Judaism and Christianity in Western Civilization

Judaism's Monotheistic Revolution

Judaism and Christianity produced a tremendous impact on Western civilization. One can argue that these religions provided the foundational basis for this civilization as it developed. The principle way that Judaism was distinct from other religions of its time was its approach to worshipping God: it was entirely monotheistic. Most other religions of the ancient world consisted of a multitude of deities. Judaism, by contrast, taught the notion that there was only one God—a supreme being over everything in existence. Therefore, all of the idols and other facets of polytheistic culture did not apply to Judaism.

The Hebrew God differed fundamentally from the gods in other religions at the time this faith was formed. This God was the sole divine entity and therefore the divine master over all creation. Additionally, this God was instrumental in establishing legal precedents and commands that dictated the way people acted and required adherents to have complete faith in this one God alone.

Social Justice in Jewish Tradition

The term social justice implies an attempt at fairness and equality between people. It also suggests that people should follow standards of right and wrong. This concept relates directly to Judaism because this religion sought to propagate social justice in various ways, including through the Ten Commandments. In this respect, the ideas of Judaism about equality differed markedly from other religions, which readily accepted class or caste systems. Judaism, however, did not.

Judaism also viewed the role of the individual differently than other religions. It was focused on the individual and his or her religious faith, whereas other religions were based on different categories (classes) of people. This emphasis on individual spiritual responsibility became a cornerstone of Jewish thought.

Christianity's Emergence from Judaism

The relationship between ancient Judaism and Christianity was particularly close. In fact, one can say that Christianity descended directly from ancient Judaism. Christianity did not form until Christ was crucified. People had been practicing Judaism for a significantly long time before that event. Jesus himself was Jewish, so Judaism provided the direct foundation for Christianity. The two religions vary primarily in terms of the importance ascribed to Christ.

According to Christian teachings, the meaning of life was to live righteously in a way consistent with the will of God. A large part of that will was based on a belief in Christ and his teachings, and the principal notion that Christ died on the cross to redeem the world. Those who believed in this fact would be granted entry to heaven.

Salvation and Spiritual Equality

The main point that Christianity offered to the individual—something that earlier Greco-Roman religions did not—was guaranteed salvation and eternal, everlasting life. Such life was promised to the individual if he or she believed in Christ's sacrifice and attempted to live in accordance with the principles and teachings of Christ and God. Earlier Greco-Roman religions certainly did not deliver this sort of guarantee. Their gods were temperamental, and depending on the day one interacted with them and their perception of the adherent, they could be either benign or hostile.

The basic beliefs of Christianity include the concept of the Trinity—the belief that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are combined into one entity. Additionally, Christianity teaches that Jesus died on the cross to redeem all the sins of the world, especially the notion of original sin. Basic Christian beliefs also include the ideal of monogamy and the understanding that people are largely judged for their lives and works on earth, which will determine their fate in the afterlife.