity from sin through his death and resurrection.
Founders, prophets, and Savior’s of Islam.
Founder
Prophet Muhammad: Considered the final prophet and the founder of Islam, who received revelations from God (Allah) that are compiled in the Quran. He is regarded as the “Seal of the Prophets.”
Prophets
Islam recognizes many prophets, some of whom are also significant in Judaism and Christianity. Here are a few key ones:
Adam: The first human and prophet.
Noah (Nuh): Warned his people of a great flood.
Abraham (Ibrahim): Known for his unwavering faith and considered a patriarch in Islam.
Moses (Musa): Led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah.
Jesus (Isa): Regarded as a prophet and messenger, not the son of God as in Christianity.
Others: Includes David (Dawud), Solomon (Sulayman), and Jonah (Yunus), among others.
Saviors
Islam does not have a concept of a “savior” in the same sense as Christianity.
What is the sacred text in Christianity?
The bible
What is the sacred text in Judaism?
The Torah
What is the sacred text in Islam?
The Qu’ran
True or False: Christianity is NOT a Monotheistic and Abrahamic religion.
False.
Monotheism: This is when a religion worships only one God, that God can take many forms but all together it is still one God. This is Christianity, although they also worship Jesus (their saviour), and the Holy Spirit, ultimately, they are all different forms of God.
Abrahamic: A religion that is founded by Abraham and his descendant’s. In Christianity’s case, this is Jesus who was of Jewish descent and therefore a descendant of Abraham.
Christianity IS a MONOTHEISTIC and ABRAHAMIC religion.
True or False: Islam IS a Monotheistic and Abrahamic religion.
True.
Islam believes there is only one God. Prophet Muhammad, who is a descendent of Abraham.
Is Judaism a Monotheistic and Abrahamic religion?
Monotheistic
Definition: Monotheism is the belief in a single, all-powerful deity.
In Judaism: Jews believe in one God, known as YHWH (Yahweh) or Adonai. This belief in the oneness of God is central to Jewish faith and is expressed in the Shema, a traditional Jewish prayer: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Abrahamic
Definition: Abrahamic religions trace their origins to the patriarch Abraham and share a common heritage.
In Judaism: Abraham is regarded as the founding patriarch of the Jewish people. The covenant between Abraham and God, described in the Torah, establishes the foundation for the Jewish faith and its emphasis on a unique relationship with God.
