Issues and Traditions of Western Religions

Running Head : Issues facing the Western religions

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Judaism

The greatest issue facing Judaism is the mystery which still surrounds the religion and the strict teachings which make it impossible to expand to non Jews . The conservatism position advocated by the Judaism has seen the number of faithful remain low for a very long time and especially considering that , it is only restricted to Jews . Judaism has also come under threat by Christianity which is so far converting a good number of the

Jews into Christianity . This is an issue which threatens one of the world 's oldest religions

Judaism has traditionally marked many holidays but among them are Passover and Yom Kippur (Hebrew . The Jews mark their exodus and eventual freedom from captivity in Egypt (Allen , 1951 . During both holidays , all activities come to a stand still especially work days and school activities (Hebrew . The Jews mark their exodus and eventual freedom from captivity in Egypt (Allen , 1951 . Passover celebrations happen during the spring time and specifically on the fifteenth day of the month of Nisan according to the Hebrews (Allen , 1951 . The Jews mark their exodus and eventual freedom from captivity in Egypt (Allen 1951

The Passover celebrations last for one week during which unleavened bread which symbolizes the abrupt departure of the Israelites from the ancient Egypt during the rule of Pharaoh . Yom Kippur is characterized by abstinence from work accompanied by prayers and fasting . During this day , the Jews ask God for atonement of previous year 's sins . This becomes an opportunity for Jews to reform and follow the Torah as opposed to following the sinful ways . However the Jews can not be forgiven of the sins they commit against one another during the Yom Kippur because the day is considered very important and the Jews commit the day absolutely to God

Christianity

The first challenge facing Christianity to day is the seemingly endless divisions which have seen Christians divide for very long time since the ascension of Jesus . Despite the call by Jesus that , Christians were supposed to remain united till his second coming , there are daily experienced breakups in the religion and it has become a great challenge . The endless divisions have seen the emergence of different cults and factions which do not even agree on doctrine leave alone cooperating on other faith based issues

The second issue facing Christianity is the challenge of resistance in some parts on the worlds . The greatest call for Christians is to spread the gospel all over the world but the resistance offered in some corners of the world present a great stumbling block to the religion . Some of the most important festivals or holidays to the Christians are Easter holidays and Christmas holidays . Christmas holiday is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ . The Christmas holiday is celebrated every twenty fifth day of December . During the celebrations Christians gather in churches and exchange gifts which each other as a show of gratitude...