Paul Merrill                

Jr. Morality

2/8/06

                                                                        Judaism

Origination: Judaism originated with G-d making a covenant with Abraham that made him the patriarch of many nations of Israelites.  Abraham established that there is one god and he is the creator of the universe.  Abraham and his sons Issac and Jacob, are considered the three patriarch's of Judaism.

Major Elements of Moral Teachings summarized: Judaism has a set of Ten Commandments they are as follows: 1) I am the Lord your G-d who has taken you out of the land of Egypt

                                    2) You shall have no other gods but me

                                    3) You shall not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain

                                    4) You shall remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy

                                    5) Honor your mother and father

                                    6) You shall not murder

                                    7) You shall not commit adultery

                                    8) You shall not steal

                                    9) You shall not bear false witness

                                    10) You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor

These are the fundamental teaching of Judaism and although these appear to be the same as the Catholic ten commandments, they are slightly different and taken much more literally.  For example, the use of "G-d" in place of God is very significant because they never say the God's name in vain.  Judaism is more strict and structured than Catholicism, only the use of the Old Testament is used with it's foundation in the Torah ( the first five books of the Old Testament)  In addition to the ten commandments, there is a rabbinic religious law that addresses modern topics as they come up. 

 Key Moral Teachings

Wealth- Judaism finds it important for this influential drive to be at the forefront of its educational studies for it can be described as the most powerful human desire

Jewish legal and educational system-oversees the economy in addition to the mental and spiritual aspect of Judaism

Theft-Judaism teaches that God does not allow one to take anything that belongs to someone else. Judaism was one of the first monotheistic religions that defined theft as an immoral act.

Judaism states that individuals are required to take responsibility in helping the poor, deprived, weak, inefficient, and lazy. There is no belief that defines the poor as "deserving."

Honesty and truthfulness-Any type of stealing, lying, swearing, and oppression is forbidden. Jews view one's reputation as sacred and to be highly respected.