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Summary: A Dreamer Void of Theological Reality
Review: This is poor, since it is but one man's wishful, uninformed, unimpassionate theological thinking.John Warwick Montgomery summarizes Feiler's opinion so well in his new book "Tractatus Logico-Theologicus" -- The characteristic most fully shared by the religions of the world is their incompatability with each other. This fundamental incompatability is at root logical, not sociological. Indeed, sociological conflict between two religions positions commonly rests in the logical incompatability of their respective beliefs." "The desire for religious unity, though not logically justifiable, is eminently understandable; it is a special case of man's fundamental concern to bring oneness out of the diversity of his experience. . . . "We may wish most fervently that the world's religions taught a unified doctrine, but what is the case is not determined by what we wish to be the case." What Feiler wishes to be the case from random, speculative stories does in no small way override the deep-founded, sacred beliefs held to by the three religions, incompatabile at their root level. Poor effort, unfounded by serious believers of any of the three. Wishful thinking doesn't make it so.
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Summary: Another Islam bashing perspective
Review: As an American-Muslim, it was not surprising to see another distorted perspective of Islam from a non-Islamic person. Reading the chapter on Islam basically reinforced my views that Islam as a religion is totally misunderstood in the West. It is about time we start looking into this religion more carefully as a belief, and not as an enemy. Author's bias against Islam cames accross clearly and he should have been more carefull in that regard.
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Summary: Expanded my understanding of this pivotal figure
Review: I, like many evangelical believers, have always (unknowingly) viewed Abraham through Christian-colored glasses. This book expanded my vision, opening me up to views of Abraham that go beyond the simple biblical text. The depiction of Abraham in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), for example, was modified, shaped, and re-interpreted by Christians, Muslims, and even later Jews, often depending upon the situation at the time. The pivotal event of the Abraham story is the near-sacrifice of his favored son to God. Interestingly, to Jews and Christians, the favored son was Isaac, while Muslims hold Ishmael to be the favored son. Christians, of course, regard this event as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. Interestingly, Jewish rabbis after the time of Jesus interpreted the text to say that Abraham actually did slay Isaac, who later would return from the dead. The different interpretations of the Abraham story lead the author to conclude that there are actually a multitude of "Abrahams" to fit different historical, political, and social situations. Indeed, Fieler makes a little too much of the fact that there is no archaeological evidence that Abraham ever existed. He doesn't take a hard-line position on Abraham's existence or non-existence, so I guess one could call him an "Abraham agnostic". His ultimate goal, to find common ground and possible reconciliation among the monotheistic religions on the basis of Abraham would have a very shaky foundation indeed if it was based on a mythical character. This book is much more than a study of Abraham. It documents a personal journey by the author to the crucible where these great religions lead a frighteningly non-peaceful co-existence: the land of Israel. After reading of his encounters with various Jewish, Christian, and Muslim clerics, one sadly sees little hope for a full reconciliation. Of course, that should come as no surprise. But this little book can go a long way in cracking open the doors of understanding.
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Summary: Non-history
Review: Do not read this book if you are looking for anything resembling a work of non-fiction or scholarship. It is a meandering collection of new-age pablum.
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Summary: Great book
Review: This book, and The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren are the two outstanding books of the year in my opinion. They were both incredibly helpful and interesting to read.
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Summary: A new perspective
Review: A great book! A very insightfull work with contemporary views from clergy of all 3 faiths. It gives one a whole new perspective on Abraham and new insights into these 3 faiths.
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Summary: A Gem of Understanding
Review: Bruce Feiler is an ambassador. I've heard him speak in person, and he communicates verbally with the same thoughtfulness that he does on the page. Although "Abraham" is a quick and easy read, it offers deep wisdom and insight into the troubles of our religious struggles. Don't read this book expecting to justify your position or bolster your particular brand of faith. Feiler exposes too much dirt to give you that option. Instead, he bolsters faith as a universal concept. For those willing to join in constructive dialogue, Feiler sets the table with little-known facts as appetizers, then leads us to the main course of three religions. Showing little favoritism, he sheds light on the errors of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. He outlines the need that these three religions have for Abraham. He also outlines our need for this historical connection. With words as drink, he washes down the bad taste of extremism and offers hope for something better. I came away from this literary meal having discovered more about all three faiths, good and bad, and having found empathy and care for those that are different from me. In light of recent terrorism, I think Feiler handles the truth wisely...never shrinking from the pain, never extinguishing grace. He takes us into the thoughts of radicals and moderates on all sides. We share in his hopelessness and anger; we follow along as he offers paths to peace. No, "Abraham" doesn't throw out false hope for total reconciliation, but he does challenge us to seek for it individually. One by one, we can make a difference. I believe it's possible. Bruce Feiler, for one, is beginning to do just that.
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Summary: Very Well Written
Review: As an Arab, I thought that a book about the current conflicts occurring written by a western writer must be somewhat biased and uninformed about our culture and point of views. However, i was very surprised. The book protrays all the controversial issues that are cuasing the problem in a scientific approach rather in an argumental one. While Bruce forms his own conclusions in some pages, he still manages to leave space for the reader to analyze and conclude. Moreover, he did some hefty research into all three cultures and civilizations that made the book very professional and provacative. I really enjoyed the book and found it insightful.
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Summary: Gives me a good picture of why!
Review: It is so difficult to understand the reasons behind the present conflict. That is why I think books like Feiler's is a must. I also read Drummond's best seller, Holy Land Whose Land and between both of these books I could finally say I understand. The solution must be attached to knowledge and not superstition and fear. I thank these authors for their clear insights and difficult journeys for us.
Timothy,
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Summary: A piece of peace!
Review: There are great theological books about Abraham in the three religions. But Feiler's book is more than theology! He's telling us a story, his story -as an american jew after september 11, which he experienced in New York- in discovering Abraham, in exploring the bible, speaking with jewish, christian, muslim sages, travelling the abrahamic-biblical places even in times of war. I read it in a single rush - and think you will probably do the same. If you like good storytelling and believe in the possibility of peace - just read it! And if you don't - well, then read it nevertheless, chances are good that Feiler would convince you! I volunteer to translate it into German for free! (-: (Michael, from Germany)
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