Fact Check: "Judaism is one of the world's major monotheistic religions."
What We Know
Judaism is widely recognized as one of the world's major monotheistic religions. It is classified as an Abrahamic religion, which means it traces its origins back to the patriarch Abraham and shares common roots with other monotheistic faiths, such as Christianity and Islam. According to Wikipedia, Judaism is described as "an Abrahamic monotheistic ethnic religion that comprises the collective spiritual, cultural, and legal traditions of the Jewish people." This definition emphasizes both the religious and ethnic aspects of Judaism, highlighting its significance as a major world religion.
The belief in one transcendent God is central to Judaism, as noted in the Encyclopedia Britannica, which states that Judaism is characterized by the belief in a single God who revealed divine laws and commandments to the Jewish people. This monotheistic belief system is foundational to Jewish identity and practice.
Analysis
The claim that Judaism is one of the world's major monotheistic religions is supported by multiple credible sources. The Holocaust Encyclopedia explicitly states that "Judaism is a monotheistic religion, believing in one god." This reinforces the idea that Judaism is not only monotheistic but also significant in the context of global religions.
Moreover, the historical context of Judaism as one of the earliest monotheistic religions is well-documented. The Study.com article on monotheism in Judaism highlights that Abraham is credited with founding Judaism and establishing the covenant with God, which is a pivotal moment in the history of monotheism.
The sources cited are reliable, with Wikipedia being a comprehensive overview that is frequently updated, while the Encyclopedia Britannica and Holocaust Encyclopedia are established academic resources. The information provided is consistent across these sources, indicating a strong consensus on the nature of Judaism as a major monotheistic religion.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Judaism is one of the world's major monotheistic religions" is true. It is supported by credible sources that define Judaism as an Abrahamic faith centered on the belief in one God, highlighting its historical significance and its role as a foundational religion in the context of global monotheism.
