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How Judaism Differs from Other Religions

A religion of reason and proof, not blind faith.

RABBI MOSHE BEN-CHAIM
Founder: Mesora.org & the Jewishtimes

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Reader: How is Judaism different from all other religions?

Rabbi: “Religion” typically refers to a system of submission to a superpower, designed and given by that power. All religions claim to be God’s true religion, but they all lack validation. Judaism is the only religion with proof of Divine origin. This proof is demonstrated through God’s revelation of His existence and His communication to millions of people on Mount Sinai exactly 3333 years ago. The Jews witnessed an intelligent voice speaking from within the fiery mountain. Biological or earthbound life cannot exist in fire, explaining precisely why God used fire in this event. No other religion makes such a claim to possess proof because Divine revelation never happened to others, and as the Torah says, “It will never happen again” (Deut. 4:32-34). Judaism is also unique in its intellectual and brilliant design, in its basis in reason and proof, and its in full compliance with human nature, offering real happiness.

Judaism is the only religion whose claim is supported by world acceptance of Torah, the Bible. This acceptance is a 100% proof of God's revelation to the Jewish people. Had Revelation at Sinai never occurred, it would not have been believed by that generation, and certainly not the rest of the world and all future generations through today. The only way Revelation at Sinai became accepted was that is was witnessed, with all witnesses unanimously transmitting the story down to the following generations. God wished that this event remain a 100% proof for all time. Had a false prophet attempted to convince any group that this group witnessed what they had not, they would never accept him, nor would they replace their known history with the false prophet’s lies. A unanimous identical transmission of a witnessed event occurs only when that event occurred. Unanimous transmission—a single historical testimony of a mass-witnessed event—validates Revelation at Sinai. God revealed Himself to masses only once: to the Jews on Mt. Sinai, where He gave the Jews His Bible.

All other religions are founded on a single person’s claim (or a fabricated story) that God communicated with man. Something of this nature cannot be proven, and is precisely why they formulated their religions with the demand for “blind faith.” Those religions did spread, but not due to witnessed events. Those religions spread as they appealed to human emotions: people will accept what is highly pleasing. Someone dying for my sins is very appealing. Praying to a tangible human figure is more pleasing that praying to an invisible abstract God. But not one other religion can provide evidence of divine communication. Therefore, there is no basis to accept their religions. Furthermore, as God designed only one human being, multiple religions is nonsensical. Just as all people are treated identically for cancer, all people will find the happiest life with the same religious system.

Besides this miraculous proof of Revelation, Judaism is founded on principles which are rational and comply with man’s nature as a moral, philosophical and psychological being. Not one law in all of Judaism goes against man’s nature. Unlike Catholicism which frowns upon divorce and praises celibacy, Judaism embraces the need at times for couples to divorce if they will be happier that way, and Judaism also embraces man’s need for sexual satisfaction and children. These are just two examples of how Judaism approaches life honestly, without preconceived notions on how man should live. Catholicism makes man into a mystical and infallible saint, approaching their view of an angel, one who is above actual human drives and emotions. This opposes Judaism, and reality. Judaism accepts that man’s happiness must stem from his being in line with his nature. And Judaism doesn’t hide our leaders’ sins. All men sin.

Judaism realizes that besides man satisfying his psychological needs, he has a much higher part which must be addressed: his soul. By man ignoring this essential part of his nature, he will never reach his ultimate, Divine mission of attaching himself to God. Man achieves this mission and ultimate happiness by his immersion in study of creation and Torah, actualizing his true goal and purpose in his appreciation for the Creator. Torah, Prophets and Writings, along with the Talmud, were written in a highly stylized format which takes years to master. Their style is such, that as one delves deeper and deeper, he finds more profound ideas. This analysis and search satisfies man in its very process, as well as through factual enlightenment. As God possesses infinite wisdom, man will always see new insights, provided he has toiled under the tutelage of those before him trained in the method of Talmudic and Biblical analysis and essential modes of interpretation only found in the Oral Law, which God also communicated to Moses on Sinai.

The system of Jewish law—halacha—is also a major component of Judaism. It guides man’s every action from waking and prayers, to blessings over food, ethical and moral conduct, business practices, social relationships, and holidays. All areas of life are placed in check as man judges each of his actions for Torah compliance prior to commencement. This process engages man’s mind throughout his days when he is not involved in study, which must comprise the majority of his waking hours.

In truth, there is no comparison between the divinely designed system of Judaism and man made religions for the precise reason that there is no comparison between God and man: man made all other religions. God made Judaism.

This of course is a very small glimpse into Judaism. A more encompassing appreciation of God's wisdom is only possible through much more study. We invite you to use our Search tool, and our Philosophy and Bible Study links to continue learning about the Bible, the Jewish religion.

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