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JUDAISM
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CHRISTIANITY
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ISLAM
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God
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One god
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One god
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One god
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Central Prophet
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Moses
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Jesus Christ
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Muhammad
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Scripture
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Torah, Prophets,
Writings and the Talmud (oral tradition and commentary)
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Bible (Old and New
Testaments)
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Qur'an (God's revelation
to Muhammad) and Hadith (Mohammed's sayings)
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War
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Peace is always
preferable, but war in self-defense is considered obligatory.
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'Just war' can be
fought as a last resort; tradition of non-violent resistance.
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War should be fought
only in self-defense, within strict limits.
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Divisions
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Modern movements
include Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox and Reconstructionist.
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Many theological
divisions and schisms: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox,
numerous Protestant churches.
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Sunni-Shiite schism
based on disagreement over Mohammed's successors; broad
debate over Islam's role in modern society; little theological
debate.
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Fundamentalism
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Ultra-Orthodox Jews
reject the secular world and live in strict communities.
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Debate over literal
meaning of the Bible; efforts to bring religion into daily
life.
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Return to "pure"
Islam; rejection of secular culture; efforts to bring
religion into daily life and create an Islamic state.
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Holy City
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Jerusalem
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Jerusalem
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Mecca
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Jesus
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A historical figure;
not the Messiah.
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The Son of God.
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Highly respected
as the second-last prophet before Mohammed.
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Hierarchy
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No hierarchy; rabbis
are considered teachers.
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Catholics and Orthodox
have extensive hierarchy; some Protestant branches have
almost none.
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No hierarchy; prayers
are led by imams (teachers) who have studied the Qur'an.
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Idols & Images
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Images and statues
forbidden.
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Images and statues
allowed in some denominations, but not worshiped.
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Images and statues
forbidden.
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Charity
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Tzedakah: 10 percent
of income.
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Tithe: 10 percent
of income.
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Zakat: 2.5 percent
of total wealth each year.
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Proselytizing
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No proselytizing;
Jews must turn away would-be converts three times to ensure
their commitment.
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Conversion considered
important in most traditions; Catholic and Protestant
churches have missionaries.
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Da'wa: Muslims should
share their knowledge of Islam without trying to convert.
Only God can bring someone to Islam.
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Women
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Men and women are
equal in the eyes of God; traditional Judaism prescribes
different roles for men and women. Orthodox men and women
worship separately.
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Men and women worship
together. Some Protestant churches ordain women as priests.
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Men and women are
generally treated the same in the Koran, although women
are oppressed in many Muslim cultures today. Men and women
worship separately.
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House of Worship
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Synagogue
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Church
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Mosque
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Main Day of Worship
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Saturday
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Sunday
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Friday
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Diet
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Must keep "kosher":
no pork or certain seafood; other meat to be killed by
kosher method; separation of meat and dairy.
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No dietary restrictions.
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No pork; other meat
should be prepared by the halal method. No alcohol.
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Life After Death
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No immediate life
after death; life in the "world to come" after
the coming of the Messiah.
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Day of Judgment,
followed by Heaven or Hell.
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Day of Judgment,
followed by Heaven or Hell.
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Mysticism
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Kabbalah
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Numerous mystical
traditions
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Sufism
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