Disclaimer - I am explaining the basis of the Noahide Covenant. To properly understand the beliefs behind this, it must be granted (
for the sake of argument) the literal accuracy of the
Old Testament story of
Noah and
the Flood.
The Noachide Covenant is the promise of God (symbolized by the rainbow) set forth with Adam and Noah. This can be seen in Genesis 9 and mentioned again in Acts 15 though it is mentioned throught the Bible.
Realizing that every living thing was wiped out during the flood other than what was on Noah's ark. Thus, everyone alive today is a descendant of Noah and bound by this promise:
And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
Genesis 9:9-10
The Seven Laws of Noah:
- It is forbidden to blaspheme the name of God.
- It is forbidden to worship idols.
- It is forbidden to murder a human being.
- It is forbidden to steal or rob.
- It is forbidden to commit sexual sins.
- It is forbidden to eat a limb or any meat that was severed from a live animal.
- Practice equality, establish and promote justice.
Technically, while the B'ani Noach (Hebrew for children of Noah - alternate spellings include B'nai Noach and B'nei Noach. Furthermore, the 'ch' is gutteral) are Gentiles (non-Jewish) they are neither Christian, Islamic, nor Messianic Jews. However, any Christian or Muslim (or anyone) who abides by the Seven Laws may be considered Noahides. Furthermore, B'ani Noach could be considered the oldest branch of the Judeo-Christian family of religions.
One of the more important considerations is that there is no commandment to worship on the sabbath or keep it as a day of rest. Hence, some Jewish communities employ a Gentile to preform actions that would otherwise violate the 39 Melachot (which are part of Mosaic covenant). This person is called a shabbes goy.
These laws were the basis of early international law as set forth by
Hugo Grotius in 1625.