For good and sometimes for ill, the influence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam continues to shape the world at the personal, sociocultural, and political levels. Though these faiths have inflamed the souls of their followers with the ecstasies of illumination, atrocious acts of bigotry have sometimes resulted when one of the three sought prominence in world affairs and the hearts of men and women. When somebody steadfastly believes himself or herself to be a member of the one true faith, then the other fellow is clearly, in their mind, in need of either conversion or killing.

Just as All in the Family led to Maude, which led to Good Times, so Christianity and Islam are spinoffs of Judaism. Yet despite their common origins, there has been little in the way of peaceful coexistence over the millennia. Many a crusade, pogrom, and jihad have been in the name of Yahweh, God, and Allah, which enhances the tragedy since these are really three names for the same Deity. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the three main religions that are monotheistic, meaning that the faithful believe in one God who has dominion over Heaven and Earth. Even in this age of secular Humanism, the impact of these big three monotheistic religions is ingrained in our culture and our mindset.