What is the main similarity in the core beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? Identify two major differences.

The main similarity in the core beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is the belief in one God, a concept known as monotheism. All three religions worship the God of Abraham as the only supreme being, creator of the universe, and commander of human destiny.

Two major differences among these religions can be identified as follows:

1. Concept of Prophethood: While all three religions recognize figures called prophets, their views on particular prophets differ. Judaism acknowledges a long line of prophets including Moses and Elijah, but does not accept Jesus or Muhammad as prophets. Christianity recognizes figures from the Old Testament and believes that Jesus Christ is both a prophet and the Son of God, the Messiah. In contrast, Islam recognizes many of the Jewish and Christian prophets (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus), but it also believes that Muhammad is the last and final prophet sent by God to humanity.

2. Scriptures and Holy Texts: Each religion has its own set of holy texts revered as the word of God or inspired by God. Judaism centers around the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Torah, which is the foundational text. Christianity adopts the Old Testament (which includes the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament, which contains texts including the Gospels, the letters of Saint Paul, and other writings that are exclusive to Christianity. Islam's sacred text is the Quran, which Muslims believe is the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad in Arabic, and the hadith literature that records sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.