Choose one of the two prompts below and write a formal (either APA or MLA) critical essay paper (approximately 1,500 words), applying principles of critical thinking to your analysis.
1) Briefly compare and analyze the religious tenets of the three monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) with their historic attachment and rivalry to control the Holy Lands (once called "Palestine"), as well as Christian and Muslim rivalry to convert and dominate the world (but why the Jews did not).
2) Explain the liberation of Spain and Portugal from Arab rule ("Reconquista") compared to the Christian Crusades to liberate the "Holy Lands" vs. the later Muslim reconquest under Suleiman the Great.
Format of a critical analysis:
A. Introduction
B. Short summary
C. Body
D. Conclusion