Comparison of the dimensions of judeo-Christian and Oriental religions according to

Ninian Smart

According to Ninian Smart a religion has seven (7) dimensions which are:

1. Doctrinal/philosophical,
2. Mythical/ narrative,
3. Ritual/practical,
4. Ethical/legal,
5. Social/institutional,
6. Experiential/ Emotional,
7. Material.

What are Judeo-Christian religions?

These are religions that are traced back to Abraham as the forefather of the Jews which the
religion of Judaism came from, they are from the same source hence also known as the
Abrahamic religions, they include religions such as:

Christianity

Islam

Bahai faith

Judaism

Similarities between Judeo-Christian religions

 They are all monotheistic; they all believe in the Oneness of God
 They have founders, their religion is a tribute and traced to certain individuals as
founders
 Uphold total loyalty and obedience to the Supreme Being, they believe in the highest
individual whom they regard as the creator, protector and giver of everything in the world
 All emphasize self sacrifice and surrender for the sake of love, members of these
religions therefore always try by all means to take care of their fellowmen especially
those who are disadvantaged in the society e.g. they give and share with them so that they
can feel dignified as human beings, they are always encouraged to be neighborly

Differences

Even though these religions have similarities, they have certain characteristics that are peculiar to
them
 a) Doctrinal/ Philosophical

Christianity Islam Bahai faith Judaism

 Trinity (God the  Quran as the  Oneness of  One
father, the Son actual words religion supreme
and the Holy of Allah  Unity of being
spirit )  Prophet humanity Yahweh,
 Second coming Muhammad  Oneness of Adonai, God
of Jesus Christ as the last Supreme being  All powerful
 Resurrection prophet of All  Science and  The creator
 God is All  One God as religion  The
powerful, All Allah compliments protector
present and All  Angels of each other
knowing Allah  Bahaullah as the
 God the creator gate
of everything  Investigation of
the truth

b) Ethical /Legal

Christianity Islam Bahai faith Judaism

 Ten  Shariah  
commandment Law
 The Golden  Zakat
Rule 
 The Beatitudes
 The greatest
commandments

c) Ritual/Practical
d) Mythical /Narrative
e) Social /Institutional
f) Material /Sacred objects
g) Experiential /Emotional

Oriental religions