Jainism versus Judaism

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It is human nature to question, research, and be in awe of our surroundings and environment. We live on a planet within a galaxy made up of multiple galaxies; it is no wonder we question our place in the universe. In questioning our world and how it works it is only natural to wonder why? Why do we exist? What is our purpose here and what happens to us when we die? Although science attempts to answers our questions, faith in religion has generated a much more soul oriented and gratifying answer. Religion is a system of beliefs, values, and world views that attempt to connect mankind to the spiritual realm. In making these connections, religions around the world have developed their own creation stories and ideas about the afterlife. Jainism and Judaism are two established worldly religions that attempt to answer existential questions and questions regarding an afterlife. These attempts are made through their doctrine, stories, way of life, and beliefs. Jainism, thought to have originated in India, is a polytheistic religion believing in an innumerable number of Gods. Jainism is a religion known for practicing nonviolence (ahisma) and deep ecology (respect for nature). Judaism is a monotheistic, Abrahamic, religion. Judaism teaches that there is one true God, whom revealed himself to Abraham. They refer to god as Yahweh. Jews are taught to live lives through the word of the Bible, Torah, and the Talmud. Both Jainism and Judaism have their own theories as to why humans exist here on earth and whether or not there is an afterlife for them to look forward to. These theories differ accordingly to their religious beliefs and written doctrine.
Jainism is one of the oldest religions founded in India (“History of Jainism”). Jainism holds...

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...obinson, B. A. " Jain Dharma (a.k.a. Jainism)." JAINISM. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 30 Oct. 2010. Web. 04 Apr. 2014. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance Is an Organization Dedicated to Representing All Religions without Bias. This Page on Jainism, Written by Robinson, Gives Basic Terms and Beliefs of Jains. It Is Written to Educate Rather than Trying to Convince or Convert. Robinson Breaks the Information down into Bullets and Sections Making It Easy to Navigate. It Is Well Cited and Provides Links for Further Reading.
Rosen, Jeremy. Understanding Judaism. Edinburgh: Dunedin Academic, 2003. Print. This Book Describes the Theology and Practice from Judaism's Biblical Origins to the Present Day. Rosen Is a Rabbi. The Book Is Written as an Academic Textbook. The Theology Section of the Book Gives a Overview of Jewish Beliefs of Life after Death.

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