The Genesis of the Abrahamic Faiths: From Judaism to Christianity and Islam
The Genesis of the Abrahamic Faiths: From Judaism to Christianity and Islam
God, as traditionally understood, created humans, as described in the Bible. Genesis 2:7 states, ‘And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.’ This is often interpreted as God doing it, but the text suggests it was God’s Son.
John 1:1-4 emphasizes the divine nature of the Son: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.’
Despite this profound divine nature, humans have created complex religious dogmas, leading to separate sects and segments. This essay explores how the foundational themes of the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—emerged from the original religious texts and evolved over time.
From Judaism: The Origin of Abraham’s Faith
Abraham's faith, rooted in the willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19), was central to defining righteousness in Judaism. This act of obedience was seen as the ultimate expression of righteousness and commitment. The verse in Genesis, 22:18, states, ‘In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.’
Righteousness and Sacrifice
The concept of righteousness and sacrifice played a crucial role in the development of Jewish scripture and religious practices. Habakkuk 2:4 emphasizes the righteousness that comes from faith: ‘The righteous shall live by his emunah.’ This idea endorses the belief that it is faith and deed that defines righteousness. The story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac underscores the absolute commitment required to be righteous in the eyes of God.
Christianity as a Misappropriation of Judaism
Contrary to popular belief, Christianity is not a fulfillment of Judaism but rather an adaptation of earlier Jewish beliefs and practices. The figure of Jesus Christ, often seen as the central figure of Christianity, is more appropriately attributed to Greek theologians who misappropriated an earlier Jewish soteriological figure known as Isho the Good.
Isho, an idealized Hellenized Jewish figure, symbolized the Second Son of God and the Second Final and Ultimate Adam (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:22). The themes of sacrifice, obedience, and atonement for sins echo the Jewish themes of righteous duty and sacrifice. Paul’s theology (Acts 9:1-9) further developed these ideas, incorporating them into the emerging Christian community.
The Deification of Jesus Christ
The name ‘Jesus Christ’ itself is a theological misnomer originally used by Greek theologians and scholars, rather than a historical person. The Coptic name ‘Iesous’ (Εισω) in the Egyptian Canon of the Apostles, and the name 'Isho' in Syrian texts, suggest the deification and adaptation of earlier soteriological figures. This transformation from Isho to Jesus Christ can be seen in the writings of Paul, which emphasize the blood atonement for the sins of Adam and Eve.
The Evolution of Religious Themes in Abrahamic Faiths
The themes of sacrifice and atonement continued to shape the religious beliefs of the nascent Christian faith and later Islam. The story of Adam and Eve was an ancient Sumerian myth appropriated by the early Canaanite and nascent Jewish faiths to shift away from agrarian ideals to nomadic ones. Similarly, the story of Abraham and the sacrificial son underscores the importance of obedience and faith.
From Jewish to Universal Salvation
The blessing of Isho’s sacrifice was originally exclusive to Jews. Through the works of Paul, this blessing was expanded to include gentiles and, eventually, all of humanity. The idea of universal salvation was a significant departure from the original Jewish faith, which was more specific in its adherence.
Conclusion
The Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—share common roots and themes but have evolved over time. Understanding these origins and developments can provide insight into the religious beliefs and practices of today. Whether it was through the willing sacrifice of Abraham or the atonement of Jesus, the concepts of faith, obedience, and sacrifice have remained central to the religious worldview of the Abrahamic faiths.