| Topic: | Continuity or massive change? | |
| Posted by: | David Ainsworth | |
| Date/Time: | 21/08/25 23:53:00 |
| "What is it that characterises Palestinians as opposed to Jews? Answer: 1) they speak Arabic rather than Hebrew and 2) they are Muslim (or Christian) rather than Jewish. The Arabic language and Islam were introduced to Palestine in the 7th century CE. So to claim that Palestinians have an unbroken tradition in the Holy Land going back several thousand years is simply nonsense." Well, on Answer 2, not as big a break as suggested? "Judaism is more similar to Islam than to Christianity, particularly in terms of religious practice and theology, due to shared monotheistic traditions, origins in Middle Eastern culture, and a focus on divine law. While Christianity also has roots in Judaism, its core beliefs about Jesus and its development as a religion diverged significantly, making its relationship to Judaism more complex than its shared ancestry might suggest. Reasons Judaism is closer to Islam: Shared Religious Concepts: Both Islam and Judaism are strictly monotheistic religions with roots in Semitic, Middle Eastern cultures. Emphasis on Law and Practice: Both religions emphasize a religion of law and have very similar practices in their daily worship, such as frequent prayer and fasting, while Christianity has largely diverged from these practices. Concept of God and Salvation: Judaism and Islam are much closer to each other in their views on God and salvation than either is to Christianity. Why Christianity is less similar: Divergence from Judaism: Christianity began as a movement within Judaism but evolved to a distinct religion over time. Core Beliefs: A key difference is the rejection of Jesus as the messiah by Judaism, a foundational tenet of Christianity. Theological and Metaphysical Differences: Christianity developed distinct supernatural beliefs, such as a set concept of heaven and hell, and end-times prophecies, that are not shared with Judaism. The "Judeo-Christian" term: Despite common usage, some scholars argue that the phrase "Judeo-Islamic" is a more appropriate term to describe the relationship than "Judeo-Christian" given the greater theological and practical similarities between Judaism and Islam." (Google) And naturally all religions change over long periods. "Judaism has changed significantly over its long history, evolving from ancient, Temple-centered worship to diverse forms of practice and belief that reflect different eras and interpretations, such as Rabbinic Judaism and modern movements like Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism. These changes have included adaptations of laws, shifts in theology and prayer, and varying expressions of Jewish identity in response to historical events like the Babylonian Exile and the destruction of the Temple." Continuity or massive change? As the essay said:- "The ethnic cleansing, massacres and colonialism needed to establish Israel can never be justified, regardless of who was there first. It’s a moot point. Even if we follow the argument that Palestinians have only been there for 1300 years, does this suddenly legitimize the expulsion of hundreds of thousands? Of course not. There is no possible scenario where it is excusable to ethnically cleanse a people and colonize their lands." "only been there for 1300 years"! |