Video
The Abrahamic Religions — One Origin, Three Paths
Presented by Prof. Eric Chamchoum, PhD
Published 2026-08-14Page updated 2026-08-23
In short
Judaism, Christianity and Islam are called Abrahamic because each traces its covenant history to Abraham. They share that origin and much of their moral vocabulary, while differing on scripture, prophethood and the identity of Jesus.
About this video
The three traditions describe Abraham as the figure through whom a covenant with God begins. From that shared starting point, each developed its own scriptures, law, calendar and community.
Judaism centres on the Torah and the covenant at Sinai associated with Moses. Christianity centres on Jesus of Nazareth and the writings gathered as the New Testament. Islam centres on the Qur'an as revealed to Muhammad and understands itself as a return to that original monotheism.
Comparative study means holding the shared inheritance and the genuine differences together, rather than flattening either.
Key ideas and takeaways
- All three traditions trace their covenant history to Abraham.
- They diverge on scripture, prophethood and the identity of Jesus.
- Comparative religion describes those differences without collapsing them.
People, places and concepts
- Abraham
- Moses
- Jesus of Nazareth
- Muhammad
Frequently asked questions
The book behind this video
The Star & the Crescent develops the material covered here in full.
Where to go next
- Related bookThe Star & the CrescentAn exploration of the shared spiritual ancestry of Jews and Muslims through Abraham, and how faith, identity and memory shape both harmony and conflict.
- Knowledge entryWho is Abraham in Judaism, Christianity and Islam?Abraham is the shared ancestral figure of the three Abrahamic traditions. Each remembers him differently, and those differences matter.
- Related videoIntercessor — Biography of Jude ThaddeusAn introduction to the book Intercessor, covering the life, mission and faith of Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the original Twelve Apostles.
- Knowledge topicSpirituality and Comparative ReligionFaith traditions compared with historical evidence, scripture and lived practice.