The modern invention of a shared religious lineage

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 27 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The term 'Abrahamic religions' is often used to signal fraternity between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. However, scholars argue this category might be a modern political and theological invention designed to obscure deep-seated historical and doctrinal differences between three distinct faiths.

The classification of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as 'Abrahamic' centers on their common reverence for the biblical figure Abraham. In the Book of Genesis, Abraham is depicted as a figure who traveled from Ur in Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan. He is celebrated as a foundational monotheist who entered into a covenant with God, receiving promises of land and numerous descendants. This covenant remains a central pillar of significance for all three faiths, though the specific details of his lineage are interpreted differently. These differences are most visible in the identification of Abraham's children. Jews trace their lineage through Isaac and consider Abraham the 'first Jew.' Christians similarly trace Jesus' lineage through Isaac. Conversely, the progeny of Ishmael, Abraham's eldest male child, is the source of Muslim ancestry; it is believed that Abraham sent him away alongside Hagar, his mother. Furthermore, while Judaism focuses on the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the Talmud, Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Trinity, and Islam originated in the 7th century CE based on the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad's teachings.

The concept of 'Abrahamic' identity has evolved significantly over time. In early noncanonical Jewish texts between the 2nd century BCE and 1st century CE, Abraham was expanded into a mystical, anti-polytheistic iconoclast. Later, the Apostle Paul redefined Abraham's descendants in the 1st century CE. By moving the definition of 'descendant' from ethnicity to faith, Paul argued that all who believe in God are heirs to Abraham's covenant. This shift from ancestry to doctrine highlights the complexity of a category that seeks to unite three religions with vastly different rituals, scriptures, and theological frameworks.

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