It's important to understand that "Jesus Moses Muhammad" isn't a unified entity or a single religious tradition. It's a shorthand way of referring to three major figures who are central to distinct religions: Christianity (Jesus), Judaism (Moses), and Islam (Muhammad). Therefore, the "internal differences and divisions" exist *within* each of these individual religious traditions, and *between* them.
Here's a breakdown of the kinds of differences that exist:
Within Christianity (Focusing on Jesus):
* Denominational Differences: The most obvious divisions are between different denominations like Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism (with its numerous sub-denominations like Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc.), and others. These differences often stem from:
* Theological Interpretations: Varying views on the nature of Jesus (e.g., the Trinity), the sacraments, salvation, predestination, the role of scripture and tradition, and the authority of the Church.
* Church Governance: Different structures of leadership, from hierarchical (Catholicism) to more congregational (Baptists).
* Worship Styles: Liturgical traditions (formal worship services with set prayers and rituals) versus more spontaneous or charismatic worship.
* Social and Ethical Issues: Differing views on social issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic justice.
* Internal Debates: Even within denominations, there can be ongoing debates about:
* Biblical Interpretation: Literal vs. metaphorical readings, historical-critical approaches versus more traditional interpretations.
* Social Justice: The extent to which Christians should be involved in social activism and political engagement.
* The Role of Women: Ordination of women, leadership roles in the church.
* Eschatology (End Times): Different interpretations of biblical prophecies about the end of the world.
Within Judaism (Focusing on Moses):
* Denominational Differences: Major divisions include:
* Orthodox Judaism: Adheres most strictly to traditional Jewish law (Halakha). Further divided into:
* *Modern Orthodox:* Attempts to integrate Jewish tradition with modern life.
* *Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox):* More segregated from modern society and emphasizes strict adherence to tradition.
* Conservative Judaism: Seeks to balance traditional Jewish law with modern values and interpretations. Accepts change within Halakha.
* Reform Judaism: More liberal in its interpretation of Jewish law and emphasizes ethical principles over strict observance. Evolves Halakha.
* Reconstructionist Judaism: Views Judaism as an evolving civilization rather than a supernatural religion.
* Internal Debates:
* Interpretation of Halakha: How to apply Jewish law in modern circumstances.
* Zionism and the State of Israel: Different views on the role of the Jewish state in Jewish life and identity.
* Social Issues: Differing views on issues like intermarriage, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality.
Within Islam (Focusing on Muhammad):
* Sectarian Divisions: The most significant division is between:
* Sunni Islam: The largest branch of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of the *Sunnah* (the practices and teachings of Muhammad) as a source of guidance. Believes the leader of the Muslim community should be chosen by consensus.
* Shia Islam: Believes that leadership of the Muslim community should have remained within the family of Muhammad, specifically with Ali (Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law).
* *Twelvers:* The largest Shia group, believe in twelve divinely appointed Imams (leaders).
* *Ismailis:* Follow a different line of Imams.
* *Zaidis:* A smaller branch of Shia Islam.
* Other Divisions:
* Sufism: A mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes direct experience of God. Exists within both Sunni and Shia Islam.
* Schools of Islamic Law (Madhhabs): Different schools of legal thought within Sunni Islam (e.g., Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) that offer different interpretations of Islamic law.
* Internal Debates:
* Interpretation of the Quran and Hadith: Different approaches to understanding Islamic texts.
* The Role of Islamic Law (Sharia): The extent to which Sharia should be implemented in modern societies.
* Political Islam: Differing views on the relationship between Islam and politics.
* Modernization and Westernization: How to reconcile Islamic traditions with modern values and influences.
Differences Between the Traditions (Jesus, Moses, Muhammad):
* The Nature of God: Differing understandings of God's attributes and relationship to the world. Christianity emphasizes the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Judaism emphasizes the absolute oneness and indivisibility of God. Islam emphasizes the absolute oneness (Tawhid) of God.
* The Role of Jesus: Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, who died for the sins of humanity. Jews see Jesus as a historical figure but not the Messiah. Muslims see Jesus as a prophet of God, but not divine.
* The Role of Muhammad: Christians and Jews do not recognize Muhammad as a prophet. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final prophet in a line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus.
* Scripture: Each tradition has its own sacred texts: the Bible (Old and New Testaments) for Christians, the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and the Talmud for Jews, and the Quran for Muslims.
* Law and Practice: Each tradition has its own distinct set of laws, rituals, and practices related to worship, diet, ethics, and social behavior.
In summary, the notion of internal divisions within "Jesus Moses Muhammad" is a misunderstanding. Instead, significant and complex differences and divisions exist *within* Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and also *between* these distinct religious traditions. These differences relate to theology, interpretation of scripture, practice, and social and political issues.