I respectfully disagree with your opening statement.

Submitted by Mike (United States), Apr 4, 2006 at 19:40

"Of the three great monotheistic religions, Judaism and Christianity appear far more closely linked to each other than either is to Islam. As the term "Judeo-Christian tradition" implies, these two faiths share deep bonds and a long history; in contrast, Islam seems alien."

I have to respectfully disagree with you on these grounds:

Judaism and Islam, despite the lack of the "old testament" connection... share a more similar theology... which is to say, Judaism and Islam both view God as being one, and unique in that oneness (as opposed to any christian sect that believes in the trinity) and that God is not a physical being... that does not beget, nor is begotten. (compare to Jesus of Christianity)

I may also mention that the Quran mentions the events in the Bible.... recognizing that they came from the bible... as they called Jews and Christians "People of The Book". The Abraham that begat Isaac is the same Abraham that begat his brother Ishmael, whom Muslims claim to be descendant from. Although the Muslms accept that Jesus was a prophet, like Jews, they do not accept Jesus as being divine.

Among many people in the Jewish community... the term "Judeo-Christian" is an alien term... a misnomer... because if anyone believes that the New Testament replaced the Old Testament... then in fact, nothing could ever be both Jewish and Christian... I do assert that the two are mutually exclusive.

In addition... personally knowing a multitude of strict observers of Halacha.... and having been in the presence of several thousands of them at one point or another... your characterization of Halacha fading away seems a bit exaggerated. Halacha is still alive today. And yes, while the Jewish community does face it's share of assimilation due to apathy... (or, for a few centuries, assimilation due to force)... intermarriages resulting in non-Jewish children, etc... the presence of those who still follow the letter of the law is neither to be rejected or ignored.

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".