Strand: God, Religion and Society (GRSFE2)

Foundation

Christianity has its roots in Judaism.

Investigate the practices and teachings of Jesus as they are linked with his Jewish heritage.

Elaborations

Jesus was a faithful Jew whose followers recognised as the long-awaited Jewish messiah (the one sent by God) and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.

As a young man growing up within Judaism, Jesus read from the scroll in the synagogue, travelled on religious pilgrimage to the Temple in the holy city of Jerusalem, observed the Sabbath and participated in the celebration of Passover. Like Christianity, Judaism is a monotheistic religious tradition, with both religions finding scripture to be a location of revelation. Reading and interpreting the Torah is essential for Jewish life. While Christians are also called to interpret the Bible, the ultimate understanding of God is through Jesus Christ. For Catholic Christians, the sacraments are means for mediating understandings of Jesus Christ.

An important feature for Jews is that they do not speak or write God’s name. Jesus referred to God during his life as Abba or “Father.”

See Learning Lites: Abrahamic religions.

More Information

See Learning Lites: Abrahamic religions.

External Links