Why Judaism is a Monotheistic Religion
1. Introduction
Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. It is based on the belief in one God who created the world and all that exists in it. This God is omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent. He is the source of all morality and goodness.
The question that arises is: why is Judaism a monotheistic religion? What are the reasons that led to this belief? In this paper, we will try to answer these questions by looking at some of the key concepts in Judaism.
2. What is Monotheism?
Monotheism is the belief in one God. This God is the creator of the universe and everything that exists in it. He is perfect, holy and just. The monotheistic God is also personal, which means that he has a relationship with his creatures. He loves them and cares for them.
The main reason why Judaism is a monotheistic religion is because of its ethical monotheism. This means that the Jewish God is not only the creator of the universe, but he is also its morally good ruler. He has given us a moral law – the Ten Commandments – by which we should live our lives.
3. Abraham and the origin of Judaism
Judaism started with Abraham, who was born in Mesopotamia (in present-day Iraq). Abraham lived in a polytheistic society, where people worshipped many gods. However, Abraham believed in one God, who he called Yahweh. Yahweh was the God of Abraham’s fathers – Abraham’s grandfather Terah had already believed in him (Genesis 12:1-3).
Abraham left Mesopotamia and went to Canaan (in present-day Israel), where he continued to worship Yahweh. Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham – he promised to bless him and make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). From Abraham’s descendants came the people of Israel, who were later called Jews.
4. The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments are a summary of the moral law that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). They are:
1. You shall have no other gods besides me;
2) You shall not make for yourselves an idol;
3. You shall not misuse my name;
4) Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy;
5) Honor your father and your mother; 6) You shall not murder; 7) You shall not commit adultery; 8) You shall not steal; 9) You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor; and 10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or anything that belongs to him/her.”
These commandments are based on the belief that there is one God who created us and loves us. He wants us to live good lives according to his moral law. If we obey his commandments, we will be blessed. If we disobey them, we will be punished.
5. Family and the concept of holiness in Judaism
Judaism attaches great importance to family life. The family is the basic unit of society. It is where we learn to love and care for others. The Jewish family is based on the idea of monogamy – one man and one woman married to each other.
Judaism also teaches the concept of holiness. This means that everything that God has created is holy and should be respected. Human life is particularly sacred, because humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
6. Justice in Judaism
Judaism teaches that there is one God who is just and merciful. He expects us to follow his moral law and to do what is right and good. We are also expected to treat others fairly and justly. This principle is summed up in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12).
7. Conclusion
Judaism is a monotheistic religion because it believes in one God who created the world and all that exists in it. This God is omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent. He has given us a moral law by which we should live our lives. If we obey his commandments, we will be blessed. If we disobey them, we will be punished.