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The sacred story of Abraham traverses the geography of the most bitter political conflict in the modern world-beginning in what is now southern Iraq and ending in the West Bank city of Hebron. Yet Abraham is the common patriarch of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. We explore the story of Abraham in several traditions and why he might be important for people in our time. The hour also includes readings from the Bible and the Qur'an as well as music from the likes of Bob Dylan and Benjamin Britten on the figure of Abraham. Listen
We welcome your reflections on the topics of this program.
Please share your thoughts.
A Question of Obedience (April 6, 2003)
I feel that the wrong question was posed concerning Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac. I think the question raised is not, "Would I kill for God?" but, "Would I sacrifice that which is most precious to me if God required it?"
When God commends Abraham it is not for his willingness to kill, but for his obedience: "Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from Heaven, and said, by Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you. In your seed all the nations of the Earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:15-18.)
Donna Bray
St. Paul, MN
Faith, not Institution (April 6, 2003)
One of the interesting items that came out of this very fascinating and well-timed program was the description of the three religions as "institutions." In my opinion, that is the fundamental problem keeping our "extended family" at odds.
Anxious to claim religious superiority, provincial supremacy or familial ownership, the institutions of Christianity, Judiasm and Islam have taken history and bloodlines hostage, creating suspicion and fear in place of brotherhood.
Institutionalized faith is hollow. It is word, not deed. It is membership and, perhaps, community, but the result is narrow, exclusive and self-serving.
It seems time to sacrifice the institutions out of love for our faiths.
Name withheld
Orono, MN
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