One Root, Many Branches: Understanding Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Together
Judaism, Christianity and Islam One Root, Many Branches: Before the Arguing Starts There are three major faith traditions often spoken about as if they appeared out of nowhere, fully formed and in opposition to one another: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . In reality, they share a common root. They do not begin as rivals. They begin as family. This post is not an argument. It is not a defense. It is not a ranking system. It is simply a laying out of what exists before the arguing starts . The Root: Abraham and Covenant All three traditions trace their spiritual ancestry to Abraham . Abraham is not primarily a lawgiver, philosopher, or religious founder. He is a man who enters into a covenant —a binding agreement—with God. God promises descendants God promises purpose God promises blessing Everything that follows grows out of how that covenant unfolds. The First Division: Ishmael and Isaac Abraham and his wife Sarah are promised descenda...
