Christianity vs. Judaism — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Christianity centers on Jesus Christ's teachings and divinity, emphasizing salvation through faith; Judaism focuses on covenantal relationships with God and adherence to the Torah.
Difference Between Christianity and Judaism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Christianity is based on the belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God and savior of humanity, who offers eternal life through his death and resurrection. In contrast, Judaism does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or divine, focusing instead on the Torah and the prophetic writings as the core of their religious life.
The Christian Bible includes the Old Testament, which is shared with Judaism, and the New Testament, which details the life and teachings of Jesus. Judaism relies solely on the Tanakh, which corresponds to the Christian Old Testament, and additional rabbinic writings such as the Talmud.
Christianity practices include baptism and communion, which symbolize the believer's faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Judaism has its rituals centered around observances like the Sabbath, kosher dietary laws, and various Jewish holidays that are deeply rooted in historical and religious traditions.
In Christianity, the concept of the Trinity defines God as three distinct persons in one: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Judaism strictly adheres to monotheism, emphasizing the singular, indivisible nature of God.Salvation in Christianity is viewed as a gift from God achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, often associated with grace and forgiveness of sins. On the other hand, Judaism places more emphasis on righteous living according to the law, ethical behavior, and the collective redemption of the Jewish people.
Comparison Chart
Central Figures
Jesus Christ
Abraham, Moses
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Scriptures
Bible (Old Testament + New Testament)
Tanakh (similar to Old Testament)
Concept of God
Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
Strict Monotheism
Path to Salvation
Faith in Jesus and his resurrection
Adherence to Torah and ethics
Key Practices
Baptism, Communion
Sabbath, Kosher, Festivals
Compare with Definitions
Christianity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity distinguishes it from Judaism.
The concept of the Trinity is central to Christian theology.
Judaism
Adherence to the law and ethical living are central in Judaism.
Observant Jews keep kosher as part of their dietary laws.
Christianity
A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christianity is prevalent in Europe and the Americas.
Judaism
Judaism has a strong focus on community and tradition.
Jewish communities are tightly-knit and focused on preserving their heritage.
Christianity
Believers in Christianity emphasize salvation through faith and grace.
Many Christians attend church weekly to worship.
Judaism
Judaism rejects the Christian concept of the Trinity.
Judaism maintains a strict belief in a singular God.
Christianity
Christianity spreads its message globally through missions.
Christian missionaries work worldwide to share their faith.
Judaism
Jewish rituals include observing the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.
Jews around the world celebrate Passover as a key festival.
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest religion, with about 2.4 billion followers.
Judaism
An ancient, monotheistic religion of the Jewish people based on the teachings of the Torah.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions still practiced today.
Christianity
A religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Most forms of Christianity hold that Jesus is the son of God and is the second person of the Trinity, through whom humans may attain redemption from sin.
Judaism
Judaism (Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת, Yahadut; originally from Hebrew יְהוּדָה, Yehudah, "Judah", via Greek Ἰουδαϊσμός Ioudaismos; the term itself is of Anglo-Latin origin c. 1400) is an Abrahamic ethnic religion comprising the collective religious, cultural, and legal tradition and civilization of the Jewish people.
Christianity
Christians as a group; Christendom.
Judaism
The monotheistic religion of the Jews, tracing its origins to Abraham and having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Talmud.
Christianity
The state or fact of being a Christian.
Judaism
Conformity to the traditional ceremonies and rites of the Jewish religion.
Christianity
Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion
The Christianities of antiquity.
Judaism
The cultural, religious, and social practices and beliefs of the Jews.
Christianity
The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.
Judaism
The religious doctrines and rites of the Jews as enjoined in the laws of Moses, and for many adherents, in the Talmud.
Christianity
Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion
Judaism
Conformity to the Jewish rites and ceremonies; the practise of Judaism{1}.
Christianity
The body of Christian believers.
To Walys fled the christianiteeOf olde Britons.
Judaism
The adherents of Judaism{1} collectively; jewry.
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Judaism
Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud
Christianity
The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);
For a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom
Judaism
The monotheistic religion of the Jews having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud
Christianity
Communion and baptism are important rituals in Christianity.
Christians often celebrate communion to remember Jesus' sacrifice.
Common Curiosities
What is the central figure of Christianity?
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the son of God and savior.
What is the central figure of Judaism?
While Judaism doesn't have a "central" figure like Christianity, figures like Abraham and Moses are pivotal.
What are the key scriptures in Christianity?
The key scriptures in Christianity are the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments.
What practices differentiate Christians and Jews?
Christians practice baptism and communion, whereas Jews observe the Sabbath and dietary laws.
How do Christians view Jesus?
Christians view Jesus as the Messiah and divine, central to their faith and salvation.
What holidays are important to Christians?
Important Christian holidays include Easter and Christmas.
What is the significance of baptism in Christianity?
Baptism in Christianity symbolizes the cleansing of sin and entry into the faith.
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Judaism?
The Sabbath in Judaism is a day of rest and worship, reflecting on God's creation.
What are the key scriptures in Judaism?
The key scriptures in Judaism are the Tanakh, which corresponds to the Christian Old Testament, and the Talmud.
What holidays are important to Jews?
Important Jewish holidays include Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
How do Jews view Jesus?
Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or divine, seeing him as a teacher or not at all.
How is salvation viewed in Judaism?
In Judaism, salvation is more about community redemption and righteous living.
How is God viewed differently in Christianity and Judaism?
Christianity views God as a Trinity, while Judaism sees God as singular and indivisible.
How is salvation achieved in Christianity?
In Christianity, salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
How do the roles of Jesus and Moses compare in their respective religions?
Jesus in Christianity is the savior and son of God; Moses in Judaism is a prophet who delivered the laws of God.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
