Development of Christianity out of Judaism

Why Christianity is not Judaism

Christianity originated in the 1st century CE within the Jewish community in the Roman province of Judea. Both religions share roots in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament), belief in one God, and similar moral and ethical teachings. However, key theological differences led to Christianity becoming a distinct religion.

1. The New Covenant

Judaism teaches that God made a covenant with Abraham and later renewed it through Moses, giving the Israelites the Torah as a guide for living. Christianity, however, believes in a “New Covenant,” established through Jesus Christ. This New Covenant was prophesised by Jeremiah in the Old Testament:

• “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors... I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31)

Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament and that through his life, death, and resurrection, believers are offered forgiveness and a direct relationship with God. These are the words that Jesus spoke during the Last Supper:

• "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22)

The New Covenant is described in detail in the book of Hebrews. Here are the key details (Hebrews 8:6–13), emphasizes:

• Salvation through faith in Jesus rather than strict adherence to the Mosaic Law.

• God’s law written on believers’ hearts instead of only tablets or scrolls.

• A universal message extending beyond the Jewish people to all nations (Gentiles).

• The New Covenant provides complete forgiveness, and there is no longer any need for repeated sacrifices.

• Unlike the old covenant, this one will last forever.

• All believers can know God directly under the New Covenant.

2. St. Peter

St. Peter, one of Jesus’ earliest disciples, initially focused on preaching to Jewish communities. He acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah but maintained many Jewish practices - for example keeping the kosher food laws. Later he received a vision in which God told him that if God had made the animal, it was pure enough to be eaten.

3. St Paul

St. Paul also played a crucial role in opening Christianity to non-Jews (Gentiles). In his letter to the Galatians he wrote,

• “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3)

Paul argued that faith in Jesus, not obedience to the Jewish law, was central to salvation. His letters (epistles) guided early Christian communities, encouraging them to separate from strict Jewish observances. For example, Paul debated whether Gentile converts needed to follow circumcision and dietary laws, ultimately supporting freedom from these requirements.

3. Divergence from Judaism

Christianity diverged from Judaism for several reasons:

• Belief in Jesus as the Messiah, which Jews did not accept.

• Emphasis on the New Covenant and faith over strict Mosaic Law.

• Mission to the Gentiles, expanding the religion beyond Jewish communities.

• Development of separate rituals, sacraments (like baptism and Eucharist), and church structure.

Over time, these theological, cultural, and social differences created a distinct religious identity. By the end of the 1st century CE, Christianity was widely recognized as separate from Judaism, especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, which shifted Jewish religious life.