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Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Worth the Read
THE TENT OF ABRAHAM: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It seems amazingly coincidental that I started reading this book about two weeks ago considering the crisis now taking place in Lebanon! The book couldn't be more timely, offering an alternative view of 'what could be.'

Three authors contribute their perspectives, based on their spiritual backgrounds, of Abraham's story as recorded in the biblical narrative and other source materials that are particularly relevant to each religious culture. Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister of Erie, PA, contributes from a Christian viewpoint, Rabbi Arthur Waskow from a Jewish one and Murshid Saadi Shakur Chishti from a Eastern (sufi)Muslim perspective. Each contributor presents an insightful, thoughtful, and potentially unifying perspective of Abraham's family story, each hopeful of finding a basis for unity and peace among three religious cultures who all proudly claim Abraham as their "father." I discovered a few new perspectives on Hagar, Sarah, their two sons and the dynamic role they all played in this famous family of the ancient world.

I highly recommend this book for summer reading, especially under the current world situation that is gripping the Middle East. This text gives opportunity to come to the table with strangers and dialogue about a family story that can inspire hopes and dreams that we all long for while journeying on this small planet together. It also brings to the forefront the unavoidable in all religions ... the powerful impact of 'the story' as it travels through many generations.

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2 Comments:


  • At 7/21/2006 11:48:00 AM, Blogger Unknown

    Sounds interesting. I added it to my list of books to read. I even mentioned it to my father, who reads and looks into all kinds of things. Thanks for the mention.

     
  • At 7/21/2006 07:03:00 PM, Blogger Kim

    thanks too - I also read Abraham by Bruce Feiler.

    This is definitely a time to understand more deeply the spiritual ties that bring us together.

    wonderful blog!