Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS 1
Focus
Origin
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
Monotheistic Religions
Judaism
The journey of Judaism begins with
Abraham, living in the ancient
Mesopotamian city of Ur. There, he received
a divine call to embark on a journey towards
the Land of Canaan, now known as Israel.
This land became the ancestral home of the
Jewish people, with Jerusalem holding the
title of their holiest city. However, their path
wasn't smooth sailing. The Israelites found
themselves enslaved in Egypt, but under the
leadership of Moses, they eventually
escaped slavery and set off for the promised
land. During their travels, they received the
Ten Commandments directly from God at
Mount Sinai, forming the core of their
religious and ethical code.
Christianity
Christianity, 2,000 years old,
started as a small Jewish sect.
The Gospels tell the story of
Jesus, said to be divinely
conceived, who began preaching
at 30. Despite opposition, he
gained followers but was
crucified. While Jesus laid the
foundation, Paul, a converted
Greek Jew, spread the message
throughout the Roman Empire,
adapting it for non-Jews. His
work, along with Peter's
leadership, helped Christianity
grow beyond its Jewish roots
and become the global religion
it is today.
Christianity historically divided
into three main branches:
Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman
Catholicism, and Protestantism.
The Eastern Orthodox Church
formally separated from the
Roman Catholic Church. This
event, known as the Great
Schism, stemmed from various
Islam
In the early 7th century AD,
amidst the diverse communities of
the Arabian desert, Islam took
root. This monotheistic faith
emerged amidst a landscape
where people previously
worshipped various gods and
nature spirits. Notably, Mecca
served as a sacred site for these
animistic practices.
However, the traditional narrative
pinpoints the official start of
Islam with the Prophet
Muhammad, whose revelations in
modern-day Saudi Arabia gave
rise to the religion. Guided by
divine messages, Muhammad
preached and established a
community in Medina, marking a
significant turning point in the
region's religious landscape.

Morality
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
Judaism's moral compass doesn't just point
to outward actions. It extends deep within,
exploring the fertile garden of hearts and
minds. The Editors of the Encyclopedia of
Judaism describe that morality encompasses
not just the deeds, but also the seeds of
thought, emotion, intention, and attitude that
grow there. This inner concept matters
because it nourishes the fruits of actions and
ultimately determines the true character.
Simply weeding out bad deeds isn't enough;
Judaism encourages acts of good intentions,
positive emotions, and wholesome thoughts
within to truly flourish as ethical beings.
theological and political
disagreements, including one
surrounding the wording of the
Nicene Creed. The Catholic
Church claims its foundation
dates back to Jesus Christ and
the Apostle Peter, who served as
the first Bishop of Rome (later
known as the Pope). Protestant
churches emerged in the 16th
century, heavily influenced by
Martin Luther's 95 Theses,
which challenged Catholic
doctrines and practices.
While united by the Bible and Islamic morality generally
Jesus' teachings, Christian revolves around a set of core
branches hold diverse values. These include kindness
interpretations of morality. All (towards both people and
branches emphasize love for animals), charity, justice, respect
God and others, expressed for parents and elders, upholding
through forgiveness and promises, and managing anger.
following Jesus' example. Additionally, Muslims cultivate
Eastern Orthodox aim for love for God and those He loves,
"theosis," growing in God's as well as for the Prophet
likeness through good deeds and Muhammad and fellow believers.
overcoming sin (Orthodox However, the central principles
Wiki). Protestants emphasize that guide their lives are
clear biblical guidance, submission (Tawhid), obedience,
particularly the Ten peace, security, and unwavering
Commandments, believing all devotion to God.
Christians share the same moral
calling (Calvin Theological
Seminary). Interestingly,
Catholics and Protestants have

Purpose
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
According to scholar Eron (2017), the
ultimate goal of a Jewish life centers around
embodying the Torah. Eron views the Torah,
considered the living word of God, as a
message directed towards all creation and
experienced uniquely through the lens of the
Jewish people (Am Yisrael). This
perspective suggests that Jews strive to
internalize and express the teachings of the
Torah in their daily lives, becoming living
examples of its values.
Doctor Peta Goldburg (2012) presents a
broader understanding of a meaningful
Jewish life. While fulfilling ritual
obligations is essential, it's equally important
to act ethically towards others and pursue
justice in the world. This includes cultivating
personal qualities like kindness and
compassion, actively using one's abilities to
help others, and working towards a more just
society. In this view, achieving spiritual and
ethical perfection extends beyond individual
behaviors and encompasses contributing
positively to the world around us.
Judaism believes in predetermination.
According to scholar Ward, the concept of
life after death occupies a relatively minor
influenced each other, with
Catholics gaining perspectives
on daily morality and
Protestants acquiring insights on
deeper virtues .
The purpose of Christianity
centers on love, God, and our
kindness towards others. It
involves fulfilling Jesus'
command to "go and make
disciples," inviting people to
follow him and live according to
his values. This includes both
living with faith in God and
actively spreading his message.
According to Ukachi (2017),
Christians navigate the intricate
interplay between God's
In the verse from Quran 3:51, we
find a direct call to worship Allah,
emphasizing that He is the one
and only God for both the speaker
and the addressed audience. This
reinforces the core belief in
monotheism that underpins Islam.
The purpose of their life is to
surrender themselves to Allah, as
Islam means surrender.
Islamic faith rests on five core
practices known as the Five
Pillars: Shahadah (declaration of
faith), Salat (ritual prayers), Zakat
(charitable giving), Sawm (fasting
during Ramadan), and Hajj
(pilgrimage to Mecca). These
practices are seen as fundamental
obligations Muslims fulfill
throughout their lives.
For Muslims, life's outcomes are
predetermined by God, and
 Destiny
Views on Women
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
position within traditional Jewish theology.
Unlike some other religions, the focus tends
to be placed on living a meaningful and
ethical life in the present rather than fixating
on a specific post-mortem outcome.
However, renowned Jewish philosopher
Maimonides included belief in the
resurrection of the dead among his thirteen
fundamental principles of Judaism. This
suggests that some branches of the faith
acknowledge a future existence beyond
earthly life, although its precise nature
remains open to interpretation.
Another perspective, represented by
Wilmton, emphasizes the inherent
connection between individual morality and
the afterlife. This view suggests that one's
actions and behavior during their earthly life
influence their future state, although ultimate
judgment ultimately rests with God.
While traditional Judaism held distinct
expectations for men and women in religious
practice, the landscape is evolving. Rabbi
Pinchos Fried points out that women are
exempt from around 30 of the 613
commandments, primarily temporary or
time-specific rules like traditional Torah
study. However, it's important to remember
sovereign plan and individual
choices to shape their destiny,
acknowledging the significance
of human freedom. Regarding
the afterlife, they believe that
the fate of the faithful extends
beyond death and culminates in
the final judgment.
Specifically, Catholics adhere to
the belief in purgatory, a
purification process after death
to address imperfections before
entering Heaven. In contrast,
Orthodox Christians reject the
concept of purgatory and
underscore individual judgment
during the final hours. Among
Protestants, there is considerable
divergence, with some
embracing predestination, where
God predetermines salvation or
damnation, while others stress
personal responsibility and
aligning choices with God's will.
Christianity holds diverse views
on women, often reflecting both
ideals of equality and historical
practices of inequality. any
Christians believe we are all
created equal in God's image,
regardless of gender (Galatians
3:28). This foundation fuels
movements like Christian
human struggles cannot change
what is meant to be.
When it comes to their destiny,
Muslims, though drawn to the
rewards of the afterlife, perform
the Five Pillars not just out of fear
or desire for comfort. These
practices are deeply tied to their
belief in Qadr, God's
predetermined plan. Recognizing
that their lives and destinies are in
His hands, Muslims see the Five
Pillars as tools to align their own
will with the divine path.
According to PawResearch Gate
(2013), Islam holds diverse views
on women, reflecting cultural and
historical interpretations. Some
interpretations accept polygamy
within specific guidelines. Men
have freedom in choosing wives,
emphasizing their role as
providers. In return, women owe

Response(s) to
Climate Change &
Environment
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
they still uphold relevant practical laws
(Halachot).
Within Conservative Judaism, women have
achieved remarkable progress towards
equality. They can now be counted towards
the minimum number needed for prayer
services (minyan), lead services themselves,
and recite blessings around Torah readings
(aliyot) - a privilege previously reserved for
men. Furthermore, they've broken through
barriers by entering rabbinical and cantorial
programs historically closed to them
(Umansky, 199).
Jews perceive themselves as Earth's
stewards, entrusted by God (Psalm 24) to
conserve its resources. This responsibility
prohibits waste and destruction ("Do Not
Destroy"), inspiring actions like sustainable
practices, animal welfare, and appreciating
nature's value. Interpretations vary, but the
core remains: respecting and caring for
God's creation. Addressing climate change
reflects this commitment, as scholar Halpert
(2012) notes: "Many Jews advocate for
combating it." This aligns with their
acceptance of scientific consensus, evident
in Rabbi Troster's (J Street) statements.
feminist theology, which seeks
equal rights and roles for
women in the church and
society. Yet, historical
interpretations and societal
influences often placed
expectations on women related
to modesty, family roles, and
even submission to men (1
Timothy 2:9-10). These
interpretations continue to hold
sway in some communities.
Despite ideals of equality,
women still face mistreatment
within and outside of Christian
communities. The tension
between traditional views and
modern understanding of
equality remains a complex
issue within Christianity.
Non-religious individuals, often
drawing heavily on scientific
evidence, tend to express more
concern about climate change
than some Christian groups
whose priorities involve various
interpretations of their
stewardship role as caretakers of
God's creation (Pew Research
Center, 2019). While the core
Christian value of protecting the
environment remains constant,
interpretations like the
"dominion mandate" (Slick,
obedience and service. They are
expected to remain virgins before
marriage and uphold loyalty,
purity, and dedication to their
husbands afterward. These views
sometimes portray women as
weaker and needing male control.
Other interpretations emphasize
gender equality before God. Both
men and women receive equal
rewards for good deeds and
punishments for wrongdoings, as
stated in the Quran (2:226).
Religious teachings from
prophets, particularly those of
Muhammad, promote
environmental responsibility by
advocating for resource
conservation, land restoration,
and cleanliness (Bsoul et al.,
2022). These traditions also
discourage wasteful practices and
encourage moderation in all
aspects of life (Bsoul et al., 2022).
By emphasizing these
eco-friendly principles, religious
leaders can motivate large
 Protecting the environment, therefore, isn't 2014) can cause diverse levels Muslim communities to adopt
just an option; it's a sacred duty for Jews. of concern within Christian sustainable practices in their daily
communities. lives (Bsoul et al., 2022).
Presence in the Philippines:

Religion is the idea of having a sacred belief system. It helps us to be enlightened and believe in something to keep on living. Historically
speaking, the Philippines was known to be colonized at an early age. We have experienced different governance, cultures, and exploitations.
Among the different colonizers, the Spanish had the most significant impact on our culture. This also affected the religion of thousands of
Filipinos. Christianity, embraced by over 80% predominantly as Catholics, deeply influences traditions and values but encounters internal
challenges.
Of the three Abrahamic religions, each leaving a unique mark, Islam, prevalent in the south with roughly 6-11% of the population, shapes the
cultural and ideological fabric of these communities but faces historical tensions. Judaism, with a small community of around 1,000, maintains
its heritage while navigating social integration (PSA,2020).

Despite differing populations and impacts, these religions contribute to a diverse society, enriching it with various cultures through exchange,
yet presenting challenges of tolerance and understanding. Moving forward, the Philippines strives to navigate this complexity, adapting to and
celebrating its religious diversity while promoting peace and mutual respect.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
References:
● Allen, Jr., J. L. (2010). Christian feminist theology and the arts. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. Oxford University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.810

● Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2023, December 22). History. In Judaism. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism

● Bsoul, L., Omer, A., Kucukalic, L., & Archbold, R. H. (2022). Islam's Perspective on Environmental Sustainability: A Conceptual Analysis.
Social Sciences, 11(6), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11060228

● Catholic Answers. (n.d.). Search results. https://www.catholic.com/

● Doi, A. R. I. (n.d.). Women in the Quran and the Sunnah. International Islamic University Malaysia.
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%20husband.

● Goldburg, P., Blundell, P., & Jordan, T. (2012). Exploring Religion and Ethics: Religion and Ethics for Senior Secondary Students. Cambridge
University Press.
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n-1ed/

● Halpert, J. (2012, February 29). Judaism and climate change. Yale Climate Connections.
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2012/02/judaism-and-climate-change/

● Melnyk (2022, July 26). What is Eastern Orthodoxy anyway? Christianity Today | Christian History.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-18/what-is-eastern-orthodoxy-anyway.html

● OrthodoxWiki. (n.d.). Ethics. https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ethics

● Pew Research Center. (2021, April 22). Religious groups’ views on climate change.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/11/17/religious-groups-views-on-climate-change/

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023
 ● Pew Research Center. (2013). Muslim views on morality [PDF]. Retrieved from
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/04/30/the-worlds-muslims-religion-politics-society-morality/

● Fried, P. (2023). The role of women in Judaism. Torahmates.

https://www.torahmates.org/jewish-resources/the-role-of-women-in-judaism/

● Slick (2023, January 23). What is the dominion mandate? How are we to use the earth's resources?.
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● The Editors Of The Encyclopedia Of Judaism. (2022, January 17). My Jewish Learning. The Primacy of Human Life. In Jewish Ethics: Some
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● Tuininga (2017) Christian Ethics, Protestant and Catholic: 500 Years After the Reformation. Calvin Theological Seminary.
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● Ward, K. (1998). Human destiny in Judaism and Islam. In Religion and human nature (pp. 37-55). Oxford University Press.
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● Umansky, E. M. (1991-1992). Finding God: Women in the Jewish tradition. In G. MacEoin & E. Dussel (Eds.), CrossCurrents, 41(4),
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● Willmington, H. (2018). The doctrine of man: What does Judaism say about man's destiny? In The Adam File (Vol. 6). Retrieved from
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/adam/6

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to World Religions & Belief Systems
Ms Mia B. Eballo
Term 2, AY 2022-2023