INTRODUCTION TO WORLD
RELIGIONS AND BELIEF
SYSTEMS
Quarter 2
Self-Learning Module 2
Abrahamic Religions Through
Comparative Analysis : Morality and
Purpose
EXPECTATION
In this module, the students are expected to:
a. Describe the morality and ethics of the three monotheistic religions.
b. Compare the stand of the three monotheistic religions on the life purpose
matter.
c. Evaluate the significance of their practices in the lives of their followers.
PRE–TEST
Directions: True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE
if not. Write your answer on the space provided.
_____________1. The Jews believes they are the chosen people of God.
_____________2. Both Judaism and Christianity used Hebrew Bible.
_____________3. Charity is not included in the five pillars of Islam.
_____________4. The word Islam means surrender to Allah.
_____________5. Judaism, Christianity and Islam believed that humanity
was created to serve and love God.
RECAP
Directions: Identify what is being asked in the following. Write your answer
on the space provided.
1. It is the city where Islam religion was developed. _________________
2. It is considered as the oldest monotheistic religion. __________________
3. The son of Abraham that became the ancestor of the Arabs who then
later on became the ancestor of the Muslims. ___________________________
4. He was the prophet who baptized Jesus Christ. ______________________
5. He was considered as the “Father of many Nations”. _________________
LESSON
ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS THROUGH COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS:
ON MORALITY AND PURPOSE
In Judaism, morality and ethics are based on the covenant between
the Jews and God: that they are God’s chosen people and in return they
should follow His commandments, specially the Ten Commandments which
serves as the summary of all laws found in the Torah. The morality and ethics
in Judaism are also based in the Halakhah, a religious law that provides
prescribed rules in everyday living, such as eating, praying, wedding and
funeral rites, etc. Like Ten Commandments, its essence came from the 613
commandments found in the Torah.
Christianity shares a lot in common with Judaism since both religions
use the Hebrew Bible, where the Ten Commandments were listed. Thus, in
Christianity, murder, adultery, and theft are also considered evil and should
be avoided if one wants to live a moral life. Since Jesus lived a life for others
and even died on the cross for the salvation of humanity, Christians are also
expected to live a life for others. After all, they were created in God’s image
therefore people have an intrinsic goodness in them. Even in the Ten
Commandments, what was emphasized was to love God above all else and to
love your neighbor as you love yourself. Unlike in Judaism, Christianity does
not advocate for retribution since Christians are advised to love their enemies.
Islamic concept of morality and ethics is based on having faith in one
God, which is manifested in exhibiting righteousness and piety. A strong
relationship with God is the key to achieving virtue and right conduct. Being
accountable to God is important for nothing can be hidden from Him, and He
will be the one to judge people of their sins when the judgment day comes.
Acts that contribute to the welfare of the individual and society in general are
considered morally good, while acts that harm the individual and society are
immoral.
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share a lot in terms of morality and ethics.
•First, emphasis on the worship of one God as the basis of morality.
•Second, concern for others as a manifestation of one’s love of God.
Judaism and Christianity share the Ten Commandments as the written
code of morality, with emphasis on the avoidance of committing murder,
adultery, and theft. Meanwhile, based on the Quran, Islam emphasized the
need to possess traits such as holiness and righteousness as guidance in
becoming morally good. Adherence to religious laws is also important and may
pave the way for the eternal salvation or damnation of the soul, with emphasis
on the judgment day as a way of ensuring that people obey the will of God.
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam believe that God is the only source of
forgiveness for humanity and only those who follow the righteous path will go
to heaven, while those who lived a life away from God will go to hell.
The Holy Quran in golden box with Ramadan Lantern (Photo source:
https://www.islamicity.org/4852/the-month-of-the-quran/)
The Holy Bible, Old and New Testament (Photo source: http://the-
way.info/2013/01/21/how-jesus-and-the-apostles-interpreted-the-old-testament/)
PURPOSE
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have commonalities with regard to
purpose of life. All three religions believe that the main purpose of life is to
worship and serve God, follow God’s will, and show this love of God by sharing
with other people and helping the ones in need. Since we are all created in
God’s image, our purpose is to live according to God’s ways, and even though
we cannot imitate Him absolutely, we need not worry for He is always willing
to forgive us of our sins. We should strive to become worthy caretakers of
everything God created and assist implementing God’s divine plan. Man is
considered to be part of God’s great plan or design, and by following the
commandments, man is able to participate fully in God’s plan.
ACTIVITIES
Activity 1, Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if
the statement is not. Write your answer on the space provided.
_______ 1. The Christian Bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments.
_______ 2. The Muslim’s place of worship is called temple.
_______ 3. The book of Exodus is the second book of Torah.
_______ 4. Christianity is the second oldest monotheistic religion in the world.
_______ 5. Judaism as a religion is still waiting for the Savior that is to come,
the Messiah.
Activity 2, Directions: Enumerate what are being asked in the following.
Write your answer on the space provided.
I. Commonalities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in terms of morality
and ethics:
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
II. Commonalities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in terms of life purpose:
4. __________________________________________________________
5.___________________________________________________________
WRAP–UP
The lesson today gives me wider perspective in understanding the
similarities of the three monotheistic religions with regard to their morality
and purpose in life such as:
1. _____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
VALUING
The three monotheistic religions share commonalities with regard to
morality and purpose in life.
In your own perspective, what aspect of global culture have been greatly
influenced by them? Present your answer through an acrostic. Used the given
words as your guide.
- MORALITY
- PURPOSE
POST TEST
Directions: Read the following questions and write the letter of the answer
before each number.
1. They believed they are the chosen people of God. Who among the following
are being described?
a. Palestinians c. Jews
b. Arabians d. Iranians
2. What does it mean by the word Islam?
a. Surrender c. Turn-over
b. Refreshing d. stand-still
3. The Jews followed the laws in Torah, Christians based its moral principles
in the Bible, the Muslims recognize the commandments found in what sacred
text?
a. Sanskrit c. Pentateuch
b. Quran d. The four classics
4. Which of the following is not an important practice in Christianity?
a. Baptism c. Christmas
b. Sacraments d. Ramadan
5. In what way does Jews and Muslims acknowledge Jesus Christ?
a. a Savior c. a Prophet
b. a Rabbi d. an Apostle
“Old and New Testament”, Accessed August 1, 2020, retrieved from
https://www.islamicity.org/4852/the-month-of-the-quran/
from retrieved 2020, 1, August Accessed Quran”, Holy “The
Table & Picture
Systems. Quezon City: VIBAL Group, Inc.
Ong, Jerome & Mary Dorothy. 2016. Introduction to World Religion and Belief
Book
R E F E R E N CE S
PRE-TEST
1. TRUE 2. TRUE 3.FALSE 4. TRUE 5. TRUE
RECAP
1. Mecca
2. Judaism
3. Ishmael
4. John the Baptist
5. Abraham
ACITIVITIES
Activity 1
1. TRUE 2. FALSE 3.TRUE 4. TRUE 5. TRUE
Activity 2
1. emphasis on the worship of one God as the basis of morality
2. concern for others as a manifestation of one’s love of God
3. belief that God is the only source of forgiveness for humanity
4. the main purpose of life is to worship and serve God
5. to live according to God’s ways
KEY TO CORRECTION
