Debate regarding whether the three monotheistic religions commonly grouped as the Abrahamic faiths worship the same God has come to be that of intense theological reflection within the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities over a number of centuries. While there are common elements widely accepted by each of these traditions relevant to God, there remains contention among historians, theologians, and religious affiliates alike. While any summary of this contention would exclude enormous nuances, it is apparent that, while the God of these three faiths is most certainly shared in some way, the variations are too great to claim that the God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the same. With a specific emphasis on the Jewish and Christian faiths,this paper explores the variations in the means by which God is revealed, God’s promises to Abraham and the identification of the covenant, as well as the understanding of the singularity of God coupled with the notions of idolatry as a means of demonstrating that the Jewish and Christian God may be shared, but most certainly is not the same.

Perspectives of a Shared God, a Jewish and Christian Understanding