How does the Jewish view of God compare to the Christian view of God?

Judaism teaches a single, indivisible God with no physical form, whereas Christianity generally teaches the Trinity, where God exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Which religion is older, Judaism or Christianity?

Judaism is the older religion, with its foundational covenant with Abraham dating back roughly 4,000 years, while Christianity emerged as a distinct faith from the life of Jesus in the 1st century CE.

What is the cost of converting to Judaism or Christianity?

Conversion costs differ by community, but Judaism typically requires a lengthy study period and a beit din, while Christianity typically requires only a profession of faith, with no standard fee.

What is the risk of following the Christian view of Jesus?

The primary risk for a Jewish person is theological, because Christianity's claim that Jesus is God violates the core Jewish principle of absolute monotheism, creating a core theological conflict.

Can a person follow Jewish law and Christian beliefs together?

Yes, a person can combine them as a Messianic Jew, but this is incompatible with mainstream Judaism, which rejects Jesus as Messiah, and mainstream Christianity, which rejects the binding nature of the full Torah law.

What is the biggest beginner mistake when comparing these two religions?

The biggest beginner mistake is assuming Christianity is simply Judaism plus Jesus, because Judaism is a complete, distinct covenant with its own law, history, and distinct identity, not just an incomplete version of the Christian faith.

Are the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament the same book?

No, the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament share the same core books, but they are not identical, because the Christian version has a different order and includes the deuterocanonical books in some traditions.

How is the Jewish Sabbath observed differently in each faith?

Judaism strictly observes the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday night with rest and prayer, while Christianity generally worships on Sunday, viewing it as the Lord's day, which is a shift from the Jewish day of rest.

Can a Jew convert to Christianity and still be considered Jewish?

Yes, a Jew who converts to Christianity is still considered Jewish by Jewish law, but they are considered an apostate, and their practice of Christianity is seen as a rejection of the core Jewish covenant with God.

Difference Between

Difference Between Judaism and Christianity

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 28, 202617 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Judaism rejects Jesus as the Messiah, while Christianity embraces Jesus as the divine Son of God and Savior. Judaism is a monotheistic religion centered on the Torah and covenant with God, while Christianity is a monotheistic faith centered on Jesus Christ's life and resurrection.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Judaism rejects Jesus as messiah; Christianity accepts him as divine savior.
How each works: Judaism emphasizes Torah law observance; Christianity stresses grace through faith alone.
God's nature: Judaism stresses absolute monotheism; Christianity affirms trinitarian God with Father, Son, Spirit.
Best-fit context: Judaism focuses on covenant nation; Christianity centers on universal salvation for all believers.
Common mistake: Assuming shared Hebrew Bible means identical theology, afterlife, and salvation requirements.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Judaism and Christianity: Comparison Table

Aspect	Judaism	Christianity
Definition	Monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, defined by covenant and law.	Monotheistic religion centered on Jesus Christ as the messiah and savior.
Core Belief	Centered on one God, the Torah, and the covenant at Sinai.	Centered on the Trinity and salvation through faith in Jesus.
Founder	Traced to Abraham, with Moses as the primary lawgiver.	Founded by Jesus of Nazareth and his apostles in the 1st century.
Sacred Text	Uses the Tanakh, with the Torah as the central text.	Uses the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments.
Messiah	Messiah is a future human leader who has not yet come.	Messiah is Jesus, who already came and will return again.
Jesus Role	Sees Jesus as a teacher or prophet, not the messiah.	Believes Jesus is the Son of God and the divine savior.
God Nature	God is strictly one, indivisible, and without form.	God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Original Sin	Rejects the concept of inherited sin from Adam.	Teaches humans inherit a fallen nature from Adam's sin.
Salvation Path	Achieved through a lifetime of deeds, repentance, and study.	Achieved through grace, received by faith in Jesus.
Afterlife View	Focuses on this life; views of an afterlife vary widely.	Centers on eternal life in heaven or separation in hell.
Religious Law	Follows Halakha, a comprehensive system of 613 commandments.	Follows moral law, with most churches not observing Halakha.
Key Ritual	Observes Shabbat, keeping the seventh day holy.	Observes Sunday as the primary day of worship.
Place Worship	Worships in a synagogue, led by a rabbi.	Worships in a church, led by a pastor or priest.
Dietary Rules	Follows kosher laws, prohibiting pork and mixing meat with dairy.	Most denominations have no binding dietary restrictions.
Conversion	Requires study, circumcision for men, and a beit din.	Requires profession of faith and often baptism.
Clergy Role	Rabbi is a teacher and scholar, not a priest.	Pastor or priest serves as a spiritual leader and shepherd.
Key Figures	Honors Moses, the prophets, and patriarchs like Abraham.	Honors Jesus, the apostles, and later church saints.
View Scripture	Views the New Testament as non-authoritative scripture.	Views the New Testament as the fulfillment of prophecy.
View of Torah	Treats the Torah as the eternal, literal word of God.	Sees the Old Testament as fulfilled in Jesus.
Worship Style	Service features prayers, Torah reading, and Hebrew liturgy.	Service features sermons, hymns, and communion.
Major Holiday	Observes Yom Kippur, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah.	Observes Christmas and Easter as the central feasts.
Baptism	Uses ritual immersion for conversion, not salvation.	Uses baptism as an initiation and symbol of faith.
Afterlife Goal	Aims for a good life and righteousness in this world.	Aims for eternal fellowship with God in heaven.
Human Nature	Believes humans are born with both good and evil urges.	Believes humans are born with a sinful nature.
View of Sin	Defines sin as a failure to follow divine law.	Defines sin as a state of separation from God.
Global Reach	Has roughly 15 million adherents worldwide.	Has about 2.4 billion followers globally.
Major Branches	Divided into Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements.	Divided into Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox branches.
Sacred Language	Uses Hebrew for prayer and core religious texts.	Uses vernacular languages for worship and the Bible.
Central Tenet	Stresses the oneness of God and ethical action.	Stresses the divinity of Christ and his resurrection.
Best Fit	Best fits those seeking a legal framework for daily practice.	Best fits those seeking a personal relationship with God.

What Is Judaism?

Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion and ethnic identity rooted in the Hebrew Bible and covenant with God. It provides a complete framework for daily living through law, ethics, and tradition, existing to preserve covenant relationship and Jewish people worldwide.

Definition of Judaism

Judaism is the monotheistic religion and cultural system of the Jewish people, founded on the Torah and rabbinic tradition. It encompasses theology, law (Halakha), customs, and shared history, emphasizing covenant, covenant obligations, and communal practice spanning over three thousand years of continuous tradition.

Key Characteristics of Judaism

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Strict monotheism	Belief in one eternal, indivisible God who created and governs the universe.
Torah centrality	Sacred text guides all religious law, ethics, and weekly synagogue reading cycles.
Halakha observance	Religious law governs prayer, diet, Sabbath, and family purity daily routines.
Chosen people	Jews hold a unique covenant role to serve God through moral responsibility.
Shabbat observance	Weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday night, prohibiting work.
Kashrut laws	Dietary rules permit certain animals and forbid pork, shellfish, and mixed meat.
Messianic expectation	Future messiah will bring world peace; messiah has not yet arrived.
Lifecycle rituals	Brit milah, bar mitzvah, marriage, and mourning follow ancient prescribed rituals.
Synagogue community	Prayer quorum, study groups, and communal support form core social structure.
Oral tradition	Mishnah and Talmud interpret written Torah for evolving legal application.

Common Examples of Judaism

Orthodox Judaism – Strict Halakha adherence governs daily life, Sabbath, and traditional worship practices.
Reform Judaism – Modernized liberal movement adapting ancient traditions to contemporary ethical liberal standards.
Conservative Judaism – Middle path preserving traditions while accepting modern historical critical scholarship and change.
Passover Seder – Ritual retelling Exodus from Egypt through symbolic foods and festive meal.
Yom Kippur – Holiest day featuring fasting, repentance prayers, and synagogue atonement services.
Hanukkah – Eight-day festival commemorating rededication of Jerusalem Temple with menorah lights.
Bar Mitzvah – Coming-of-age ceremony marking religious adulthood and Torah reading responsibility.
Kosher Certification – Rabbinic supervision ensuring food products meet Jewish dietary law standards.
Western Wall – Ancient Jerusalem prayer site retaining Second Temple foundation in Jerusalem.
Jewish Diaspora – Worldwide communities maintaining identity outside Israel through shared traditions.

Advantages and Limitations of Judaism

Advantages	Limitations
Provides comprehensive ethical framework for moral living across all life aspects.	Strict observance barriers create significant time, cost, and lifestyle burdens for adherents.
Strong communal support networks foster deep belonging, mutual aid, and shared identity.	Ethnic identity requirement can exclude converts and create insular community boundaries.
Rich intellectual tradition encourages lifelong learning, debate, and intellectual questioning.	Historical persecution and antisemitism remain persistent threats across global Jewish communities.
Rich ritual calendar provides meaningful rhythm, structure, and spiritual rhythm throughout year.	Halakhic stringency can conflict with modern secular society, employment, and values.
Preserves ancient cultural heritage connecting generations through shared historical memory.	Messianic absence offers no savior figure and unresolved suffering explanation for evil.
Emphasizes personal responsibility for social justice, charity, and repairing world.	Complex dietary and Sabbath laws complicate travel, work, and social integration.
Flexible interpretive tradition allows diverse practice across different Jewish movements.	Patriarchal historical texts and liturgy reflect ancient male-dominated cultural perspectives.
Strong family-centered practices reinforce domestic religious education and home observance.	Small global population limits critical mass outside major Jewish population centers.
Clear lifecycle rituals mark significant transitions with communal ceremonial recognition.	Conversion process remains lengthy, demanding, and deliberately difficult for prospective converts.
Diaspora adaptability demonstrates resilience across varied historical cultural environments.	Internal denominational divisions create conflict and fragmentation within Jewish community.

What Is Christianity?

Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It exists to guide followers toward salvation through faith in Jesus, emphasizing salvation as a gift from God.

Definition of Christianity

Christianity is the religion based on the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. Its core doctrine holds that Jesus’s death and resurrection provide redemption from sin for all who believe.

Key Characteristics of Christianity

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Trinitarian belief	God exists as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in one divine essence.
Salvation by faith	Faith in Jesus’s sacrifice, not just works, is the primary means of receiving salvation.
New Testament canon	Scripture includes the Hebrew Bible plus the New Testament, which records Jesus’s life and early church.
Sacraments practice	Baptism and the Eucharist are central rituals observed by most Christian denominations worldwide.
Jesus’s divinity	Jesus is fully divine and fully human, not a mere prophet or teacher.
Grace emphasis	God’s unearned favor, not human merit, is the basis for a believer’s relationship with God.
Resurrection centrality	The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the foundational event that validates Christian faith.
Evangelism mandate	Believers actively share the gospel to convert others to Christianity globally.
Church community	Believers gather in local churches for worship, teaching, and fellowship regularly.
Second coming hope	Christians anticipate Jesus’s future return to judge the world and establish God’s kingdom.

Common Examples of Christianity

Roman Catholicism – the largest Christian body, led by the Pope, with seven sacraments and strong liturgical traditions.
Eastern Orthodoxy – a tradition emphasizing ancient liturgy, icons, and the authority of ecumenical councils.
Anglican Communion – a tradition balancing Catholic heritage with reformed theology and the Book of Common Prayer.
Lutheranism – a Protestant tradition starting with Martin Luther, emphasizing justification by faith alone.
Baptist churches – independent congregations practicing believer’s baptism by full immersion and local church autonomy.
Methodism – a movement from John Wesley focusing on personal holiness and social justice work.
Pentecostalism – a movement stressing the Holy Spirit’s gifts, speaking in tongues, and divine healing.
Presbyterianism – a Reformed tradition governed by elders, following John Calvin’s theological system.
Mormonism – a restorationist faith with additional scripture like the Book of Mormon.
Jehovah’s Witnesses – a denomination known for door-to-door evangelism and rejecting the Trinity doctrine.

Advantages and Limitations of Christianity

Advantages	Limitations
Offers a personal relationship with God through Jesus, giving believers a clear sense of purpose and identity.	Historically, Christianity has been used to justify crusades, forced conversions, and colonial violence against other peoples.
Provides a strong moral framework that guides ethical decisions on family life, work, and community responsibility.	Different denominations disagree sharply on core issues like baptism, communion, and church leadership roles.
Builds tight-knit communities that offer social support, charity work, and support during personal crises.	Some Christian groups reject modern scientific consensus on evolution, which creates conflict with secular knowledge.
Gives comfort through the belief in an afterlife, reducing fear of death and suffering for many believers.	Literal interpretations of scripture have led to discrimination against women in leadership and LGBTQ+ people.
Inspires vast charitable networks, including hospitals, schools, and disaster relief agencies operating worldwide.	Internal divisions have caused centuries of conflict, including the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation.
Encourages forgiveness and reconciliation, promoting peace in personal relationships and larger social conflicts.	Some prosperity teachings distort the gospel, promising wealth and health in exchange for donations.
Promotes human dignity by teaching that every person, created in God’s image, has inherent value and worth.	Exclusive claims that Jesus is the only path to God can create tension with interfaith dialogue and pluralism.
Provides a rich cultural heritage of art, music, architecture, and literature that shapes Western civilization.	Church scandals, including clerical abuse cases, have damaged institutional trust and credibility severely.
Encourages personal transformation and spiritual growth through spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.	Some teachings have been used to endorse slavery, slavery-like practices, and oppressive political regimes.
Creates a global network of believers, offering support across different countries and cultures during travel.	Rigid dogma can discourage critical thinking and punish believers who question official church teachings.

Similarities Between Judaism and Christianity

Shared Aspect	How Judaism and Christianity Are Alike
Monotheistic Faith	Judaism and Christianity both worship a single, eternal God who created the universe and acts in history.
Shared Scripture	Judaism and Christianity both revere the Hebrew Bible, which Christians call the Old Testament.
Abrahamic Origin	Judaism and Christianity both trace their spiritual lineage and covenant promises back to Abraham.
Moral Code	Judaism and Christianity both uphold the Ten Commandments as a foundational ethical standard for living.
Prophetic Tradition	Judaism and Christianity both honor figures like Isaiah and Moses as divinely inspired prophets.
Messianic Hope	Judaism and Christianity both anticipate a future age of peace brought by a messianic redeemer.
Prayer Practice	Judaism and Christianity both practice prayer as direct communication with their one God.
Sacred Space	Judaism and Christianity both designate specific places, such as synagogues and churches, for worship.
Religious Calendar	Judaism and Christianity both observe weekly holy days, specifically the Sabbath or Sunday.
Divine Revelation	Judaism and Christianity both believe God communicates divine truth to humanity through scripture.
Ethical Framework	Judaism and Christianity both emphasize justice, charity, and loving one's neighbor as oneself.
Historical Roots	Judaism and Christianity both emerged from the ancient land of Israel and its people.
Afterlife Belief	Judaism and Christianity both hold beliefs concerning the soul's existence after physical death.
Religious Leaders	Judaism and Christianity both recognize religious leaders who teach and interpret sacred laws.
Creation Doctrine	Judaism and Christianity both affirm that God created the world with purpose and order.
Human Responsibility	Judaism and Christianity both teach that humans bear responsibility for their moral actions before God.
Community Focus	Judaism and Christianity both build strong communal identities through shared rituals and collective worship.
Ritual Practice	Judaism and Christianity both use ritual acts like prayer, fasting, and blessing as devotion.
Charitable Duty	Judaism and Christianity both command charitable giving and care for the poor as religious duty.
Pilgrimage Tradition	Judaism and Christianity both regard Jerusalem as a historically and spiritually significant holy city.
Textual Study	Judaism and Christianity both value the ongoing study and interpretation of sacred texts.
Divine Judgment	Judaism and Christianity both believe God will ultimately judge all people for their deeds.
Repentance Value	Judaism and Christianity both teach that sincere repentance and turning back to God are essential.
Historical Figures	Judaism and Christianity both honor historical patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Symbolic Meaning	Judaism and Christianity both employ symbols like the star, the star of David and cross.
Lifecycle Rituals	Judaism and Christianity both mark major life events such as birth and marriage with ceremonies.
Dietary Rules	Judaism and Christianity both possess religious guidelines regarding food, though their specific restrictions differ.
Global Presence	Judaism and Christianity both exist as worldwide religions with followers on every inhabited continent.
Persecution History	Judaism and Christianity both have faced historical persecution and discrimination throughout their long histories.
Enduring Influence	Judaism and Christianity both have profoundly shaped Western law, ethics, art, and culture.

Judaism or Christianity: Which Should You Choose?

Your decision rests on one question: do you accept Jesus as the Messiah? Christianity requires this belief as its foundation, while Judaism rejects it as a core tenet. Most people choose based on which covenant they believe God established with humanity.

When to Use Judaism

Choose Judaism when you seek a monotheistic faith rooted in the Torah and Jewish law. It fits those who reject Jesus as the Messiah, emphasize actions over beliefs, and value a covenant tied to the Jewish people. Consider it if you need a tradition emphasizing this-worldly practice.

When to Use Christianity

Choose Christianity when you need salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It fits those who accept the New Testament, believe in the Trinity, and seek a personal relationship with God. Consider it if you want assurance of eternal life through grace, not works.

Common Misconceptions About Judaism and Christianity

Common Myth	The Reality
Judaism and Christianity worship completely different gods entirely.	Both Judaism and Christianity worship the God of Abraham, but Christianity adds the doctrine of the Trinity.
Jews believe they earn salvation by following rules alone.	Judaism teaches that salvation comes from God's covenant and covenant loyalty, not from earning it.
Christians worship three separate gods instead of one.	Christianity teaches one God in three persons, a doctrine Judaism rejects as incompatible with monotheism.
The Jewish Bible and the Christian Bible are the same book.	Judaism uses the Tanakh, while Christianity includes the Old Testament plus the New Testament.
Jews do not believe in an afterlife or any afterlife.	Judaism holds varied beliefs about the afterlife, including resurrection and spiritual reward.
Jesus is not mentioned anywhere in Jewish scripture.	Judaism's Hebrew Bible contains no reference to Jesus as the messiah or a divine figure.
Christians believe Jesus replaced the Jewish people in God's covenant.	Christianity's replacement theology is one branch, while Judaism maintains the original covenant remains valid.
Jews reject the entire Old Testament as outdated scripture.	Judaism reveres the Hebrew Bible as authoritative, though it interprets laws differently than Christianity.
Christianity is simply a newer version of the Jewish faith.	Christianity diverged from Judaism over Jesus's divinity, yet it retains Jewish scripture and ethics.
All Jews strictly follow every rule from the Torah.	Judaism includes diverse movements, from Orthodox to Reform, with differing levels of observance.
Christians believe faith alone makes salvation possible without any works.	Christianity varies by tradition, with Catholicism emphasizing sacraments and Protestantism stressing faith and grace.
Judaism is only a religion, not a culture or peoplehood.	Judaism is an ethnoreligious identity, encompassing shared history, culture, and ancestry beyond religious practice.
Christians do not follow any laws from the Old Testament.	Christianity retains the Ten Commandments and moral law, while Judaism applies ceremonial and civil law.
Jews believe only the Torah is their sacred scripture.	Judaism also holds the Talmud and oral tradition as authoritative interpretations of the written Torah.
Christianity teaches that God is a completely unknowable mystery.	Christianity holds God is knowable through Jesus, while Judaism emphasizes God's transcendence and covenant relationship.
Jews think the messiah has already arrived on Earth.	Judaism awaits a future messiah who brings peace, while Christianity believes Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecy.
Christians believe good deeds guarantee a place in heaven.	Christianity teaches salvation is a gift through grace, with good works as evidence of faith.
Judaism has no central authority or central leadership.	Judaism lacks a single pope, relying on rabbis and communal interpretation of Jewish law.
Christians believe the New Testament is the only scripture that matters.	Christianity considers the Old Testament scripture, yet it interprets it through the lens of Christ.
Jews do not believe in angels or spiritual beings.	Judaism includes angels in scripture, yet they are not central objects of worship or devotion.
Christianity teaches that God is only a father figure.	Christianity describes God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a triune relationship within one being.
Jews believe humans are born inherently sinful from birth.	Judaism teaches people have good and evil inclinations, unlike Christianity's concept of original sin.
Christians do not observe any holidays from the Jewish calendar.	Christianity celebrates Easter and Christmas, while Judaism observes Passover, Yom Kippur, and Shabbat.
Jews believe that repentance alone is enough to fix sins.	Judaism requires repentance and restitution for sins against people, not just prayer to God.
Christianity believes Jesus abolished the entire law of Moses.	Christianity teaches Jesus fulfilled the law, while Judaism maintains the Torah's commandments remain binding for Jews.
Jews do not believe in a personal relationship with God.	Judaism emphasizes a personal covenant and daily relationship with God through prayer and deeds.
Christians believe only the New Testament authors wrote about grace.	Christianity reads the Old Testament as pointing to Christ, while Judaism sees it as its own covenant.
Jews consider themselves to be a separate race entirely.	Judaism is an ethnoreligious group with shared ancestry, yet it accepts converts from all backgrounds.
Christianity is a single unified church with one doctrine.	Christianity includes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant branches that differ on key theological points.
Jews reject the idea of a personal messiah entirely.	Judaism expects a human messiah from David's line, not a divine or divine being.

Conclusion

Difference Between Judaism and Christianity centers on Jesus as Messiah. Judaism awaits a human Messiah and follows Torah law; Christianity accepts Jesus as divine savior. Choose Judaism for ancestral law and tradition. Choose Christianity for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

FAQs on Difference Between Judaism and Christianity

What is the main difference between Judaism and Christianity?: Christianity is the belief that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and the divine Son of God, while Judaism holds that the Messiah has not yet arrived and that Jesus was a human teacher, not God.
How does the Jewish view of God compare to the Christian view of God?: Judaism teaches a single, indivisible God with no physical form, whereas Christianity generally teaches the Trinity, where God exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Which religion is older, Judaism or Christianity?: Judaism is the older religion, with its foundational covenant with Abraham dating back roughly 4,000 years, while Christianity emerged as a distinct faith from the life of Jesus in the 1st century CE.
What is the cost of converting to Judaism or Christianity?: Conversion costs differ by community, but Judaism typically requires a lengthy study period and a beit din, while Christianity typically requires only a profession of faith, with no standard fee.
What is the risk of following the Christian view of Jesus?: The primary risk for a Jewish person is theological, because Christianity's claim that Jesus is God violates the core Jewish principle of absolute monotheism, creating a core theological conflict.
Can a person follow Jewish law and Christian beliefs together?: Yes, a person can combine them as a Messianic Jew, but this is incompatible with mainstream Judaism, which rejects Jesus as Messiah, and mainstream Christianity, which rejects the binding nature of the full Torah law.
What is the biggest beginner mistake when comparing these two religions?: The biggest beginner mistake is assuming Christianity is simply Judaism plus Jesus, because Judaism is a complete, distinct covenant with its own law, history, and distinct identity, not just an incomplete version of the Christian faith.
Are the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament the same book?: No, the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament share the same core books, but they are not identical, because the Christian version has a different order and includes the deuterocanonical books in some traditions.
How is the Jewish Sabbath observed differently in each faith?: Judaism strictly observes the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday night with rest and prayer, while Christianity generally worships on Sunday, viewing it as the Lord's day, which is a shift from the Jewish day of rest.
Can a Jew convert to Christianity and still be considered Jewish?: Yes, a Jew who converts to Christianity is still considered Jewish by Jewish law, but they are considered an apostate, and their practice of Christianity is seen as a rejection of the core Jewish covenant with God.