This story resonated so much more after having a son. I think a lot about how this story foreshadows what God himself was about to do for man. Abraham’s devotion to his son was so admirable. After wanting a son for so long, he does not question God when he is asked to do the unthinkable. I think a lot about what Abrham thought - especially knowing the principles of God. I wrote in a letter to my son about this as well.
Nice explication, Walther. Now, what lessons can be learned from this story without the Christian interpretation? Surely the relationships among God, Abraham, and Isaac have something to teach us?
That's a good question. I haven't really thought about taking the Bible outside of Christianity's framework, mainly because it is a religious book. But I can see how something like the Sermon on the Mount could be taken as advice for living a good life. I still think I would biased because I'm Catholic and the Bible is the word of God.
However, I like a challenge so this is what I came up with. I think it's fascinating how Ishmael, Abraham's son that was born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, ended up being the father of the Arabs which eventually lead to Islam. And at the same time, Abraham becomes the first Jew but also is considered a father of faith in Christianity. And still today we're seeing the ripples of those actions playing before our eyes.
I would also say that the themes of hope and trust are strong in this chapter of Genesis. What do you think?
I come from a Jewish perspective. The sacrifice story is about the unquestioning devotion to God. Never knowing what will be required of us, or when God will turn a potential tragedy into a blessing. There’s more, of course, but that’s the core of what I read.
I can see that. I think that our limited intellects struggle to think that there might be good that can come out of tragedy, it's the problem of evil, right?
From the Jewish perspective, how would someone know God's will for their life? If you have any insight into that, I'd love to know.
This story resonated so much more after having a son. I think a lot about how this story foreshadows what God himself was about to do for man. Abraham’s devotion to his son was so admirable. After wanting a son for so long, he does not question God when he is asked to do the unthinkable. I think a lot about what Abrham thought - especially knowing the principles of God. I wrote in a letter to my son about this as well.
https://open.substack.com/pub/raisingmyles/p/carrying-the-gift-holding-the-love?r=1vqume&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Nice explication, Walther. Now, what lessons can be learned from this story without the Christian interpretation? Surely the relationships among God, Abraham, and Isaac have something to teach us?
That's a good question. I haven't really thought about taking the Bible outside of Christianity's framework, mainly because it is a religious book. But I can see how something like the Sermon on the Mount could be taken as advice for living a good life. I still think I would biased because I'm Catholic and the Bible is the word of God.
However, I like a challenge so this is what I came up with. I think it's fascinating how Ishmael, Abraham's son that was born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, ended up being the father of the Arabs which eventually lead to Islam. And at the same time, Abraham becomes the first Jew but also is considered a father of faith in Christianity. And still today we're seeing the ripples of those actions playing before our eyes.
I would also say that the themes of hope and trust are strong in this chapter of Genesis. What do you think?
I come from a Jewish perspective. The sacrifice story is about the unquestioning devotion to God. Never knowing what will be required of us, or when God will turn a potential tragedy into a blessing. There’s more, of course, but that’s the core of what I read.
I can see that. I think that our limited intellects struggle to think that there might be good that can come out of tragedy, it's the problem of evil, right?
From the Jewish perspective, how would someone know God's will for their life? If you have any insight into that, I'd love to know.
I’m no expert on Judaism. I think most faiths approach knowledge of God’s will through prayer and meditation.