Introduction to the Semitic Religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Introduction to the Semitic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam / 2011 /
Western Religions | Honors World Studies

Station 1: Context

Passport Directions: Shade and label all important geographic areas mentioned in the context readings. Add dates pertinent to the founding of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to the timeline. Finally answer the context question below.

Context Question: Why are Judaism, Christianity and Islam referred to as the Semitic religions or Abrahamic religions? Explain the importance of both Semitic and Abrahamic.

Station 2: Scripture

Passport Directions: Using the passport documents, name and describe the scriptures for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Be sure to make note of similarities and differences.

FOR JUDAISM

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FOR CHRISTIANITY…

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FOR ISLAM…

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Station 3: Gods and Prophets

Passport Directions: Read about the gods and prophets for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Complete the chart below noting specifics for each religion.

Religion / God(s)- Remember these are all monotheistic religions / Prophets
Judaism
Christianity
Islam

Station 4: Beliefs

Passport Directions: Complete the following sections as they pertain to the important beliefs within the Semitic religions.

Define the following terms as they pertain to JEWISH beliefs.

TERM / DEFINITION
Mitzvoth (commandments)
Prayer
Tzedakah (charity)
Kashrut (dietary laws)
Shabbat (the Sabbath)

What are the TEN COMMANDMENTS in relation to JEWISH and CHRISTIAN beliefs? Define them and note what they are.

Introduction to the Semitic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam / 2011 /

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Introduction to the Semitic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam / 2011 /

Label the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM below. Be sure to note the Arabic name as well as define each pillar.

Station 5: Branches

Passport Directions: On the following page, draw a tree/chart that shows the major branches of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Make sure to label your tree appropriately and make sure the branches correspond to the appropriate base religion. The following branches should be included:

Judaism: Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist

Christianity: Western Church, Eastern Church, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox

Islam: Sunni, Shia

DRAW RELIGION BRANCHES CHART HERE:

Station 6: Celebrations and Holy Days

Passport Directions: Complete the chart below for important celebrations and holy days.

Religion / Key Characteristics of Calendar / Key Holidays and Festivals
Judaism / Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Chanukah
Pesach/Passover
Christianity / Lent
Ash Wednesday
Holy Week
Easter
Islam / Mawlid-al-Nabi
Ramadan
Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-ul-Adha

Station 7: Symbolism

Passport Directions: Read about the common symbols of the Semitic religions. Name the symbol and religion to which it is related. Then explain what the significance is of the symbol and finally how it applied to beliefs within that religion.

Symbol Name and Religion / Symbol Image / Explanation and
Application to Belief