JudeoChristian

Judeo-Christian is a term used to refer to the religious, ethical, and cultural traditions that derive from Judaism and Christianity, particularly their shared heritage as monotheistic Abrahamic faiths. In scholarly and public discourse, it describes the perceived common ground between Judaism and Christianity, including the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the belief in one God, and certain moral principles that have influenced Western law and civilization.

The concept has its roots in 19th- and 20th-century usage, when writers and thinkers sought to articulate a civilizational continuity in Europe and North America. It is often invoked to describe the roots of Western ethical and legal traditions—such as the sanctity of life, justice, charity, and the importance of family and community—while acknowledging the influence of Christian and Jewish perspectives on social norms and institutions.

Scholars also stress differences between the two faiths. Christianity and Judaism diverge on key doctrines, including the identity of Jesus as the Messiah, the status of the New Covenant, and the role and interpretation of Torah law. As a result, the term can obscure significant theological and historical distinctions. Some communities view the phrase as problematic, arguing that it glosses over conflict and unequal power dynamics in interfaith history.

In contemporary usage, Judeo-Christian can signal an interfaith dialogue, a cultural-historical framework, or a general reference to shared moral and ethical influences on Western society. Critics caution against overgeneralization and advocate more precise language, such as “Abrahamic religions” or nuanced discussions of each tradition’s distinct beliefs and practices.