Death and Destiny

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Throughout scripture final judgement is a large factor and truly gives meaning to ultimate questions within the lives of believers. When analysing the Nicene Creed it is prevalent that Catholics belief in the final judgement, a time in which the world will come to an end and Jesus label all just or unjust. “He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end” (Nicene Creed). Although Catholicism speaks of a judgement day as such, Judaism speaks of an afterlife. This is known as Olam Ha-Ba which is a similar concept to heaven; where God will judge who may enter into this place. Though, a righteous person will be valued higher than an average person. It is said that if performing a Mitzvah will secure a place in Olam Ha-Ba or that particular sins will diminish the chance to enter.

In reflecting back on what has been discussed, it can be positively said that Catholicism and Judaism share more beliefs than differences. Although within Judaism there is diversity, this diverse side of Judaism is known as the Reformed Judaism. Reformed Jews assert that Judaism is stuck in time and cannot efficiently coexist in parallel with today’s society. Their beliefs differ of those of Orthodox Jews and believe they are here to “repair” the world. Although they embrace diversity they commonly still are labelled as Jewish. The major difference between Orthodox and Reformed Jews is the belief in the resurrection. Whilst Catholicism and Orthodox belief in the resurrection and eternal life, Reformed Jews reject the idea and don’t believe in the afterlife, or the resurrection.

Through extensive research the similarities of Catholicism and Judaism have been discussed. It is evident that Orthodox Jews and Catholics are more similar than different and share the same general idea amongst death and destiny, whereas Reformed Jews have adapted to change with society, hence keeping the hypothesis of Reformed Judaism being divergent.

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