An early statement of faith for Christianity is the Torah.
Christianity . is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ , who serves as the focal point for the religion . The Torah ( [ ˈtɔːrə , ˈtoʊrə ] , `` instruction , teaching '' ) is the central reference of Judaism . It can most specifically mean the first five books ( Pentateuch ) of the twenty-four books of the Tanakh , and it usually includes the rabbinic commentaries ( [ Rabbinic literature #Meforshim , perushim ] ) . In rabbinic literature the word `` Torah '' denotes both the five books ( תורה שבכתב `` Torah that is written '' ) and the Oral Torah ( תורה שבעל פה , `` Torah that is spoken '' ) . The Oral Torah consists of interpretations and amplifications which according to rabbinic tradition have been handed down from generation to generation and are now embodied in the Talmud and Midrash .