Why do people say Christianity is closer to Judaism than Islam? The more I learn about both, I find it's the other way around.

The perception that Christianity is closer to Judaism than Islam is often based on historical, theological, and cultural factors, but it's important to recognize that these relationships are complex and can vary depending on individual perspectives and interpretations. Here are some reasons why Christianity is sometimes perceived as closer to Judaism:

Common Roots: Christianity emerged from within Second Temple Judaism in the 1st century CE. Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, was Jewish, and the early followers of Jesus were predominantly Jewish. Thus, Christianity shares many foundational texts, themes, and religious concepts with Judaism, such as the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), monotheism, and ethical teachings.

Scriptural Continuity: Christianity considers the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as part of its sacred scripture. Many Christian doctrines, beliefs, and narratives are rooted in the Hebrew Bible, which is also foundational to Judaism. This shared scriptural heritage contributes to the perception of a close relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

Historical Interactions: Throughout history, Christians and Jews have often lived in close proximity and have interacted in various ways, sometimes harmoniously and at other times with conflict. These interactions have influenced cultural exchanges, religious dialogue, and mutual understanding between the two communities.

Theological Dialogues: In recent decades, there have been efforts within both Christianity and Judaism to engage in theological dialogues and promote interfaith understanding. These dialogues often emphasize shared values, ethical principles, and theological concepts, fostering a sense of commonality between the two faiths.

On the other hand, Islam also shares certain similarities with Judaism and has historical connections to both Judaism and Christianity. Some reasons why Islam might be perceived as closer to Judaism include:

Monotheism and Prophetic Tradition: Like Judaism, Islam emphasizes monotheism and traces its prophetic lineage back to figures such as Abraham, Moses, and other biblical prophets. Muslims revere many of the same biblical figures as Jews, and both faiths uphold similar ethical principles.

Legal and Ritual Practices: Islam and Judaism share certain legal and ritual practices, such as dietary laws (halal and kosher), circumcision, and prayer customs. These similarities contribute to a sense of religious affinity between the two faiths.

Historical Interactions: Throughout history, Muslims and Jews have lived in close proximity in various regions, leading to cultural exchanges, economic interactions, and periods of coexistence. These historical connections have influenced the development of religious, linguistic, and cultural traditions within both communities.

In summary, perceptions of closeness between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are influenced by a variety of factors, including historical interactions, shared religious heritage, theological similarities, and cultural exchanges. While Christianity may be perceived as closer to Judaism by some due to its historical roots and shared scripture, Islam also shares significant commonalities with Judaism and has historical connections to both Judaism and Christianity. Ultimately, the relationships between these religions are multifaceted and can vary depending on individual perspectives and contexts.