Judaism vs Christianity: 10 Important Differences (CHART)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my own. - Dr. Bart D. Ehrman

Religion is a central feature of human life and culture, shaping societies and influencing countless aspects of human behavior and thought. As Mircea Eliade observed years ago, it’s fundamentally the experience of the sacred — a means by which individuals connect to something transcendent and, in doing so, engage with what it means to be profoundly human.

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In the Western world, much of the cultural and philosophical framework rests upon the influence of three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Among these, Judaism and Christianity share a particularly intricate relationship. 

Exploring Judaism vs. Christianity not only highlights the historical and theological ties between the two but also reveals the distinctive features that have come to define them as separate religious traditions.

Understanding the difference between Judaism and Christianity, therefore, requires examining their similarities as well as their distinctions. Both traditions trace their origins to the ancient Near East, center their beliefs on a single deity, and share a reverence for the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible.

Yet, their paths diverge significantly in their understandings of the Scripture, rituals, social organization, and theological concepts, such as the nature of God, salvation, and the role of religious leadership.

This article seeks to provide a thoughtful and scholarly comparison of these two influential traditions. By exploring 12 shared foundations and identifying 10 differences between Judaism and Christianity, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of these two religious traditions. 

Judaism vs. Christianity: The Value of the Comparative Approach

Religion is a concept that seems, at first glance, deceptively simple to define. Yet, its broad, inclusive nature makes pinning it down one of the more challenging exercises in religious studies.

Every semester, I put my students to the test in my lecture on religion in the Roman world. I ask them to write a short definition of what they think religion is. At first, their pens fly confidently across the paper — until they pause, frown, and realize that they have just ventured into murky waters. The realization that defining religion is more difficult than they imagined always brings a dose of humor to the classroom.

It’s not just a fun exercise, though; it’s an effective way to illustrate that religion, in its many forms, defies simple categorization. This very challenge lies at the heart of the comparative study of religion, where scholars grapple with definitions that are inclusive of the vast diversity of religious traditions.

Furthermore, the comparative approach to the study of religion provides a way to navigate this complexity. By examining religions side by side, scholars can identify both overarching structures and unique characteristics.

This method helps illuminate commonalities that unite religious traditions, while highlighting key differences that distinguish them. For example, in the case of Judaism vs. Christianity, a comparative lens reveals the shared heritage of these two monotheistic faiths while also exposing profound divergences.

In his book When Religion Becomes Evil, Charles Kimball notes the benefits of the comparative approach: 

One essential aspect of this comparative endeavor is recognizing the role of subjectivity. As we examine the 10 differences between Judaism and Christianity, it’s important to acknowledge that we, as observers, aren’t entirely free of biases.

Sociologists Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, in their seminal work The Social Construction of Reality, famously emphasized that every individual is shaped by their upbringing, religious tradition, and cultural context. 

These influences color the way we perceive and analyze any phenomena, including religion. So, while objectivity remains the goal, awareness of our subjectivity ensures a more balanced and reflective approach.

The comparative study of religion, therefore, invites us to challenge our assumptions. By exploring similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity, we gain insights not only into these religions but the broader human experience.

With that foundation in mind, we now turn our attention to the similarities between Judaism and Christianity, examining the shared features that connect these two influential traditions.

Judaism vs. Christianity: Similarities

In a valuable collection of essays Religions of the World, Niels C. Nielsen identifies twelve common characteristics found across most religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity. 

His insights offer a useful framework for understanding these two Biblical religions and provide an excellent starting point for our exploration of Judaism vs. Christianity. Let’s take a look! 

#1 – Belief in the Supernatural and Ultimate Reality

Both Judaism and Christianity assert belief in the supernatural, including God, angels, and an ultimate reality that transcends human existence while remaining deeply connected to it. 

Judaism's journey toward monotheism, as Benjamin D. Sommer has noted, took shape during and after the Babylonian exile in the 6th century B.C.E. Before this period, its theology exhibited clear polytheistic tendencies, but over time, socio-political and religious factors solidified the assertion of one God.

Similarly, Christianity emerged from this monotheistic framework, embracing the God of the Old Testament while adding distinctive theological dimensions. As Larry Hurtado observes in his acclaimed book Lord Jesus Christ:

#2 – The Sacred vs. the Profane

Both religions distinguish between the sacred and the profane. By “profane,” I don’t mean “dirty,” but “ordinary” and “everyday.” Both Judaism and Christianity assign special significance to specific times, places, objects, and people. 

A good example of this is how both religions have holy days and sacred time. In Christianity, Christmas and Easter are the most sacred days in the calendar, commemorating the birth and resurrection of Jesus.

In Judaism, sacred times include the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), as well as Passover, which recalls the Exodus from Egypt.

#3 – Ritual Activities

Prescribed rituals form an essential part of both traditions, fostering a sense of community and connection with the divine. Judaism emphasizes practices such as observing the Sabbath, kosher dietary laws, and rituals like circumcision and bar mitzvah ceremonies.

Christianity similarly incorporates rituals including baptism, the Eucharist, and weekly worship gatherings, reflecting its roots in Jewish liturgical traditions.

#4 – Moral Codes and Ethical Principles

Most religions commonly promote a moral code or ethical principles to guide individuals and communities. How does that reflect within our Judaism vs. Christianity exploration?

A central feature of Judaism and Christianity is their shared moral framework, anchored in the Ten Commandments. These commandments outline ethical responsibilities toward God and fellow human beings, forming the bedrock of legal and moral systems in both traditions.

#5 – Religious Emotions and Intuitions

The religious life of Christians and Jews often incorporates common emotional and intuitive human feelings. These feelings include a sense of the wonder and mystery of existence, joy, and guilt, but also a profound sense of loss (in the case of apostasy!).

As Rabbi David Wolpe notes in his book Why Faith Matters (reflecting on the time when he lost his faith): 

#6 – Communication With the Divine

Prayer, both individual and communal, serves as a primary means of connecting with the divine in Judaism and Christianity. From the Shema in Jewish worship to the Lord’s Prayer in Christianity, both traditions emphasize direct communication with God as central to religious life.

#7 – Sacred Stories and Scripture

Both traditions provide a coherent worldview through sacred stories rooted in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Christianity’s narrative builds upon this foundation, reinterpreting the Scriptures in light of the life and teachings of Jesus.

Furthermore, sacred stories, often referred to as myths in the study of comparative religion, are foundational elements of all religious traditions. In this context, the term “myth” doesn’t imply something false or untrue; rather, it denotes a sacred narrative that holds profound truth for those who embrace it.

Creation myths, while not the only type of sacred story, are among the most prevalent. Within the framework of our Judaism vs. Christianity discussion, the Book of Genesis and its two accounts of the creation of the world serve as prime examples.

In The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell identified four main functions of sacred stories:

#8 – Life Organization

Judaism and Christianity influence personal and communal life through guidelines on dress, sacrifices, and occupations. For instance, Jewish traditions include distinct dress codes, such as wearing the kippah or tzitzit, while monasticism in Christianity demonstrates a commitment to simplicity and religious devotion through specific attire and ascetic practices.

#9 – Social Organization and Institutions

Both traditions rely on organized structures to sustain worship and leadership. Judaism’s emphasis on the synagogue and rabbinic leadership parallels Christianity’s development of church hierarchies.

As explored in my dissertation (which I plan to publish in English as well), the success of early Christianity’s proto-orthodoxy, for instance, was deeply tied to its strong institutional framework.

#10 – Inner Peace and Harmony

Despite life’s challenges, both traditions offer adherents a sense of peace and meaning. Whether through prayer, scripture, or community support, Judaism and Christianity provide tools for navigating suffering and injustice.

#11 – Future Hope

Hope for a better future is integral to both traditions. Christianity emphasizes the Second Coming of Jesus, while Judaism awaits the arrival of the Messiah — a concept that has sustained Jewish communities through centuries of trials.

#12 – Sustainability and Growth

And finally, following Nielsen's insights, we come to the last similarity between Judaism and Christianity: The sustainability of contemporary religions. 

As Nielsen explains, religions must propagate themselves through the recruitment of new members and/or procreation within the community of faith. 

In the case of Christianity, missionary impulse represents one of its most significant traits — one that, as Martin Goodman explored, wasn't common at all within the Jewish tradition! However, Judaism still propagates itself through marriage and procreation within the community, which serve as the primary sources of new adherents.

After exploring shared characteristics, let us turn our focus to 10 differences between Judaism and Christianity. 

10 Differences Between Judaism and Christianity

A comparative approach to the study of religion, while insightful, has its limitations, particularly when differences between traditions are overlooked or oversimplified. 

Assumptions, such as equating Jesus and Muhammad as “founders” with similar roles or interpreting Old Testament prophets like Isaiah in the same way within Judaism and Christianity, can lead to misconceptions.

To avoid such pitfalls, the following section highlights 10 differences between Judaism and Christianity, shedding light on their distinctive practices, assumptions, and interpretations of sacred scripture.

#1 – View of Jesus: God’s Messiah vs. False Messiah

Jesus’ role and identity stand as one of the most significant differences between Judaism and Christianity. Within the Christian tradition, Jesus is regarded as the resurrected Son of God, the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Furthermore, Christians believe that through his death and resurrection, Jesus redeemed humanity.

Referring to the second section of the Nicene Creed, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) asserts in his Introduction to Christianity: 

In contrast, Judaism doesn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah or as the divine Son of God. In the early decades of Christianity, there were Judeo-Christian groups who held these views while remaining fully immersed in Jewish religious practices. However, during the first several centuries they were marginalized as the parting of the ways between Judaism and Christianity set clear boundaries. 

Today, the Jewish understanding of the Messiah typically involves a future figure who will restore Israel, bring peace, and establish God’s Kingdom of Earth. Since Jesus didn’t fulfill these expectations during his lifetime, Jewish tradition views him as a respected teacher but not as the awaited redeemer.

In the article published in the Jewish Journal, David Wolpe explains it in simple terms: 

Needless to say, this fundamental divergence shapes the theological, philosophical, and liturgical framework of both religions. Finally, if you want to find out more about the Jewish perspective on Jesus, I highly recommend Jacob Neusner’s book A Rabbi Talks with Jesus.

#2 – Sacred Texts: Torah and Talmud vs. Old and New Testaments

Both Judaism and Christianity are, as Harry Y. Gamble notes, religions deeply immersed in the written texts. However, their scriptural canons differ significantly. 

Judaism’s primary sacred texts include the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible traditionally believed to be written by Moses, the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). These parts, formalized by the end of the 2nd century, form the collection known as Tanakh. 

Christianity, while sharing the Old Testament as part of its canon, incorporates the New Testament as a foundational component. 

The New Testament contains the Gospels, which recount the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as letters and writings that interpret his significance within the early Christian community. These additional texts reframe the Hebrew Bible in light of Jesus' ministry, creating distinct Christian theological lenses.

In Introduction to Christianity, Mary J. Weaver and David Brakke summarize the key difference between Judaism and Christianity in their approach to the Sacred Scripture: 

#3 – Concept of God: Strict Monotheism vs. Trinitarian Theology

Both Judaism and Christianity affirm belief in one God, yet their conceptualizations of God diverge significantly.

Judaism adheres to strict monotheism, emphasizing the indivisible unity of God as proclaimed in the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). In his book Jewish Literacy, Joseph Teluskhin notes the significance of monotheism within the Jewish history:

Christianity also proclaims monotheism but, based on their belief in Jesus’ resurrection, introduces the doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrine (hard to understand from a purely logical perspective) posits that God exists as one being in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

While Christians maintain that this doesn’t compromise monotheism, this theological development marks a major departure from Jewish thought, which views such beliefs as incompatible with the uniqueness of God. 

For instance, early rabbinic sources, as Alan F. Segal explored, highlight a strong polemic against the so-called “two powers” heretics that Segal identifies as both Gnostics and (“orthodox”) Christians.

This label comes exactly from the perceived violation of strict monotheism either by introducing Jesus as the divine Son (“orthodox” Christians) or by envisioning another (evil) divine being responsible for the creation of the material world (Gnostics).

#4 - Salvation: Works and Covenant vs. Grace and Faith

In our exploration of the Judaism vs. Christianity debate, we see another major difference between these two important religious traditions. 

In Judaism, salvation is often understood in collective terms, focusing on the covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people. Adherents seek to live by God’s laws, as expressed in the Torah, and maintain the covenant through acts of righteousness and ritual observance. 

Christianity, on the other hand, emphasizes salvation as an act of divine grace made possible through faith in the resurrected Jesus. According to Christian theology, humans are inherently sinful and incapable of achieving salvation through their efforts.

Instead, Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection (along with good deeds, according to the Catholic tradition!) provide the means for redemption, and individuals must accept this gift through their faith. 

#5 – Ritual Practices: Kosher Laws and Festivals vs. Sacraments

Ritual observances play a vital role in both Judaism and Christianity, yet their forms and emphases vary greatly. Judaism prescribes detailed ritual practices, such as dietary laws (keeping kosher), observing the Sabbath, and celebrating festivals like Passover and Yom Kippur.

In Living Judaism, Rabbi Wayne Dosick explains:

In contrast, Christian ritual practices center on sacraments, with baptism and the Eucharist being the most universally observed. These sacraments symbolize spiritual transformation and communion with God through Jesus Christ.

While some Christian denominations (e.g. Eastern Orthodoxy) observe additional sacraments (e.g. confirmation), these rituals often reflect the theological focus on grace and personal faith rather than adherence to a detailed legal code. 

#6 – Worship Spaces: Synagogues vs. Churches

The central places of worship highlight one important difference between Judaism and Christianity. Synagogues serve as the primary communal spaces for Jewish worship, study, and community gatherings. 

Historically, they emerged during the Babylonian exile as a substitute for the Jerusalem Temple. Furthermore, after the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. and the expulsion of the Jews from Palestine in 135 C.E., synagogues became centers for Jewish worship, prayer, and contemplation. 

Modern synagogues continue to emphasize these functions, with services often centered on reciting prayers, reading the Torah, and fostering community bonds.

In contrast, Christian churches are designed primarily for communal worship centered on Jesus Christ, his redemptive death, and resurrection. Historically, private homes first served as the gathering hubs. Later on (and especially after Constantine’s conversion), churches became independent buildings, serving their religious purpose.

Church services often include preaching, prayer, singing hymns, and celebrating sacraments like the Eucharist. The architectural and symbolic elements of churches — such as the altar, cross, and stained-glass windows — reflect the Christian focus on Jesus’ redemptive role.

#7 – Clergy: Rabbis vs. Priests/Pastors 

The roles and functions of religious leaders in Judaism and Christianity demonstrate another key distinction between the two traditions. The role of the rabbi has evolved significantly in Judaism, especially after 135 C.E. with the emergence of rabbinic Judaism. 

In Judaism, the rabbi is primarily a teacher and interpreter of Jewish law (Halakha). Rabbis lead synagogue services, guide their communities, and provide counsel, but their authority derives from their expertise in the Torah and rabbinic tradition rather than a formal ordination that confers spiritual powers.

Notably, a rabbi’s presence isn’t required for a Jewish community to hold a service; any group of responsible individuals can come together to form a community and conduct worship! 

Christian clergy, such as priests and pastors, often have a more sacramental role. In Protestant Christianity, for instance, Anglican and Baptist clergy frame the High and Low Church traditions. 

The primary function of the clergy in the Low Church tradition is less related to ritual activity and more connected to the proclamation of the Gospel. In the High Church tradition (including Catholicism), the focus of the clergy is on celebrating the sacraments, such as Mass or the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist). 

#8 – Covenants: Abrahamic Covenant vs. New Covenant

The concept of a covenant — a sacred agreement between God and humanity — is central to both Judaism and Christianity, yet the nature of these covenants differs significantly.

Judaism emphasizes the Abrahamic covenant, which establishes the Jewish people’s unique relationship with God. This covenant is marked by circumcision, adherence to the Torah, and the promise of land and blessings in return for faithfulness to God’s commandments.

Dosick explains the historical origin of this belief: 

Christianity builds on this concept with the idea of the New Covenant, inaugurated through Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled and transformed the earlier covenants, offering salvation and eternal life to all who have faith in him.

Weaver and Brakke provide one notable example:

#9 – Afterlife Beliefs: Varied Views in Judaism vs. Heaven (Purgatory) and Hell

Judaism and Christianity offer distinct perspectives on the afterlife. In Judaism, beliefs about the afterlife are diverse and not as central to religious practice as they are in Christianity.

As Dosick, referring to the belief in the afterlife, notes: 

Jewish teachings range from ideas of resurrection and the World to Come (“Olam Ha-Ba”) to more ambiguous notions of an enduring connection with God.

Christianity places a stronger emphasis on the afterlife, particularly the concepts of heaven and hell. Historically, these concepts, as Bart D. Ehrman explored in his book Heaven and Hell, evolved under the influence of the Jewish apocalyptic tradition and Greco-Roman philosophical (Platonic) worldview. 

During the Middle Ages, a concept of purgatory also emerged. In his seminal book La Naissance du purgatoire (The Birth of the Purgatory), Jacques Le Goeff traces its formalization to the end of the 12th century when theological, social, and cultural shifts within the Catholic Church led to a clearer articulation of purgatory as an intermediary state between heaven and hell.

The resurrection of the dead and the final judgment, central to Christian beliefs about the afterlife, offer a framework for understanding what lies beyond death, famously described in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as the “undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns.”

#10 – Missionary Focus: Non-Proselytizing vs. Evangelical Emphasis 

With this list entry, we come to the last of the 10 differences between Judaism and Christianity! As it turns out, these religious traditions differ in their approaches to spreading their faith. 

Judaism isn’t a missionary religion and doesn’t actively seek to convert non-Jews. Instead, it focuses on preserving its traditions and identity through family, community, and education. Conversion to Judaism is possible, but it requires a deliberate and rigorous process.

Christianity, by contrast, has a strong evangelical impulse rooted in Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19) and, as Bart D. Ehrman showed in Triumph of Christianity, its apocalyptic origins.

From the early church to modern missionary movements, Christians have sought to share their faith widely, often adapting their message to different cultural contexts. This emphasis on evangelism has been a defining feature of Christianity throughout its history and underscores our final difference in the Judaism vs. Christianity exploration.

Judaism vs. Christianity Chart

We know comparing complex religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity can feel overwhelming, so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Below, you’ll find a concise chart summarizing the differences between Judaism and Christianity.

Think of it as your quick reference guide to impressing friends at dinner parties — or perhaps just understanding these traditions more clearly!

Judaism and Christianity vs. Hinduism and Buddhism

Before concluding our exploration of the differences between Judaism and Christianity, we decided to give a glimpse of two other major religious traditions: Hinduism and Buddhism. Why? 

Well, Rudyard Kipling’s well-known line, “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet,” might have reflected the realities of the 19th century, but it no longer holds in our interconnected, globalized world. 

Today, North, South, East, and West have merged in ways Kipling could never have envisioned. It’s now common to see Buddhists and Hindus practicing their faiths in Western countries.

Even in a predominantly Catholic nation like Croatia, where I live, one can encounter individuals openly embracing Buddhism and Hinduism as part of their lives. This vibrant diversity, in my view, is one of the greatest privileges of living in the 21st century and is reason enough to briefly acknowledge how these two religions differ from Judaism and Christianity. So, let’s take a look! 

Judaism and Christianity, as monotheistic traditions rooted in the belief in one God, differ fundamentally from Hinduism and Buddhism, which take diverse approaches to the divine. 

Hinduism, with its polytheistic tendencies and belief in a cosmic order (“dharma”), incorporates gods, avatars, and the ultimate reality of Brahman, while Buddhism generally sidesteps theistic frameworks, focusing instead on the Four Noble Truths and the path to enlightenment (“nirvana”).

Unlike the linear view of history and salvation in Judaism and Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize cycles of rebirth (“samsara”) and liberation (“moksha” or “nirvana”). Additionally, while rituals and communal worship are central in Judaism and Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism place significant focus on meditation, self-discipline, and individual spiritual practices.

Conclusion: Judaism vs. Christianity

Judaism and Christianity, while sharing a common heritage, reflect profoundly distinct religious frameworks that have shaped their respective identities over millennia. By exploring shared foundations and key differences between Judaism and Christianity, we uncover the unique theological, ritual, and social elements of each tradition.

This comparative approach, enriched by glimpses into other global religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, highlights the rich diversity and complexity of religious life across cultures.

In 1959, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, a towering figure in the comparative study of religion, reflected on the transformative potential of the comparative approach in understanding religious traditions: 

This vision serves as a powerful reminder that the comparative study of religion holds value far beyond academic circles. By engaging with the differences and shared humanity in traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, we take steps toward a more inclusive and interconnected future.