Accepted Answer

Judiasm

Countries of origin

Depends on what you consider the origin -- The Jewish religon views Abraham as it father, therefore the origin could be Ur. Since that is where he came from. Ultimately the jews were given what is now known as Isreal, as a "promised land" in the bible, so that could also be considered the origin.

Historical figures and events

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (renamed Israel), Moses

Major events -
Abraham is told to sacrifice Isaac, but stopped by God just before. This is a fore-shadowing of the coming messiah and his sacrifice.

Moses leads the people out of egyptian slavery to the promised land.

Central beliefs

One God - named Jehovah (psalms 83:18).
Belief that they are a Chosen people.
Live according to the laws set out in the Old testament, primaly the 10 commandments.

Nature of God

Mono-theistic. One God figure, an almighty creator. Spirit form.

Texts
Pentatuech (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
Talmud - The Talmud is a vast collection of Jewish laws and traditions

Ritual and practice

Do not eat "unclean" animals primarily pork.
Celebrations include Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of kislev. This is specifically a celebration of when the temple was rededicated to Jehovah after Anotiochus had dedicated it to Zeus.

Ethics and morality

Jewish law includes within it a blueprint for a just and ethical society, where no one takes from another or harms another or takes advantage of another, but everyone gives to one another and helps one another and protects one another. Again, these are not merely high ideals; the means for fulfilling these ideals are spelled out in the 613 commandments.

Christianity

Countries of origin

Antioch was where followers of Christ were first called Christians-- (Acts 11:26)

Historical figures and events

Jesus, Paul, Peter, XXXXX, XXXX, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Timothy, Titus, and others.

Jesus died on stake to provide a ransom for all mankind.
Jesus commands worldwide preaching work to commence (matthew 28:19,20)

Central beliefs

Removed from Jewish laws, and now under "law of love". Love God and love neighbor.

Nature of God

Originally christians held the same God concept as the Jews, since God had not changed. Still mono-theistic.

Over time, by the 4th century the catholic church had created a triune God, known as the trinity.

Texts

New Testement -- Gospels and Letters and Revelations.

Ritual and practice

Few rituals are a part of this faith -- commeration of Christ's death on Nisan 14 each year.

Ethics and morality

Law of love dictates morality and ethical behavior, while not under mosaic law, that law still beneficial.



Islam

Countries of origin

Islam also believes that Abraha is the father of thier religon -- more specifically Ishmael his son. So again Ur could be considered the country of origin.

Historical figures and events

Abraham, Ishmael, Muhammad.

Central beliefs

Belief in Islam means
Belief in One God, Allah in Arabic.
Belief in all of God's messengers. Belief in Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) as His last messenger.
Belief in all the books sent down to His prophets. These books include Torah, Zabur, Injeel (Gospel) and Quran. The Holy Quran is the only divine book in extant today in the original revealed form.
Belief in the existence of angels.
Belief in the Day of Judgment, Life after Death, Heaven and Hell
Belief in the Divine Decree or Predestination, its good and its bad.

Nature of God

One God, Allah in Arabic
Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Who is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable to Him

Texts

Quran (Koran)

Ritual and practice
Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
Establishment of the daily prayers;
Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
Self-purification through fasting; and
The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

Ethics and morality

“You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Muslims should follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), even in the worst of circumstances. Do not react violently as a reaction to devilish cartoons. Islam is a message for the salvation of humanity! Don't let the evil mongers distract us from our mission given to us by the Almighty God, the Most High and Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). Be proactive, not reactive!



Hope this helps.

Please hit the accept.

Expert:	Stephen
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	2/22/2006

The L&one Coder

Bible expert. Polyglot (Chinese, English, Spanish). Play well with Google.