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3761 BCE
The Hebrew Calendar Begins
The Hebrew Calendar starts when Creation is said to have happened. Creation is the story of God creating the universe and the first humans, Adam and Eve. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," and Genesis 1: 26 further says, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image. . . and let them have dominion. . . over all the earth. . ." -
2150 BCE
The Flood/Noah's Ark
Discussed in Genesis 6:9, Noah's Ark and The Great Flood refer to God's first cleansing of the earth. It is an important event in the history of Judaism and Christianity as it is God's first promise of many and demonstrates God's mercy and commitment to good which is the basis of these two Abrahamic religions. -
1743 BCE
Abraham's Covenant
In Genesis 12, God promises to bless Abraham and all of his descendants, making them His Chosen People. This event is significant in Jewish faith as it is god's promise to protect them from evil as long as they only follow Him. Abraham is still seen as the father of the Jewish people. -
Period: 1500 BCE to 1280 BCE
The Jews are enslaved by the Egyptians
Torah's Book of Exodus chapters talk about how the Jews were gravely mistreated by Egyptians during this time. According to Exodus 1:13, "And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour." The relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptians is significant as it leads up to Moses's covenant which frees the Israelites and introduces their Promised land. -
1280 BCE
Moses's Covenant & The Ten Commandments
In Exodus 19, Moses talks to God at Mount Sinai through the Burning Bush. God says that if the Israelites obey him, he will bring them to a Promised Land. God also bestows the Ten Commandments to the Israelites which is significant as they are instructions for how Jews, and later Christians, should live. Philo, Life of Moses describes the life of Moses and his role in the development of Judaism. -
4 BCE
Jesus is Born
Although it would take decades for Christianity to become its own religion a part from Judaism, Jesus's birth marked the beginning of that process as the religion begins with Jesus being the Son of God. -
Period: 4 BCE to 30
Jesus and his preaching to the Jewish people
Luke 2 describes Jesus's birth. Jesus's birth and his subsequent preachings are the start of a new religion, Christianity forming. The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John detail Jesus's life. There are also other records of Jesus and how Christians viewed Jesus such as Pliny's Letter to Trajan. -
30
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The various gospels: Mark 15:24, Luke 23:33, John 19:18, and Matthew 27:35 all refer to Jesus being crucified, although not much else is shared. Then, other accounts such as Polycarp's Letter to the Philippians discusses Jesus's resurrection. These events are significant in Christian history as they stand as part of the foundation of the faith: that Jesus died for the sins of His people. -
35
Conversion of Paul
Paul, who at first persecuted Jesus Christ followers, eventually converted to Christianity. He plays a significant role in Christian history as he came to be the leading figure in spreading the Gospel of Jesus. He also fought heterodoxy and helped people come back to the church. This is evident in his 1st Letter and 2nd Letter to the Corinthians written between 53 and 55 CE. -
Period: 50 to 150
The New Testament is Written
The New Testament records the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and His disciples. Christians view the New Testament as sacred text that is to be followed as well as the fulfillment of the Old Testament's promise. The New Testament is significant in Christian history as it marks the distinction between Christianity and Judaism. -
70
Significant battles in the separation of Christianity as a religion
The first Jewish-Roman War and the Destruction of the Second Temple were major events propelling the separation of Christianity and Judaism. The Roman-Jewish Wars and especially the destruction of the Temple symbolized the destruction of Judaism. The Jews were expelled from their homeland and many decided to convert to Christianity, which worshipped the same God but became "safer" to practice at the time. -
313
Edict of Milan is Issued
In Pliny's Letter to Trajan, written around 112 CE, we learn the Roman Empire's attitude and policy toward the Church. Thus, with the Edict of Milan making Christianity an official religion within the Empire, we can see how Christianity grew to become too different from Judaism and too large to be ignored. -
570
Muhammad is Born
Muhammad's birth is significant because, in Islam, he is Allah's chosen prophet. His teachings spread Islam far and wide. -
Period: 570 to 632
Life of Muhammad, Allah's Prophet
Muhammad's life and teachings, recounted in the Quran, are so important because he, according to Islamic faith, is the recipient and messenger of the word of God. Islam began because of Muhammad's divine revelation and him sharing those revelations with the people around him. Apart form the Quran, the Sunnah and the Hadith are also about Muhammad's teachings and life. -
622
Muhammad migrates to Medina
Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina for religious freedom. This migration is famously known as the hijrah. Quran 16:41 states, "[God says] 'And those who emigrated for [the cause of] God after they had been wronged - We will surely settle them in this world in a good place. . . " This move marks the first community of Muslims and is the beginning of a new religion showing rapid growth and success which is why it is significant. -
650
Quran is Written
The Islamic faith is guided by its holy book, the Quran. Considered sacred word, it details the Five Pillars of Islam and all the teachings and guidance Allah imparted on his prophet, Muhammad. Central to the Quran is worshipping only Allah: "In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful, all praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. . ."(Quran 1)