Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (P.S.)
by Bruce Feiler
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Book Summary Information
Author: Bruce FeilerEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2005-08-01
ISBN: 0060838663
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780060838669
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Book Reviews of Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (P.S.)
Book Review: What if?
Summary: 5 Stars
What if Christianity, Islam and Judaism were all the same religion? Bruce Feiler's study of Abraham tells us that they at least started out that way. But human jealousies and a curious biblical characteristic sent Abraham's younger son Isaac, considered the originator of the Israelites, to the Promised Land, and his older brother Ishmael, a leader of Arab tribes, to Mecca. In each case, their progeny founded multiple tribes which would later unite under powerful leaders: King David on the one hand, and the Prophet Muhammad on the other. Christianity ultimately drew believers out of both groups. Given those circumstances, you would think that we all could just get along.
Are the Abraham stories really true? Feiler goes back to the earliest scriptures and traditions of all three religions to find out. His well-written analysis holds your attention, and also divulges a lot of information about early Jews, Gentiles, Christians and Muslims that you probably haven't heard before. Abraham is a study of civilized man's earliest written history, and it shows us how historical events can occur in one era then appear to change during subsequent passages of time. The act for which Abraham is best known, the near-sacrifice of his own son, is an example--Jews, Muslims and Christians do not even agree which son it was.
Bruce Feiler's books generally describe his own experiences and for this one he embarked on a year-long journey to find the origins of the stories about Abraham in today's Middle East. You are treated to an arresting tour of Jerusalem and its surrounding towns as he interviews rabbis, imams, and bishops. His verbal visages of the old city take you to the very core of the problems that would probably break the real Abraham's heart if he were alive today. The final irony of the book is Feiler's visit to Abraham's tomb in Hebron, where he finds the tomb itself divided politically and physically between Abraham's Jewish and Muslim descendents.
Feiler finds that the many stories and traditions about Abraham converge on one overriding characteristic: Abraham was a good man, who obeyed God and rejected the false teachings of men. Feiler's descriptions of life in Jerusalem today give the impression that some of Abraham's descendents never got the message.
Summary of Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (P.S.)
Both immediate and timeless, Abraham tells the powerful story of one man's search for the shared ancestor of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Traveling through war zones, braving violence at religious sites, and seeking out faith leaders, Bruce Feiler uncovers the defining yet divisive role that Abraham plays for half the world's believers. Provocative and uplifting, Abraham offers a thoughtful and inspiring vision of unity that redefines what we think about our neighbors, our future, and ourselves.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.At a time when conflicts among three of the world's major religions--Islam, Judaism, and Christianity--are in the global spotlight, Bruce Feiler offers a stunning biography of the one man who unites all three religions: Abraham. "The most mesmerizing story of Abraham's life--his offering a son to God--plays a pivotal role in the holiest week of the Christian year, at Easter," writes Feiler. "The story is recited at the start of the holiest fortnight in Judaism, on Rosh Hashanah. The episode inspires the holiest day in Islam, 'Id al-Adha,' the Feast of the Sacrifice, at the climax of the Pilgrimage. And yet the religions can't even agree on which son he tried to kill." Herein lies the irony and perfection of Feiler's timing. As we struggle to find a path to peace among these three religions, all warring in Jerusalem, near the stone where Abraham brought his son for sacrifice, this captivating biography speaks to Abraham as the metaphor he is: the historically elusive man who embodies three religions, a character who has shape-shifted over the millennia to serve the clashing goals and dogma of each religion.
Anyone seeking to understand the roots of tension in the Middle East need look no further than the final half of this book, where Feiler interprets the meaning of Abraham as seen through the prism of each religion. Surprisingly, the book is as entertaining as it is thoughtful: Feiler is a masterful writer with a warm, humorous voice, a dazzling way with metaphors, and an underlying intelligence that comes through in every passage. Abraham deserves the highest of recommendations. --Gail Hudson
Old Testament Books
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