What is the Difference Between Jews and Christians?

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The main differences between Judaism and Christianity are as follows:

  1. Concept of God: Judaism emphasizes the Oneness of God and rejects the Christian concept of God in human form. Christianity recognizes the Hebrew Bible (called the Old Testament by Christians) as part of its scriptural canon, but Judaism does not recognize the Christian New Testament.
  2. Jesus as Messiah: The essential difference between Jews and Christians is that Christians accept Jesus as the messiah and personal savior, while Jesus is not part of Jewish theology.
  3. Scripture: Both religions believe in the existence of heaven and hell, and they share the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) as the authoritative Word. However, Christianity includes the New Testament as well.
  4. Salvation: Regarding sin and salvation from sin, Jews and Christians differ with opposing views. Jews believe that anyone may gain salvation through faith in the one true God and moral living, while Christians believe that people are saved only through faith in the atoning death of Christ.
  5. Holidays: Easter, Lent, Advent, and Palm Sunday are examples of holidays that have a connection to the life of Jesus and are not part of Jewish life.
  6. Day of Worship: Christians observe Sunday as their day of worship, while Jews observe the Sabbath, which starts at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.

Despite these differences, both religions share a common belief in one God who is almighty, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, and infinite. Both also believe in a God who is holy, righteous, and just, while at the same time loving, forgiving, and merciful.

Comparative Table: Jews vs Christians

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Judaism and Christianity:

Aspect Judaism Christianity
God Unity Trinity
Messiah Jesus as a prophet, not divine Jesus as the divine Son of God and the Messiah
Atonement Prayer and Repentance Blood required
Sin Everyone stained by Adam and Eve All begin with a clean slate
Chosen People Unique responsibility and divine duty Exclusive and racially superior
Savior None Jesus as personal savior
Holy Days Sabbath (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) Sunday
Worship Synagogue Church
Sacraments None Eucharist, Confession, Baptism
Founder Abraham Jesus Christ
Divisions Hasidic, Conservative, Reform Judaism Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic
Followers 14 Million (2009 Estimates) 2.2 Billion (2009 Estimates)

Please note that these differences are fundamental and may not encompass all the variations within each religion. Additionally, not all Christians are formally part of a church or follow specific sacraments.