Jewish Perspectives on Christianity and Adherence to Noahide Laws

The Judean Desert, which was the setting of Jesus’ temptation. (View to the N.)

According to the Jewish viewpoint, which holds more validity: Christianity or those who adhere to Noahide laws?

This is a complex and sensitive question that does not have a simple answer. Different Jewish sources and authorities may have different opinions and perspectives on this issue. However, I can provide a general overview of the Jewish viewpoint on Christianity and those who adhere to Noahide laws.

Noahide laws refer to the seven basic moral laws that God revealed to Noah after the flood, as recorded in the book of Genesis. These laws are: to establish courts of justice, to refrain from blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, murder, theft, and eating the blood of a living animal.

According to the Talmud, these laws are binding on all humanity, and anyone who observes them is considered righteous and assured of a portion in the world to come. Judaism does not require or expect non-Jews to convert to Judaism, but rather to follow the Noahide laws as a valid way of life.

Christianity, on the other hand, is viewed by Judaism as a form of idolatry, since it worships Jesus as God in human form, and ascribes divinity to the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary.

Judaism rejects the Christian concept of the Trinity, the incarnation, the atonement, and the New Testament as incompatible with the monotheism and the revelation of the Torah.

Judaism also does not accept the claim that Jesus is the Messiah, since he did not fulfill the prophecies and criteria that the Jewish tradition expects from the Messiah.

Therefore, from a Jewish viewpoint, those who adhere to Noahide laws hold more validity than Christianity, since they uphold the universal covenant that God made with Noah and his descendants, and do not violate the prohibition of idolatry.

However, this does not mean Judaism does not respect or appreciate the ethical and spiritual values that Christianity has contributed to the world, or that Judaism does not seek dialogue and cooperation with Christians on matters of common concern. Judaism recognizes that God has a plan for all nations and peoples, and that there are many paths to God and truth.

What is the theological correlation between God's covenant with the descendants of Adam in Surah 7:172 of the Quran and the Noahide laws in Jewish tradition?

Surah 7:172 in the Quran and the Noahide laws in Jewish tradition both relate to the foundational principles of human responsibility and moral accountability as understood in their respective religious contexts.

1. Surah 7:172 - The Covenant with the Descendants of Adam:

In Surah 7:172, the Quran describes a primordial event where God took a covenant from the descendants of Adam, making them bear witness to His Lordship. The verse implies that all of humanity acknowledges God's sovereignty and their inherent understanding of His existence.

This covenant is seen as a fundamental aspect of human nature, instilling a sense of moral and spiritual responsibility within each individual. It suggests that humans are innately aware of God's presence and their duties towards Him, even before their earthly existence.

2. The Noahide Laws:

In Jewish tradition, the Noahide laws are a set of seven moral imperatives given to Noah after the flood, which are considered binding on all of humanity. These laws include prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, sexual immorality, theft, consuming flesh torn from a living animal, and the requirement to establish courts of justice.

The Noahide laws are viewed as the basic ethical framework that ensures the moral conduct of all people, not just Jews. They represent a universal covenant between God and humanity, emphasizing the importance of justice, respect for life, and ethical behavior.

Theological Correlation:

Universal Moral Responsibility:

Both the Quranic covenant and the Noahide laws emphasize a universal aspect of moral responsibility to God and ethical conduct. They suggest that all humans, regardless of their specific religious identity, are bound by certain fundamental principles that guide their behavior and relationship with God.

Innate Knowledge of God:
Surah 7:172 suggests that the knowledge of God and the obligation to worship Him are inherent in all humans. Similarly, the Noahide laws presuppose an innate understanding of basic moral principles that are accessible to all people.

Divine Covenant:

Both traditions highlight a form of divine covenant that establishes the basis for human accountability. In Islam, this is illustrated by the pre-earthly covenant with the descendants of Adam. In Judaism, the Noahide laws represent a post-flood covenant with all of humanity through Noah.

Ethical Monotheism:

The Quranic verse and the Noahide laws both promote ethical monotheism, where belief in one God is coupled with the adherence to ethical principles. This concept is central to both Islam and Judaism, underscoring the importance of worshiping God and living a morally upright life.

In summary, the theological correlation between Surah 7:172 and the Noahide laws lies in their shared emphasis on a universal, inherent recognition of God and the moral responsibilities that stem from this recognition. Both underscore the idea that all humans are bound by a covenant with God that calls for ethical behavior and accountability.