History shows us that both Judaism Christianity share their roots. However, they are also quite different from each other especially when it comes to the fundamentals. Judaism emphasises action while Christianity emphasizes belief. This article on Judaism Christianity examines these fundamentals and highlights the links and differences between the two. However, please note the Judaism views stated in this article reflect only that of mainstream Jews.
Identity
Perhaps the most fundamental of all the differences and similarity between Judaism Christianity is the main objective and identity of the religion / belief. The aim of Christianity is to introduce people to what they know will set them on the path to attaining salvation. Christianity believes that Jesus was the Son of God and he was also the messiah.
It also teaches people that they can in their current sinful state be saved from divine judgment if they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Judaism on the other hand emphasizes on the covenant between the Jewish people and God. The story and the terms of this Covenant are told in the Torah. It also serves as a guide to the Jews to walk in the way of God and on how to live a life of holiness on earth so as to attain sanctity at the highest level.
The Reach
Judaism Christianity also differs fundamentally where their reach to the masses is concerned, i.e. one is more of a national religion while the other is more universal. Judaism is more of a civilization or a culture. The Jews also consider themselves God's chosen people. In order to be Jewish you need to be born Jewish, as in you need to have a Jewish mother or you need to convert to Judaism. Conversion requires that you embrace the principles of Judaism; therefore it becomes more like joining a tribe formally or changing one's country of citizenship. Christianity on the contrary is more universal in its approach. Christianity as a religion that is open and anyone can be a Christian. Conversion to Christianity on the whole is just a declaration of one's faith.
Who is God? What does Judaism Christianity believe?
Both Judaism Christianity have similarities here. Along with these similarities are also dissimilarities. Let's examine them. Both religions have their beliefs set in the God of Isaac, Abraham and Jacob. He is referred to by different names but He is universally accepted as the architect of our universe. Their differences lie in how they view God. Christianity widely believes in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three persons share the same divine substance or essence. Judaism doesn't not see eye to eye on this point. Judaism believes that God is one entity; they also believe that the Trinity is a violation of what the Bible teaches.
Faith, good deeds and salvation
Judaism Christianity both view salvation, faith and good deeds in their own way. Judaism believes that the Torah is meant as a guide to teach people what correct action is all about. Judaism Christianity are on different pages here. Christianity believes that good deeds are not the only path to salvation. Salvation also depends on the faith of the individual in question. Another very big difference between Judaism Christianity is the fact that Judaism does not view humans as being inherent sinners who need to be saved. It views humans as beings with free wills to be righteous. Christianity however believes that all humans are born sinners and need to attain salvation in order to get closer to God.