Its origins are in American politics, in an attempt to create a non-denominational American Christian religious consenus that did not appear anti-semitic by excluding Judaism.
The phrase "Judeo-Christian" tradition is unfortunate, since it implies far more commality than actually exists. Indeed, were the common ethical and theological elements as close as the phrase makes it appear, then Judaism and Chrisitianty would not be two separate religions.
The reality is more nuanced; Judaism and Christianity have both many areas of agreement, as well as sharply defined ethical and religious systems that are in some areas polar opposites. Givem the differences, many religious Jews and Christians find the phrase "Judeo-Christian tradition" to be an oxymoron, just as the phrase "Capitalist-Communist tradition" would be.
Recently obver 50 rabbis from the non-Orthodox branches of Judaism signed a document called Dabru Emet ("Speak the Truth") that has since been used in Jewish education programs across the US. While affirming that there are differences between these two religions, its purpose is to point out the common ground between these two religions. [[Dabur Emet]]
Comparing and Contrasting Judaism and Christianity:
God Both Jews and Christians believe in the God Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of the Tanach (Old Testament, Hebrew Bible), the creator of the universe. However, Christianity posits a trinity, in which the Godhead possess three distinct persons; In that three there are one and in that one there are three. Judaism sees God as a strict unity, and views trinitarianism as both incomprehensible and heretical.
Messiah Both Judaism and Christianity teach that a descendent of King David will one day appear to restore the Kingdom of [[Israel], and who will usher in a messianic era of peace.
Jews believe that this messiah will be a human being, like other human beings. Most Christians teach that Jesus was, in a literal sense, the son of God, and also part of the Godhead, and also the messiah. Jesus is said to be part of the same substance of God, involved in the Godhead as part of a Trinity. Judaism holds this idea to be both incorrect and incomprehensible.
Salvation/Attaining? an afterlife
Christianity posits that the only way that one can be saved is through the acceptance of Jesus as a saviour; salvation comes strictly through faith, and not through actions. Judaism holds the polar opposite view and claims that whatever salvation may exist is found only through ethical action; beliefs play no role.
Abortion
Most branches of Christianity have historically held abortion to be murder. Judaism claims that the fetus is not yet a full human being, and thus is not murder, and therefore abortion has always been legal under Jewish law.
The Bible Jews and Christians seek authority from the same basic books, the Tanach (Hebrew Bible, Old Testament), and as such, have much in common. However, Judaism holds that the only biblical books that express God's will are those in the Tanach (Hebrew Bible, aka Old Testament). Christians hold that this is incorrect, and that many more books (collected in the New Testament) express the final and authoritative word of God.
Moral teachings Jews and Christians accept as valid and binding the moral principles taught in the Torah. There is a great deal of overlap between the ethical systems of these two faiths. Nonetheless, there are some highly significant doctrinal differences.
Judaism has a great many teachings about peace and compromise, and its teachings make physical violence the last possible option. Nonetheless, the Talmud teaches that "If someone comes with the intention to murder you, then one is obligated to kill in self-defense". The clear implication that to do anything less would be tantamount to suicide. The tension between the large set of laws dealing with peace, and the obligation to self-defense, has led to a set of Jewish teachings that may be described as tactical-pacifism. This is the avoidance of force and violence whenever possible, but the use of it when necessary to save the lives of one's-self and one's people.
(which Jewish law forbids) and it would also be considered helping a murderer kill someone. Christianity teaches that if someone comes to harm you, then one must turn the other cheek. This has led many Christians to develop a theology of pacifism, the avoidance of force and violence at all times.
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