Lesson

Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of the Abrahamic Religions

Students explore the common origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They learn key features of each religion, including origin, beliefs, key individuals, and holidays. Then they identify the shared basis of the three religions. Finally, they learn about the story of Abraham and his legacy in these Abrahamic religions.

Preview the Lesson Back to Southwest Asia and North Africa

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Overview

In this experience, students explore the common origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They learn key features of each religion, including origin, beliefs, memorable individuals, and holidays. Then they identify the shared basis of the three religions. Finally, they learn about the story of Abraham and his legacy in these Abrahamic religions.

To focus specifically on Islam and its origins and beliefs, see Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of Islam, in the North Africa and the Middle East collection.

Objectives:

Describe the origins and beliefs of Judaism and trace its early history.
Describe the origins and beliefs of Christianity.
Compare and contrast aspects of the three Abrahamic religions.

The region of the Middle East covered in this unit has given rise to three of the world’s great religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These religions are sometimes called the Abrahamic religions. In this experience, you will explore the origins and beliefs of these religions to find out why.

Objectives:

Describe the origins and beliefs of Judaism and trace its early history.
Describe the origins and beliefs of Christianity.
Compare and contrast aspects of the three Abrahamic religions.

three archways, each decorated by a religious symbol

Look at the image. What do you think the three symbols on top of the buildings represent?

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Discuss students’ responses. If they can’t identify the symbols, explain that the star is a symbol for Judaism, the cross is a symbol for Christianity, and the star and crescent is a symbol for Islam.

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