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The story of Abraham divides Jews, Christians, and Muslims. How can the story unite them?
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A Single Gesture Needed (February 12, 2007)
I've long been aware of the archetypal conflict between the children of Sarah and the children of Hagar. Knowing that the Holy Land is their land, I have clearness over the absolute need for the children of Sarah (Jews and Christians) to ask the children of Hagar their forgiveness and to declare the Holy Land as one land, ruled by none and open to all descendants of Abraham. Peace cannot come until this humble act takes place. When it does, the message of a single living Creator can spread across the world and embrace all other forms of spirituality.

Kenneth Hamilton
South Paris ME (Listens to SOF OnDemand)

A Matter of Respect (February 11, 2007)
As the author indicated, the modern continuation of the ancient conflict among the three religions is very dangerous. To my atheistic mind, it comes down to respect. If Christians and Jews could learn to respect Muslims, especially in Muslim lands, I believe that Muslim terrorism would begin to evaporate. Like the author, I hope this family feud will end before nuclear weapons are used.

Russell Agreen
Denton, MD (WYPR, 88.1 FM)

Feiler Kind of Makes Genesis Up as He Goes Along (February 11, 2007)
Did Feiler really say on your program: "Hagar is the only person in the Bible to ever speak and name God directly." What does that even mean? Many Biblical figures speak to God directly and are spoken to by Him (starting with Adam and Eve, Cain, and Abraham) but Hagar never does — not even in her great trial in Genesis 21, where God hears the voice of "the lad" (Ishmael) and God speaks to Hagar through His angel. Nor does Hagar "name God directly" — or indirectly for that matter. (This is about 27 minutes into your program.)

Nor do I see Feiler's vision of a grand "reconciliation" achieved by Abraham in death between Ishmael and Isaac "rivals since before they were born, estranged since childhood, leaders of opposing nations." Genesis 25:9 could not put the matter less emphatically than "Vayiqrivu oto Yitzchak v'Yishmael banav." The emphasis in the passage is on where Abraham and Sarah are buried, and on the fact that the cave of Machpelah was on a field bought from the Hittites, the family's only piece of real estate.

You may see a man of great faith and wisdom, but I see a journalist/tourist who has made a lot of money saying things that people want to hear but who doesn't know or care much about the text he "walks." Does he still walk? I guess by now he can afford taxis.

David Richter
New York, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Child Abuse and Abandonment (February 11, 2007)
If Abraham and Sarah lived in the United States or most parts of Europe today, we would prosecute them, and rightly so. Abraham is clearly an abuser of children as well as guilty of abandoning a helpless woman and infant in the desert. You could make a good case to charge Sarah as an accomplice. If Hagar or Ishmael had died, murder charges could be justified under the doctrine of reckless disregard.

Steve Goodhall
Auburn Hills, MI (WUOM, 91.7 FM)

Another Perspective (February 11, 2007)
What a wonderful discussion this morning with author Bruce Feiler! This program not only taught me things I didn't know, but helped me think in ways I hadn't thought. Very powerful, and thank you. One thing Feiler said, however, struck me at the time and has stayed with me since. He said (and I don't have the direct quote in front of me) that knowing this story makes all of us wonder the same question: Could we kill? This story has always brought another question to my mind: Do I love God that much? My takeaway from this story is not that Abraham was willing to kill but that he was willing to be so obedient to God's direction. A fine point, I know, and one that in no way detracts from the experience of hearing this morning's program. Thank you so much.

Judy Keene
Indianapolis, IN (WFYI, 91.0 FM)

Abraham, Manic? (February 11, 2007)
In regards to today's show I wonder, and I'm sure others have, is whether Abraham was manic-depressive or at least did he have some type of manic episode in order for him to speak or see God? I myself have had two major manic-episodes, and I've felt as though I've spoken to God. I guess whether or not Abraham did have a manic episode is irrelevant because the result of the story is still permeating through today.

Peter Lawrence
Minneapolis, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

G-d Wanted Abraham to Argue with Him (February 11, 2007)
There is an interpretation of this story that G-d wanted Abraham to argue with him. Near the end of this story Abraham steps out of his "trance," looks up and sees the ram and sacrifices the ram. We forget at the time that these events were happening or were supposed to have happened, the local religions were sacrificing children to their gods.

Susan Stein
Philadelphia, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

Finding New Homes (February 10, 2007)
I found this interview to be particularly enlightening as it brought the three religions together and showed how they tie together and where they pulled out the basis for their beliefs. I think that Feiler made a lot of good points, but I think in a day and age where war is common and America is still thousands of miles away from Israel, an interfaith peace movement can only go so far. I think that Feiler's ideals are too lofty. I don't mean to sound like a pessimist, but I can not see cohabitation between these three faiths. Peace does not come without bloodshed and someone is going to come out the loser. I have always thought the conflict over land has been especially unfounded and that someone just needs to find a new home. We can not live side by side as these holy wars have proven, and it is time to focus on finding new homes rather than destroying each others.

Kaitlin Barrett
Plymouth, MN (Listens to SOF OnDemand)

Abraham in the Baha'i Faith (February 10, 2007)
In the sacred texts of the Baha'i faith, there are nearly 400 references to Abraham. Here are a few quotes from Baha'u'llah, the prophet/founder of the Baha'i faith, who claims to be the messenger of God for this day, and who is a descendant of Abraham.

"The Holy Land was conquered by the power of the Covenant of God with Abraham" (Compilations, Baha'i World Faith, p. 271)

"In the Word of God there is still another unity, the oneness of the Manifestations of God, His Holiness Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. This is a unity divine, heavenly, radiant, merciful; the one reality appearing in its successive manifestations." (Compilations, Baha'i World Faith, p. 259)

"The beauty of the "Friend" (Abraham) was unveiled and the standard of Guidance was hoisted. He invited the people of the earth unto the light of righteousness." (Compilations, Baha'i Scriptures, p. 5)

"His Holiness Abraham who being an iconoclast and a herald of the oneness of God, was banished from His native land." (Compilations, Baha'i World Faith, p. 270)

"Bahá'u'lláh was a Descendant of Abraham Through Both Katurah and Sarah -- Jesse, Son of Sarah, was the Father of David and the Ancestor of Bahá'u'lláh." (Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 473)

George Karamallis
Morristown, NJ (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Ishmael (February 9, 2007)
Your newsletter refers to Ishmael as "the ancestor of all Muslims." I believe it would be more accurate to refer to him as the ancestor claimed by all Arabs. I would be surprised if Muslims who also claim the ancestry of the Persian Empire would claim Ishmael as an ancestor.

Tom Poelker
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 100.5 FM)

A Tale of Warning (February 8, 2007)
I believe people miss the point of the Abraham tale. It is a story of unquestioning submission to an evil capricious and arbitrary power. If this is the fundamental source of the three great religions, then the present conflicts seem to draw from the same evil source. The tale of Abraham is a warning to resist arbitrary and self-referential authority, not to embrace it.

Jim Morrison
Duluth, MN (WCSN, 100.5 FM)

A Tale of Warning (February 8, 2007)
I believe people miss the point of the Abraham tale. It is a story of unquestioning submission to an evil capricious and arbitrary power. If this is the fundamental source of the three great religions, then the present conflicts seem to draw from the same evil source. The tale of Abraham is a warning to resist arbitrary and self-referential authority, not to embrace it.

Jim Morrison
Duluth, MN (WCSN, 100.5 FM)

Due Diligence Paid to the Islamic Version of the Story (February 8, 2007)
I have not heard this week's program yet, but am basing my comments on your review. I hope you will also talk about the story of Abraham as it is narrated in the Qur'an. There are references and details as revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the Qur'an, which differ from those in other scriptures. As a researcher and writer, I would hope that an equal credence is afforded to the Islam's version of the story — the whole story of Prophet Abraham, Hagar's ordeals, etc. are there for anyone to read who is interested in exploring the topic of the children of Abraham comparatively. So often the Qur'an's version is not presented in such discussions, which tend to be limited to the Torah and the Bible only. Thus, I feel the discussion is significantly left incomplete if all three versions are not discussed comprehensively. Thanks for your consideration.

Tariq Durrani
Blacksburg, VA (WFFC, 89.7 FM)

Connected to Islam's Roots (October 1, 2004)
The program on the figure of Abraham was intensely beautiful and deeply thoughtful. It was the first time in a long time that I felt connected to the actual roots of Islam, which I have increasingly been regarding, to be charitable, as an increasingly dangerous force in the world. The idea of Abraham as our common father — Christians, Jews, and Muslims — was deeply moving as presented. The show prompted me to send a larger contribution than I ever have to my public radio station. I was asked by the donations operator what programming was at issue. She told me I was the only one to have mentioned Speaking of Faith. How wonderful to have a radio station where religious ideas are discussed in an open intellectual forum.

Claudia Rousseau
Silver Spring, MD (WETA, 90.9 FM)

Similar Experiences (September 12, 2004)
I just finished listening to the "Children of Abraham" segment with author Bruce Feiler. I'd never heard of the Speaking of Faith program before but was so impressed I now plan to tune in regularly. The mixture of interview, prayer passages, music, and commentary was attention-grabbing not to mention beautifully choreographed.

In regards to this particular program, I just have to say thank you for such a timely, thought-provoking, thorough, and wonderfully inspiring piece. I'm a Catholic with strong Jewish ties who just returned from a 10-month stint in Jordan where I had the opportunity to learn about Islam, a religion I had very little previous knowledge of, but have grown to love and respect. I traveled into Palestine and Israel, and had very similar experiences to those described by Mr. Feiler, such as armed guards escorting me into Rachel's Tomb (my namesake) in Bethlehem, and the "pinch me, I must be dreaming" feeling while gazing over Jerusalem.

It would be impossible to describe in words the range of emotions I felt or the many thoughts that ran through my mind. I'm still trying to digest it all. Your program has definitely helped me put my journey—both physical and spiritual—into perspective, and I deeply appreciate that. Keep up the wonderful work!

Rachel Fedewa
Washington, DC (WETA, 90.9 FM)

Driveway Moment (September 15, 2004)
I heard this conversation on the radio while driving home about Abraham. I sat in my driveway for a full 20 minutes just to finish listening to your program! I thought, "Here is this intelligent discussion about a topic I am struggling to make sense of myself." Amazing! Some of the fear and apprehensions experienced since 9/11, the terrorist threats, the undermining of personal security and certainty I once felt were echoed in Bruce Feiler's commentary. I found both a stunning personal recognition and a breath of relief as I listened. Your program was just plain wonderful. WE sorely need such a diverse forum to nurture what faith we have now and for our evolving future belief. Thank you so much for bringing your friends and perspectives to my humble ears.

Mary Robinson
Milwaukee, WI (WUWM, 89.7 FM)

Inter-faith Dialogue (September 30, 2004)
I just finished listening to the program for the second time, and ordered Bruce Feiler's book today, as I believe it may be an important one for those interested in inter-faith dialogue. Our inter-faith committee brought the powerful "Children of Abraham" play by the Mosaic Theatre of Detroit to Duluth this month, as the first local collaboration of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The play is performed by teenage-to-young-adults from the three traditions, discusses our different beliefs, but emphasizes our commonalities and that we are all children of Abraham. Thank you for your fine program and for continuing the conversation between the different faiths as a means of bringing peace to the world.

John Sillanpa
Duluth, MN (WSCN, 100.5 FM)

Insightful (September 12, 2004)
Today was the first time that I had heard your program. Thank you so much for this enlightening presentation. The entire Arab/Israeli conflict and the incidents of September 11th now make so much more sense after hearing the background from the author's perspective. A family feud, how insightful!

Mary Borders
Nancy, KY (Listens via SOF OnDemand)

Six-and-a-half Billion Abrahams! (September 19, 2004)
This was a marvelous program. I heartily concur with all who have sung its praise. But I don't feel as comfortable with the established institutions of religion as does the guest, Bruce Feiler. He compares them to parents with whom one can disagree, but still ought to honor; yet, he himself pointed out the ways in which each of these religions has interpreted Abraham to serve its own purposes, selfishly writing out the other religions. Yes, as an inspired way of belief each of these religions has much to offer and for that deserves to be honored, but it is also essential to point out that narrow, self-serving interpretations are not religion. The established institutions of each of these three "Abrahamic" religions continue to put forth interpretations of their own religion that are inimical and destructive to those "outside the fold." For this reason, while I myself have profited greatly from the teachings of each of these great religions, I find it hard to share Mr. Feiler's warmth toward the institutions that represent them.

A related thought. The United States is rightfully called a Judeo-Christian society. This being the case, we might consider that American attitudes about other cultures may well derive from our attitudes about our religion. Note that each of our major religions—Judaism and Christianity, as an established institution, has a persistent history of seeing itself as the one true religion, both to the detriment of others, and antithetical to its own core teachings, which counsel, respectively: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor," and "Love your neighbor as yourself." While the modern-day religious establishments of Islam sometimes foster a similar exclusivist attitude, throughout most of its history Islam has been light-years ahead of the other "Abrahamic" religions in tolerance and acceptance. Noting these things, we might want to encourage ourselves toward greater humility, both as Americans and as Jews or Christians.

To take one more exception, Bruce Feiler said he feels that the 1970s surge of interest in religious alternatives (which he termed "new age") has "lost currency," particularly after 9/11. Perhaps he himself might reflect that this was an unfortunate pronouncement. The huge 70s wave of disaffection with established Western religions and its accompanying enchantment with more inclusive ways of spiritual belief, while not front page news, has in no way subsided, nor has it disappeared from people's lives. To the contrary, it has become more pervasive, having become much absorbed into common thought. In fact, its spirit is precisely that which you celebrated in this program: the spirit of inclusiveness, the spirit that allows each religion and each person to claim Abraham as his own: 6-1/2 billion Abrahams!

Bob Salmon
New York, NY (WNYC, 820 AM)

Hope for Peace (September 12, 2004)
The premise that Abraham is the central figure of three great faiths provides enormous hope for the future of peace on earth in these troubled times. I truly believe what the author suggests, that if the people of the book (Jews, Christians, Muslims) find common ground as the seeds of Abraham, they may be able to stand together and mutually respect one another. This book should be translated into many languages and shared with people around the world.

Susan Chenard
Middletown, CT (WPKT, 90.5 FM)

Britten's Music (September 15, 2004)
Congratulations on the (as usual) splendid program on Abraham. Rather than revel in everything about it that was provocative and intriguing, let me add a couple of suggestions. I was delighted to hear the Britten piece—one (no doubt of many) I'd never heard of. But I couldn't help thinking that a similarly excellent selection might have been an excerpt from his War Requiem, where he tells the story of Abraham and Isaac (with similar harmonies) but switches the story to have Abraham go ahead and murder Isaac—an apt choice to reflect Britten's message of war's hell (and especially the carnage of the Great War). It would've been a fine choice to show how artists adapt a Biblical narrative for polemical purposes.

Along the same lines, I believe Kierkegaard has a discussion of the Isaac story. I still recall the phrase from a college course on existentialism: the "teleological suspension of the ethical." He raises a sort of proto-existential notion that what was going through Abraham's mind was a genuine conflict between divine charge and known ethical norms. It might have made a meaty hour even meatier. I have a thought about another possible topic, but I'll submit that in a separate posting.

Jamieson Spencer
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Other Religions (September 12, 2004)
I read the book Abraham and listened to your program this morning. I understand the connection of the three major religions of the world. I just wonder where some of the other religions fit into this paradigm. What about Buddhism, Taoism, and other beliefs that many people follow?

Gail Ladwig
Jackson, MI (WUOM, 91.7 FM)

A Personal Abraham (September 17, 2004)
First, let me thank you for providing such an informative and broad-scoped show. I just finished listening to the "Children of Abraham" discussion with Bruce Feiler. He communicated a very unifying message on the importance of Abraham—basically that all three monotheistic faiths have some claim on Abraham, yet are in disagreement in other areas, therefore, the best route is to focus on how Abraham is great for everyone. I think this is a wonderful approach for people who are interested in the figure of Abraham, and looking for ways to unify the three monotheistic faiths.

However, If we are to look at the rest of the Bible and Quran, in a wholistic manner, we can assess that there are big discrepancies in the essential doctrines. All three tell us very important things about the nature of God, the afterlife, and what we are to do in this life. Considering their contradictory nature, it is not possible that they are all right, and of course, it is possible that none are right. People are free to come to these conclusions in a personal manner.

Nathan Rudd
Minneapolis, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

More About the Land (September 13, 2004)
I wish Krista had explored a bit more how the "land" seems to be the major problem in bringing peace to the Middle East. The brief discussion of land as a reality, not a metaphor, wasn't enough for deep understanding for me. How is it possible for God to promise land already occupied and what does that say or point to as a way of finding a peaceful solution today when so many religious Jews insist that ALL the land promised be theirs? I was intrigued that 9/11 somehow brought that "land" here to the U.S., not just as a metaphor, but reality. More needs to be said, questioned, and explored for this to really open up to me and become more accessible. Thanks.

Judith Hehl
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Interesting Program (September 17, 2004)
I found the discussion of Abraham very interesting, as I was pretty much unaware of most of the history and story. I liked and agreed with the conclusions of your guest and author: that these three religions need to find a way to acknowledge their shared backgrounds — and still be able to respect their differences in interpretation, belief, and theology. It seems to say something about belief, that the world's three main monotheistic religions are at the focus of terrible hate, land disputes, terrorism, and war; both amongst each other, and other countries.

Steve Lindlbauer
Burbank, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Hinduism Is Monotheistic (September 16, 2004)
The interviewer spoke of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as "the three monotheistic faiths." This would imply that Hinduism, for instance, is polytheistic. It is not. An uneducated villager in India understands that "the gods" are representations, images suited to various temperaments and ethnic groups, of the one Supreme Deity, known as Brahman. Hinduism is monotheistic in the same sense as are the others she mentioned. This is a very common misunderstanding and a kind of accusation, often made by persons of the Abrahamic faiths.

Swami Yogeshananda
Atlanta, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

Theory and Practice (September 17, 2004)
In this program, and in many places, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are said to have enough in common to form a basis for reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. They are called something like "the three great monotheistic faiths." However, don't all three posit supernatural powers in various individuals? I'm no expert, but I've heard that supposedly Mohammed lived after death, rising from the site of the Dome of the Rock. Christianity allows that Mary and many saints live somewhere, and perform miracles. Aren't there some superhuman devilish and/or angelic beings in Judaic lore also?

I guess monotheism to me means that there is a God who is supernatural, and that's it, period. I wonder if the commonality of Abraham as just a man can overcome, for example, rationalizations for violence against non-Muslims that appear in the Koran. I wonder.

Paul Simons
Levittown, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

Abraham's Journey (September 15, 2004)
I do enjoy your program. The program this evening was most interesting (although I did not get to hear all of the program). So, my main comment may be incorrect. I do not agree with author's comment at the end of the program when he stated something to the effect that "Abraham is our hope and the center of our faith." Our hope is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

The Lord used Abraham as an instrument to illustrate what He can accomplish through someone like Abraham who had unwavering faith in his Lord. We can use the life of Abraham as a standard for our life to accomplish the same "mission" for Christ in the community around us every day. Also, a committed life for Christ is not open to compromise. It is true that Jesus accepted everyone. But, there was a significant qualifier to His acceptance of them. It came after one "turned from his sin, acknowledged and accepts Christ as his Savior". Thank you!

Steve Wehunt
Fayetteville, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)