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Holy Murder

Abraham, Isaac, and the Rhetoric of Sacrifice

Holy Murder cover

Holy Murder

Abraham, Isaac, and the Rhetoric of Sacrifice

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Description

This volume examines one of the most controversial stories in the Bible-the akedah, or sacrifice of Isaac recounted in the 22nd chapter of Genesis. Today, more than three thousand years later, the story continues to evoke controversy. It has had an impact on Judaism, Christianity and Islam-each clinging to different interpretations. Even among adherents of a common faith, interpretations of the passage differ to such extremes that it can be used to justify unthinkable behavior ranging from infanticide, mass murder, and suicide bombings. Abraham's actions have generated a sacrificial rhetoric that continues to exert a powerful influence on modern society. The rhetoric of sacrifice was born when the first person used the story of akedah to inspire another to sacrifice willingly on their behalf. Since then, a multitude of religious leaders and religious imposters have used the rhetoric of sacrifice to do their bidding. The akedah has proven itself as a tool that placed in the wrong hands can be used to commit unthinkable acts.

Table of Contents

Part 1 An Orientation
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 The Story-Verse by Verse
Chapter 4 Abraham the Patriarch
Part 5 Sources of Conflict
Chapter 6 Abraham's Relationship with God
Chapter 7 Different Religions, Different Views
Chapter 8 The Legacy of Location
Chapter 9 Sacrifice
Chapter 10 The Story of Jephthah's Daughter
Chapter 11 The Problem of Evil
Part 12 Theological Questions
Chapter 13 A Question of Time
Chapter 14 A Test of Obedience
Chapter 15 The Role of Faith
Chapter 16 Life After Death
Part 17 Conclusions
Chapter 18 The Impact
Chapter 19 The Rhetoric of Sacrifices
Part 20 References
Part 21 Index

Product details

Published Nov 08 2006
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 202
ISBN 9780761835783
Imprint University Press of America
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

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