Read section on Christianity and answer one of the questions at the end or one of the following bonus questions. (Be sure to indicate which question you are answering.) 1. Christianity is considered a sectarian movement that comes from Judaism. What are some elements that distinguish Christianity from its Jewish roots? 2. What are some important commonalities between Christianity and Judaism? 3. How do you explain the notion of Messiah and what claims does Jesus make for this title?
Christianity emerged as a sectarian movement from Judaism in the 1st century CE. While the two faiths share certain commonalities, Christianity distinguishes itself from its Jewish roots in several key aspects. These distinctions include theological differences, the interpretation of scriptures, the understanding of salvation, and the role of Jesus as the central figure in Christian belief.
One element that distinguishes Christianity from Judaism is its theological understanding of the nature of God. Judaism affirms the belief in monotheism and holds that God is One and indivisible. On the other hand, Christianity developed the concept of the Holy Trinity, which posits that God exists as three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian understanding of God is a central tenet of Christian theology and sets it apart from the monotheistic theology of Judaism.
Another distinguishing element lies in the interpretation of sacred scriptures. While both traditions revere the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Christianity expanded its authoritative texts to include the New Testament as well. The New Testament consists of the Gospels, the writings of the early Christian communities, and the letters of the Apostles. This addition of the New Testament as a sacred text provides Christianity with a different set of scriptures, which are considered authoritative alongside the Hebrew Bible.
In terms of salvation, Judaism emphasizes the observance of religious laws and the fulfillment of commandments as the means to attain a righteous life and a relationship with God. Christianity, however, places emphasis on the belief in Jesus as the Savior and the acceptance of his sacrificial death on the cross as the ultimate act of atonement for humanity’s sins. Faith in Jesus and his redemptive work is seen as the primary pathway to salvation in Christianity, distinguishing it from the Jewish emphasis on observance of the law.
Finally, the role of Jesus as the central figure in Christian belief distinguishes it from its Jewish roots. In Judaism, the focus is on the covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people as a whole, rather than the identification of a specific individual as the Messiah. In contrast, Christianity holds Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One, who fulfills the Messianic prophecies found in the Hebrew Bible. Jesus’ claim to the title of Messiah is based on his teachings, his miraculous deeds, and his resurrection from the dead. These claims go beyond the customary Jewish understanding of the Messiah and introduce a new understanding of the role and identity of the Messiah within a Christian framework.
Considering the bonus question of explaining the notion of Messiah and the claims made by Jesus for this title, Messiah, derived from the Hebrew word “mashiach” meaning “anointed one,” refers to a figure in Jewish eschatology who is expected to bring salvation and redemption to the Jewish people. In Jewish belief, the Messiah is seen as a great political and spiritual leader, a descendant of King David, who will restore the Davidic kingdom, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and usher in an era of peace and righteousness.
Jesus, in his teachings, claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah foretold in the Hebrew Bible. He presented himself as the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, demonstrating this through his words, actions, and self-identification. Jesus’ claims as the Messiah were grounded in his teachings about the coming Kingdom of God, his acts of healing and liberation, as well as his direct declarations of being the Messiah.
In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as proclaiming that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, sent by God to fulfill the divine plan of salvation. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16). Jesus does not shy away from declaring his Messianic identity and performs various actions that align with the expectations of the Messiah, such as exorcisms, healings, and teachings about the Kingdom of God.
In conclusion, Christianity distinguishes itself from its Jewish roots through theological differences, the interpretation of scriptures, the understanding of salvation, and the central role attributed to Jesus as the Messiah. Christianity introduces the concept of the Holy Trinity, expands its authoritative texts to include the New Testament, emphasizes faith in Jesus as the means of salvation, and presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah with specific claims grounded in his teachings, deeds, and identification as the Son of God.