See my review about Islam.

I don't care much for rating religions, mostly because it gives spastic colons a forum. I see there are the usual pack of same posting here.

Judaism is no worse than any other religion and better than several.

Debating things spiritual is an exercise in futility.  Attempting to render the transcendental into a set of easily-explained precepts is akin to trying to grab ahold of a blob of mercury with tweezers.

Imagine this, if you will:  There's this vast body of history/folklore/practices that initially appeared in cuneiform in Sumeria; redacted with a novel approach to worship from Egypt (Akhenaten) in the One God, Aton (from whence the Hebrew word "Adonai"); then, Greeks imposed their language on the native peoples of Palestine/Israel; translating back and forth from Hebrew to Greek to Aramaic, to Latin, and then to arcane English.  OY VEY!  No wonder we're so confused!

And, after all of it, the latter two religions:  Christianity and Islam.  I really have a problem with people pointing to a bible, knowing how it was pieced together, and saying that I'm going to perish because I choose--yes, ladies and gentlemen, free will--to acknowledge the all-powerful in a way that differs from theirs.  THE most important lesson of the Judeo-Christian-Islam belief is the lesson of Cain and Abel:  We ARE our brothers' keepers after all.  'Cause it's all we have here on earth.

"Let those among you who are without sin cast the first stone."  Fooey.

I like judaism because the people in it don't try and force it on you like some religions. There a humble people who don't want to be messed with anymore.

The best.

If not for its tremendous impact on the world, Judaism would be of no more interest than any other minor religion where membership is characterized by high levels of endogamy (inter-marriage) and determined more by blood than by conversion (such as the Sihks). There are only about 13 million Jews in world, compared to over 2 billion Christians and nearly 2 billion Muslims. Why have Jews-a tiny minority-had such a huge impact on the world? If you dismiss the medieval theories that the Jews are the chosen people of God, or an evil sect out to rule the world, the most popular and accepted theory has been that they value education more than other groups, and work harder because they were persecuted. This is a pretty lame explanation, given 1. Many ethnic groups have histories of persecution and value education, yet don't succeed terribly well. 2. Jewish predominance in intellectual fields is far larger than any other single ethnic or religious group, even much larger ones. Jews received a highly disproportionate number of Nobel prizes in all categories from 1901 to 1985, including 11 percent for literature, 12.7 percent for chemistry, 20.2 percent for physics, 35.2 percent for physiology and medicine, and 26.1 percent for economics. More recently a neuroscientist (Greg Cochran) has come up with a better explanation: "There is a good chance that an odd cluster of hereditary neurological diseases among the Ashkenazi Jews is a side-effect of strong selection for increased intelligence." Whether the explanation for Jewish predominance is cultural, or genetic, or both, the causes and implications deserve to be explored. The rapid rise in cultural and scientific accomplishment in the US in the last century was certainly aided by mass Jewish immigration (Hollywood would hardly exists without it); similarly, the success of Israel compared to its neighbors, despite its utter lack of natural resources, is pretty glaring. On the negative side, Judaism's ethnocentrism, its focus on finding imaginary patterns in irrational sacred texts (the talmud and kabbalah), combined with its pronounced messianic streak, led to terrible consequences when such attidudes became secularized. Such movements as Marxism, Freudianism, the 'Frankfurt School' of cultural criticism, Neo-Conservatism and other deluded ideologies were created and promoted, for the most part, by half-secularized Jews. Communism, in particular, promised to transcend nationalism and capitalism, the two reasons Jews were persecuted in 19th Century Europe (for their economic success and lack of a national 'homeland', as explained in Yuri Slezkine's The Jewish Century). We have tons of books and articles, many highly critical, even slanderous, about the content and impact of Islam, Catholicism and the various branches of Protestantism. An honest and impartial study of the impact of Jews and Judaism on the modern world is long overdue. Sadly, there are few scholars brave enough to risk the howls of righteous indignation and slanderous charges of anti-semitism that would result. A good example is the absurd over-reaction to John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt's recent paper on the Israel Lobby's impact on American foreign policy. (see 'The Storm Over the Israel Lobby' in the current issue of the New York Review of Books.)

Recommended reading:'The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism' & 'Why The Jews', by Dennis Prager and Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.

I kinda agree with MattShizzle on the conversion issue. I became friendly at work with an older Orthodox Jewish gentleman. The initial basis for our friendship was the fact that he had been best friends since childhood with the late actor Richard Castellano, who played "Clemenza" in "The Godfather", as well as a score of other roles over the years. Since "The Godfather" is one of my all-time favorite films, we had a lot to talk about (he's still close with Castellano's widow, actress Ardell Sheridan). In time, our friendship deepened, although he could occasionally be abrasive. At one point, I said to him, in a half-facetious manner, "You know, I'll say one thing for Judaism...at least they don't try to proselytise people. I've never had someone Jewish knocking on my door or trying to give me a tract and getting me to attend their synagogue." He looked at me and said, "That's because we don't want you." He wasn't being facetious. Was I offended? Not really. There's something to be said for straight talk. Now, if only the Jehovah's Witnesses didn't want me...

Full of nonsense, like every other religion, thought it only has about half the nonsense Christianity has. It is against the Jewish religion to attemp to convert others. That scores the Jews a whole lot of points in my book.

Like every other major religion,Judaism has many fine practitioners and a handful of fanatics who screw it up for everyone else.I am pretty sick of everyone fighting about their concept of the divine.It seems to bring out the very worst in humanity.Tolerance and Peacefulness are the hallmarks of refined spirituality.Every Warlike act is an offense to the creator-and that goes for ALL Religions.

5000 years of evolving culture, art, justice, and search for truth and meaning - the positives almost completely outweigh the negatives.

What a stupid comment by RoughMeister - "If Judaism was good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for you." Why do you think Jesus' teachings, miracles, followers (alive at his time), were considered to be not part of the rabbinical faith and NOT recognized or approved by the rabbis of the time? Jesus was brought by God to Earth to teach us that there was a better way. It obviously wasn't good enough for Jesus nor for his followers. This is not to say that there are not many many aspects of the Old Testament (Chumash) that are invalidated or incorrect - hence the reason that they are inclusive of the Christian Bible.

The last descendant from the House of David has come and gone..for whom do you wait for?The Annointed One has fulfilled the faith of our fathers.Christianity is the continuation of the hebrew faith as commanded by God through his Son's ministry.If this command comes from the hebrew God it is eternal,definite and dogmatic(unchangeable truth),for then if his command has been tampered with,it ceases to be of God but of man?So if God founds Christianity as the new form of service and salvation and jews still practice'the mosaic law'Judaism as we know it is brought down to the lowest common denominator that simply emulates a branch of politics. P.S To put this any other way would be a lie...

If Judaism was good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for you.

It is dangerous to be critical of Judaism for obvious reasons. Suffice it to say that its membership is declining rapidly.

The thing I love about Judaism is that its followers don't seek to conquire and convert the earth to their religion. I wish all religions where like this.

false. it's just like christianity exept they don't believe in Jesus

Christianity is the Child. Judaism is the parent. However, Legitimate jewish Organizations, such as teh Jewish Defense League, JEwish Defense Organization, JEwish Task Force and JEws For PReservation of Firearms Ownership, (The first of which was recently removed from teh internet, illegally, BTW, by pro talibalist, Pro Nation of Islam, pro KKK, and otehr illegal extremeist Elements in the Untieed States GOvernment and the private sector, not excluding the illegal and imoral American Civil Liberties Union, ARE NOT WITHOUT SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT FROM LARGE SECTORS OF CHRISTIAN AMERICAN SOCIETY! These same groups are the very ones that rip the lid off the Illegal labor and likud parties of Israel , those same parties that allow and permit bombings in ISrael, which the military KNOWS OF IN ADVANCE and seldom attempts to prevents UNTIL THE ATTACKS HAVE OCCURED! When the Pro ACLU Anti Defmaation League, THAT HAS ILLEGALLY SPIED ON THE JDL AND OTHE RRIGHTIST JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS, WITH THE NAZIS AS THEIR PAYMASTERS ARE ELIMINATED FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL! THEN JUDAISM WILL AGAIN BE LEGITIMATE AS A RELIGION AND WHEN THE BIBLICALLY DEFINED REGIONS OF ISRAEL.. NILE EAST TO EUPHRATES ARE AGAIN ISRAELS, JUDAISM AND ISRALE WIL AGAIN BE TRUE AND NOBLE

Bonus points for not converting. Also, interesting that the direct ancestors of the very people who arguably could verify Xianity reject it. Hilarious. Bonus points to for the large number of great scientists of Jewish ancestory. Negatives- it's made up nonsense like the rest.

I respect the religion but just like Islam they dont eat Pork, dont know what they are missing!!!!...

Jews don't believe in Jesus eh? I know the majority probably don't but you can't generalize and say all don't. Ever heard of the organization Jews for Jesus

Once again, I find it interesting how someone has to bash this religion from a Christian persective. How intolerant can you be. Also, Samthecoobear, the Jews do not believe in Jesus, other than as a historical and perhaps prophetic figure, and your comment that the religion is false is, well, just plain bizarre. It also annoys me that people cannot separate the religion of Judaism from the secular State of Israel. Again, folks, please get a grip. Judaism is a monotheistic religion which established a positive moral and ethical base for its followers. How can you debase that?

All people are God's people, there is no favouritism.

Same exact religion as Christianity. Way too similiar. Christianity and Judaism are exactly alike, just with different holidays.

Jesus is the only way.

Lovely comment by Stromtrooper, whom I suspect is a multiple IDer hiding behind his bad-ass Star Wars name. Judaism at least has the good sense not to promote proselytism which has brought suffering, resentment and conquest along with it through-out history. I have never liked the idea of rating religions on sites like RIA just for the very reason that is gives insecure morons like stormtrooper the chance to spread their ignorance. All faiths have the capacity to bring peace and understanding or violence depending on the believers. Spare us the moronic blanket-statements.

More of the same humanistic works religion. What can I do to get into heaven? Whatever happened to God's plan? Didn't He already make provisions for us through His Son Jesus?

I hate to give the orrigin of my own religion, Christianity, a not-so-hot rating, but I feel it is neccesary. In fact I recognize that Christ himself and his first followers were Jewish. Formal Christianity did not exist at the time, and the holy crucifiction was on the hands of not only the Jews, but the entire world because Christ died for EVERYBODY's sins. That said the part of Judaism that bothers me is the actions made by the nation of Israel. The war made against Palestine appears to be not what the Israeli's claim. It appears to be a link to greed for more land, but too cowardly to show their intentions to the World. It is for this dishonesty that I do not think highly of Judaism at our point in history. On the other hand are the Muslims who desperately fight for their state of Palestine. While their actions may seem more barbaric they must fight against overwhelming odds and fight in a form where the battle comes from the heart. I do not condone eather nations actions, but I find it interesting to see that those who fight for Palestine are often rock throwing children, while those who fight for Israel are proffessional paid and trained soldiers with live ammunition. As comment is about Judaism I won't go into full detail on Islamic tactics, but just in case someone gets the wrong idea from my post, I do realize that not all fighters for Islam are small children, but in Palestine a surprizing majority are. As to the actual teachings of Judaism I feel that the religion has fallen in the wrong direction. It appears that many do not take their religion seriously (writing Christmas songs) and those who do hold too strongly to tradition and not to meaning.

I admit I don't know much about Judaism. The only reason I give it a low rating is because the poor Jews have been persecuted throughout the ages. That seems like a major negative to me, being harassed and run out of town on a rail.

I am so impressed with how there is room for all kinds of beliefs in this religion. There are Jews that are very conservative and others that are quite liberal. This is the way that it should be. I truly do not feel that Christianity, my religion, is this open-hearted. And, while I do not mean to trivialize such an honorable religion, I love Rhoda, Ida, and Brenda Morgenstern. They may be fictional, but they feel real, don't they?

This is where most of the world's problems started, because Christianity and Islam sprung from Judaism. All three faiths are false, based on fictitious writing by people whose identities and motives will never be known, and which have done irreparable harm to humanity. Way to go Abraham.

At its most basic, principles of religion teach us to strive to be better people and affirm positive ways of more spiritual living. Rather unfortunately, many individuals misinterpret the basics and use it as an excuse to treat others in a negative way. I am not rating those misguided, just the peaceful values that encourage self-improvement.

Judaism can not be that bad if the majority of the worlds religions are derived from it.

What other religion is at war with all the others? Judaism! But besides that, The Jews are great people.

Plain and simple, they're God's chosen people.

I'm half-Jewish myself, and so have learned much about Judaism from my grandparents. There is so much about the character of the Jewish people- their earnest philosophies of life, their persistence in the face of oppression, their wonderful sense of humor and irony, and on a more trivial note the amusing and interesting sound of the Yiddish language- there is so much of this richness and peculiarity of character in the Jewish people which I find just fascinating and I'm glad to be one. Maybe we don't believe in Jesus, but we do believe in God and even though I personally am an agnostic, I think if you're going to be religious at all that believing in GOD is what really matters. And we won't go to hell for not believing in Jesus, because we don't believe in Hell either! But Christians haven't had to struggle the way Jews have- for hundreds of years Christianity has been accepted, but Jews had to struggle for a long time before Judaism became an acceptable religion- so here we are! L'chaim.

Doesn't know much about this religion but has got an interesting lineage of people..Karl marx , enstien et al.

Founded c2000BC by Abraham. It is founded on the belief in One and only God, who is the trancendent creator of all things. This Absolute God is the source of all rightiousness and in the duty of the Jews to have witness to this belief. Strict in conformity to rites, ceremonies, customs, rules, restrictive diet: kosha (no fat, blood, pork or other non coven hoofed animals, most birds, most insects, and water creatures without fins or scales). 10 comandments and other mortal sins, circumcision, animal sacrifice. Awaiting the Masiha. Angels, devils and other evil spirits (demons). Prayer and worship, belive they are Gods choosen people and have a legalistic society. Prophasy: Empire of Gog (Turkic) and Magog (Russia + other Slavs) and End Times. Myths: Creation in 6 days, Adam & Eve, Noahs Ark and Tower of Bable. Scripture: Old Testament (Apocrypha kept from the public) & Tulmad. Politics: Conservative nationalists with belief in freedom in acordance with scripture but the Liberal/Reformed type are ussually Radical & Socialists. There are Orthodox Jews (fundamentalists), Consevative Jews( Traditionalist-evolutionist) and Liberal/Reformed Non traditionalist with liberal Theology). Orthodox & Conservatives are morally and politically in line with scripture, Reformed Jews are not. These diffrent groups have a diffrent set of doctrines and dogmas of those not mentioned above: Unity of God, Incororeality of God, His Everlastng, God is intelligent and all-knowing/Omniscience, Free will, Prayer is for God alone ( this one controdicts scripture), Prophacy, Supremacy of Moses above all other prophets, The Pentatuch/Torah was given to Moses, the immutability of Torah, Torah as Divine Revelation (Verbal inspiration), Divine retribution/Divine providence in reward and punnishment (Karma), Advent of the Messiah, the reserection of the dead, miracles, holy land, man is incapable of having any positive knowlage of God. Some learn the Kabala (occultic). All the Jews I have met have been nice and respectable to me.

Our esteemed and beloved older brothers and sisters aka the Chosen. (From a Christian perspective.)

I'm tryin' really hard to feel the love, but the Warmongering has gotta go. When was it these people went from lovable victim to aggressors? Pity.

Some how ironic how the world's suckiest religions are slugging it out. I rank this one with Islam and Satanism.

oldest.....richest......smartest......nuf said

I'm a Jew. I believe in God and that one day, He will save us all.

Aiii... this one sucks! though it is revealed religion but if only this religion is really good, why the jews are still doing harm to others? sucks!

They only interested in making money and killing people especially muslims.

this religion is out of date

to be fair, the exteme groups can be very much a pain in the ass. I then to have friends who are more refore type.

I have a lot of respect for Jewish people and I have to have a certain respect for Judaism too. Faithfully practicing Jews are good moral people. In a way you could say Judaism is the root of Christianity. God chose Abraham and from Him the Jewish nation descended. They are His chosen people. Judaism believes in the Old Testament which is part of the Bible. It was the first religeon to teach the existence of only one God. For those reasons I give it a high rating. However I could not end my comments in good conscience without saying that I don't believe Judaism or any other religion is the way to Heaven. Only Jesus is (John 14:6). I know! I can't help it! I'm just a narrow-minded bigot!

They have been oppressed and mutilated throughout history. The Holocaust is the darkest period by far in the history of the world. They want to have a homeland in Israel, but they are just as much fanatics as the Palestinians. The only difference is that the Israelis have snipers that work for the government and aren't civilians. I have respect for the religion and the people who practice it.

up there w/the other two: Christianity and Islam, that have to go before this world can be completely free, kind, and loving