Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of the Abrahamic Religions - Experience Summary

Students explore the common origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They learn key features of each religion, including origin, beliefs, key individuals, and holidays. Then they identify the shared basis of the three religions. Finally, they learn about the story of Abraham and his legacy in these Abrahamic religions.

Objectives:

• Describe the origins and beliefs of Judaism and trace its early history.
• Describe the origins and beliefs of Christianity.
• Compare and contrast aspects of the three Abrahamic religions.

Scene 1 — Engage

Student Activity

Students read an introduction to the Abrahamic religions and the lesson objectives, then examine an image showing three religious buildings with different symbols. They post responses to a class wall explaining what they think the three symbols on top of the buildings represent.

Teacher Moves

Present the lesson overview and objectives. Guide a brief discussion of student wall responses, clarifying that the star represents Judaism, the cross represents Christianity, and the star and crescent represent Islam.

Scene 2 — Explore

Student Activity

Students read Three Religions, One God to learn about the origins, beliefs, locations, holy texts, key individuals, holidays, and unique features of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As they read, they complete three graphic organizers—one for each religion—recording key information in each category.

Teacher Moves

Ensure students understand that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all Abrahamic religions and that the article contains substantial detail. Monitor students as they complete the organizers, prompting them to use evidence from the text and supporting them in distinguishing similarities and differences among the three religions.

Scene 3 — Explain

Student Activity

Students reflect on what they have learned about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and, using their notes and optional additional research from The Abrahamic Religions, post to a class wall explaining the common belief on which all three religions are based.

Teacher Moves

Prompt students to identify shared core beliefs, emphasizing that all three religions are monotheistic and originated in the Middle East. Use student responses to reinforce the idea of belief in one God as a central commonality.

Scene 4 — Elaborate

Student Activity

Students read brief background text about why Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are called Abrahamic religions and view an image of the painting “Abraham’s Departure.” They then read Abraham and Abraham’s Legacy to learn about Abraham’s life and his role in each of the three religions. Finally, they post to a class wall by writing a question they would ask Abraham and composing an imagined reply from him that reflects his significance to the Abrahamic faiths.

Teacher Moves

Highlight Abraham’s importance as a shared patriarch and traditional founder of monotheism. Invite students to share interesting or exemplary question-and-answer posts with the class and use these to deepen discussion about Abraham’s legacy in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Scene 5 — Evaluate

Student Activity

Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.

Teacher Moves

Facilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.

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