ABSTRACT
Religion is one of the oldest globalizing forces, creating communities of believers that provide support for each other locally as well as across the world. Since the Middle East is the geographic origin of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it can rightly be called the world center of monotheism. All three belief systems contain within them multiple branches and subdivisions, as adherents have debated the meaning and significance of sacred texts, and differed on some of the prescribed sets of practices mandated by each.
