Abraham: Trials of Family and Faith

Studies on Personalities of the Old Testament

by Terence E. Fretheim

In an inviting style that showcases his literary discernment, theological sophistication, and passion for the biblical text, Terence E. Fretheim turns his attention to one of the most dramatic stories of the Old Testament-that of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael. Through close readings of Genesis 12 through 25, Fretheim guides readers through the intricacies of the plot, from God's surprising call to Abraham to leave home and family to God's enigmatic commands to evict one son and sacrifice another.

Extending the vein of analysis in which he previously has written to wide acclaim, Fretheim examines Abraham's family and assesses the significant roles it plays across three religions-Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Relating biblical narrative to theological concerns, Fretheim wrestles with such controversial concepts as God's selection of an elect people, the gift of land and other promises, the role of women and outsiders, the character of God, and the suffering of innocents.

In addition Fretheim contributes to the increasingly important interreligious dialogue surrounding Abraham by examining the continuing conversation among Muslims, Christians, and Jews about the place of Hagar and Ishmael in Abraham's family. Throughout the text, Fretheim frames the narrative as rooted in the trials of family and faith that define the story of Abraham as the father of three religions.

280 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2007

Reviews

[Bill Dauster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, detailed treatment of Abraham in Genesis and subsequent Scripture

[John Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was preparing to teach on Abraham and I recalled that this book by Fretheim was in my wishlist on Audible. I listened to it in a day and found Fretheim's perspective quite refreshing. He brought to light God's concern for the "outsider" within the story of Abraham. God speaks, makes promises and provides for those who are not the "Chosen" people of God. Also, in the text, some outsiders appear to fear God even more than Abraham and Canaanites and Egyptians are not demonized. I appreciate that Fretheim has a similar understanding as I do concerning how relational God is and how He works through natural means to bring about his will. I liked how he shared God choosing Abram was an example of Exclusive means for Inclusive ends, it was Election for the sake of Mission. Abraham was to be blessed to be a blessing to ALL the families of the earth.

Fretheim does seem to be open to some of the more liberal scholarly opinions, for example he mentions how the story of Sodom and Gomorrah may have been made up in an attempt to explain the landscape where Sodom was and Lot's wife--to explain the salt pillars. Though there are little mentions like this here and there, it's not excessive enough for those who have a strong opinion concerning the historical accuracy of every story in the OT, to avoid the book. Fretheim definitely appeared to me to have no agenda to undermine someones high view of the scripture.

At the end of the book, He did a nice summery of how other Jewish text spoke about Abraham, and the OT and the NT references and understanding of Abraham that followed.

all in all, it was a really interesting book, Fretheim has a wonderful perspective and will help you love this story all the more.