About this site: what it is for, how it is made, and who it serves. Abrahamic Religions is an independent educational resource on the histories, scriptures, beliefs and practices of Judaism, Mandaeism, Christianity and Islam.
In this article
About: our purpose
Abrahamic Religions exists to introduce the Abrahamic religions and their history, and to give the reader what is needed to decide which among them is true. That question is the reason it was made. Each tradition is therefore set out as it teaches itself, with the sources of its claims and how those claims stand when examined, and the conclusion is left to the reader.
We write for students, teachers, researchers and curious readers who want clear, well-sourced information. Where a question turns on the wording of a text, we go to the languages in which it was written.
The four traditions
The four traditions are Judaism, Mandaeism, Christianity and Islam. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are the largest, and all three look to Abraham as their father in faith. Mandaeism is the smallest and the oldest surviving Gnostic religion; it shares the prophetic line from Adam to Shem, the Aramaic world of late antiquity and, since the seventh century, recognition as the Sabians named in the Qur’an. Other communities are sometimes described as Abrahamic; their claim on Abraham runs through one of these four.
How the content is made
Every article rests on sources that a reader can check. Scripture is quoted from published translations and, where the wording matters, from the original Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic or Arabic. Scholarly claims are footnoted to the work and page they come from, and each citation is checked against its source before publication. Photographs are either in the public domain or used under open licences, and every one is credited on the Copyright and DMCA page. In keeping with the sensibilities of the traditions described, the site shows places, buildings and manuscripts, and never depicts the prophets.
Independence
Abrahamic Religions is not affiliated with any religious body, university, government or political organisation, and no article is commissioned or paid for by one. The site carries no advertising and sells nothing; its costs are met by readers who choose to support it through the Donate page.
Our approach
Articles are written for a general audience and reviewed for accuracy. Each tradition is presented as its adherents understand it, alongside what historical scholarship can tell us. Where we argue for a conclusion, we mark it as argument and set out the evidence first. Our Editorial policy sets out these commitments in full.
Editorial policy
The standards of accuracy, sourcing and correction that govern content on Abrahamic Religions.
Contact us
How to reach the editors of Abrahamic Religions with questions, corrections and suggestions.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections and suggestions are welcome through the Contact us page.
See also: Creative Commons licences.