Belief systems, or religions, are perhaps the most powerful force in society. All of these beliefs are important in their own way to each religion. This is what makes each religion individual and special. Each of these religions had their own beliefs and sacred texts, although all shared certain concepts. In the Middle East, the world's three major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – share certain similarities and differences. Judaism, a monotheistic religion, like Christianity and Islam, originated with the Hebrews. The Hebrews believed that God was their special protector and that He was all, most powerful and present everywhere. Like the other two religions, Judaism also has a holy book called the Torah. The Torah is a sacred record of the laws and events of Jewish history. Jews believe that God gave them the Ten Commandments through Moses, whom he called “the Lawgiver.” According to Jewish tradition, God made a covenant or agreement with Abraham, the founder of Judaism. One similarity between Christianity and Judaism is that they both fast at certain times of the year. Not only does Judaism have similarities between the two religions, but the other two religions, Christianity and Islam, have been heavily influenced by Judaism. Christianity has the greatest cultural, religious and political development in the world. Just like Judaism and Islam, Christianity is also monotheistic. People who follow the Christian religion are called Christians. Christians follow the teachings of a man named Jesus, who was born in Palestine around 30 AD. Through belief in Jesus, people believe that humanity can achieve salvation. Judaism and Christianity are quite similar. Jesus' teachings were rooted in Jewish tradition. For example, Jesus accepted the Ten Commandments that God had given to the Jews through Moses; at the same time he preached new ideas. Furthermore, like the Torah of Judaism, the Bible was the holy book of Christianity. Although there are many differences between Islam and Christianity, there is one small similarity. The founder of Islam was Mohammad, born in Mecca in 570 AD. Islam, also a monotheistic religion, has a book similar to that of the Holy Bible. It's called the Quran. For Muslims, the Koran contains the sacred text addressed to Muhammad by God. The Quran not only teaches about God, but also how to live a good, faithful and respectful life..