Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths

I Loved this book! Bruce Feiler gives a great understanding to his readers how the three monotheistic faiths that grew out of the revelations of Abraham. I found it interesting to see how each religion came from Abraham. I think Abraham tried give to the world the idea of a loving all-powerful God that roughly over half the world celebrates in some form or fashion. Now if only we could ALL come together and find peace through this one God that Abraham discovered for us! 

After having enjoyed Bruce Feiler's previous book, "Walking the Bible," I was a bit skeptical when I heard about this one. He had already covered the journey of Abraham in the first book, so what more could he add with a sequel? It wasn't until I heard him talk about Abraham on National Public Radio that I realized this book is not another travelogue. It's a chronicle of Feiler's own inner journey to understand the connections among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through their common father, Abraham.As Feiler tells us in this book, the sedrah portion he studied for his own Bar Mitzvah was "Lech lecha," the section of the Torah which deals with God's call to Abraham to leave his home and go to a place that God would show him. It is said that one's Bar Mitzvah portion is forever connected with one's personal destiny. This is certainly true in Feiler's case. His lifelong fascination with Abraham has led him to write a very interesting and thought-provoking book.Don't expect this to be a scholarly study. It's not. In fact, there are some glaring historical inaccuracies. For example, Feiler credits the "Essene" Qumran community with "starting" the tradition of midrash (Jewish hermeneutics). Apparently he's not up on recent Dead Sea Scroll scholarship, because it is now seriously questioned whether (A) the Qumran community was Essene and (B) whether the scrolls in question came from Qumran or a Jerusalem library that was hidden at the time of the Roman siege. At any rate, midrash did not begin at Qumran. (He also confuses midrash with the Mishnah at one point...) I'm sure that Muslim and Christian readers will find similar errors -- but that's not the point of the book. Feiler is exploring how the three religions have viewed Abraham in various periods of their history, and how those perspectives have changed over the centuries. What he seeks is a way to bring the three monotheistic religions together in a productive dialogue where they can meet as equals on the common ground of sharing their origins in Father Abraham. He presents us with an Abraham that we can relate to at the beginning of the 21st century. That's the heart of the book; all the rest is commentary. Regarding that commentary, the book is a bit lopsided when it comes to Jewish POVs. Feiler never identifies what kind of Jew he is, but I looked up his childhood synagogue, Mickve Israel in Atlanta, Georgia, and it's listed as "America's Oldest Reform congregation." Nothing wrong with that -- except that I suspect he carries a common Reform prejudice against Orthodox and Hasidic Jews. He never interviews any -- except for a token Hasidic boy who just happens to be at the Western Wall. The Jews he does interview are all academic scholars and "modernized" rabbis. On the other hand, he goes out of his way to talk to top leaders in the very traditional Christian and Muslim communities. He seems fascinated with their colorful clerical garb; perhaps the plain black clothi

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.

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)

I got so much out of this book! Bruce Feiler challenges his readers to understand how the three monotheistic faiths that grew out of the revelations of Abraham developed their beliefs and used Abraham's story to further their own causes. I found it especially interesting to see how each religion tweaked Abraham's story, and in some cases changed it wholesale. Yet I don't think (and I think Feiler doesn't think) that diminishes the power of what Abraham brought to the table. Abraham gave to the world the idea of a loving, portable, all-powerful God that roughly half the world celebrates in some form or fashion. Now if only we could all come together and find peace through this one God that Abraham, in essence, discovered for us!

To study Abraham as such is absolutely enlightening concerning the three directions. In a completely unbiased approach I am convinced from this book Abraham would be shocked himself at the various interpretations, especially Islam and the one major holiday they celebrate over his ultimate offering God had asked him for. This is a book that you should find a quiet place to read, it is easy to read but demands complete attention as details grow. A very educational work, from the time of Abraham to current faith. A must have if you are a believer or an Atheist. I wish to recommend a book that carries on from here in a very similar theme but with Moses and Christ, title is SB: 1 or God by Karl Mark Maddox