Jews vs. Christians — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 12, 2024
Jews follow Judaism, centered on the Torah and awaiting the Messiah; Christians follow Christianity, based on Jesus Christ's teachings and his role as the Messiah.
Difference Between Jews and Christians
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jews are adherents of Judaism, a monotheistic religion originating in the ancient Israelites' beliefs. Christians are followers of Christianity, a faith based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Judaism is grounded in the Torah, while Christianity is centered on the New Testament, viewing Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, which Jews do not accept.
In Judaism, Jews adhere to a set of laws and ethics outlined in the Torah and Talmud. Christians, however, believe in the New Testament's teachings, emphasizing Jesus Christ's role as the savior who provides redemption from sin. The concept of the Messiah is a significant distinction, with Jews awaiting a future Messiah and Christians believing Jesus is that Messiah.
Worship practices differ between Jews and Christians. Jews observe religious rituals such as Sabbath (Shabbat) and various Jewish holidays rooted in historical and religious events. In contrast, Christians have rituals like communion and celebrate holidays like Easter and Christmas, focusing on Jesus Christ's life events.
Theological perspectives vary significantly. Jews focus on the covenant between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing adherence to religious law and ethics. Christians focus on the teachings of Jesus, the concept of the Trinity, and the belief in salvation through faith in Christ.
The historical relationship between Jews and Christians has been complex, marked by periods of mutual influence and, unfortunately, conflict. While both originating in the Middle East, they have evolved distinct religious identities and practices over millennia.
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Comparison Chart
Foundational Text
Torah
Bible (including Old and New Testaments)
Concept of Messiah
Awaited future leader
Jesus Christ as the fulfilled Messiah
Major Festivals
Passover, Yom Kippur
Easter, Christmas
Place of Worship
Synagogue
Church
Religious Law
Halakha
Christian canon law, teachings of Christ
Compare with Definitions
Jews
Members of the religious community adhering to Judaism.
The Jews celebrated Passover to commemorate their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
Christians
Individuals who believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Christians celebrate Easter to mark the resurrection of Jesus.
Jews
Descendants of the ancient Hebrew people.
Many Jews trace their lineage back to the tribes of Israel.
Christians
Followers of Christianity, a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christians often attend church services on Sundays.
Jews
Community bound by shared history, beliefs, and traditions.
Jews often gather for communal prayers and celebrations.
Christians
People who practice Christian rituals like baptism and communion.
Christians often participate in communion to remember the Last Supper.
Jews
People whose identity is shaped by Jewish culture and heritage.
The Jews have a rich tradition of storytelling and scholarship.
Christians
Community united by faith in Jesus and adherence to Christian ethics.
Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves.
Jews
Individuals practicing Jewish rituals and customs.
Jews around the world observe the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Christians
Members of various church denominations worldwide.
Christians can be found in many different sects, including Catholicism and Protestantism.
Jews
To bargain shrewdly or unfairly with. Often used with down.
Christians
Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Jews
To haggle so as to reduce (a price). Often used with down.
Christians
Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
Jews
An adherent of Judaism as a religion or culture.
Christians
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus, especially in showing concern for others.
Jews
A member of the widely dispersed people originally descended from the ancient Hebrews and sharing an ethnic heritage based on Judaism.
Christians
Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
Jews
A native or inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Judah.
Christians
One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Jews
Plural of jew
Christians
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
Jews
Nonstandard spelling of Jews
Christians
Plural of christian
Common Curiosities
What is the significance of the New Testament for Christians?
The New Testament is central to Christian teachings, chronicling Jesus' life and teachings.
What are major Jewish holidays?
Major Jewish holidays include Passover, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah.
What is the primary text for Jews?
The Torah is the foundational religious text for Jews.
Are there different denominations within Judaism and Christianity?
Yes, both religions have various denominations with differing beliefs and practices.
What is the main belief of Christians?
Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.
Do Jews and Christians have a shared history?
Yes, Christianity originated from Judaism and shares some religious texts and history.
How do Jews view Jesus?
Jews regard Jesus as a historical figure but not as the Messiah or divine.
How do Jews and Christians view the afterlife?
Views on the afterlife vary within both religions, with no single unified belief.
What language is the Torah written in?
The Torah is primarily written in Hebrew.
Do Christians follow Jewish dietary laws?
Most Christians do not follow Jewish dietary laws.
How do Jews and Christians view God?
Both view God as the creator and sustainer of the universe, but Christians also believe in the Trinity.
What is the Christian view of salvation?
Christians believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is the Jewish Sabbath?
The Jewish Sabbath, or Shabbat, is a day of rest observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
What is a key difference in worship between Jews and Christians?
Jews worship in synagogues, while Christians worship in churches.
What role do religious leaders play in Judaism and Christianity?
Religious leaders guide spiritual and religious practices in both communities, such as rabbis in Judaism and priests or pastors in Christianity.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
