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Teagan SeeleyWord Count 1294HWC 204Benjamin Guyer December seventeenth 2013 Exploration of Similarities in Religious Texts A Further Look at the Koran, the Tanakh and the New TestamentPeople who practice the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam collectively comprise over one half of the worlds population, and eon disparities between these one-third religions are widely spread and politicized, the similarities between their religious text editions outweigh their differences. A crucial similarity between these three religions is their view on Abraham as their spiritual patriarch (lecture). The Koran makes use of both the Tanakh and the New Testament, and spell minor differences exist between these texts, the perspectives they share are far to a greater extent significant. The Koran retains many of the core ideas found in the Tanakh and the New Testament, specifically in regards to the perception of Abraham, the status of deity, and the role of women. Any religious t ext can be interpreted in any number of ways, and while it is easy to pull apart texts of different faiths and dissect the differences, finding putting surface ground and similarities is arguably more great. As previously mentioned, one of the or so important similarities between these three texts is the perception of Abraham. Abrahams commitment to matinee idol was tested, and as it was proved, he is the basis for all three of the Abrahamic faiths. In Genesis, god speaks directly to Abraham, saying, I testament bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth shall by blessed. (Genesis 121-3) In the Tanakh, Abrahams loyalty to God is tested throughout the Bible, and as Abrahams devotion become apparent, God solidifies ... ...he New Testament, large themes and important messages resonate similarly across the three faiths. The power, authority and oneness of God is undeniable and unquestionable. Similarly, those who d isobey the direct commands of God and who do evil will undoubtedly face his punishment. Also, all three religious texts outline a specific hierarchy that is inherent to the believers God is higher up Christ, Christ is above men, and men are above women. The roles and rights of women were limited, and not questioned. As with any old-fashioned text, a reader must be aware of the difference in historical cultures, interpretations and biases. With these texts not all being written at the identical time, cultural shifts undoubtedly occurred, but the Koran makes use of ancient Jewish and Christian Scriptures, as evidenced by the similarities between the Koran, the Tanakh and the New Testament.