Sacrifice of isaac
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This document summarizes a mosaic from the 6th century CE Bet Alpha synagogue depicting the biblical story of God testing Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. It notes that from Abraham's perspective, this command seems problematic, as God had promised Abraham descendants through Isaac, making the act unjust and sadistic. The document then summarizes different thinkers' views on Abraham's actions, including that he was a hero for obeying God or a fool for not reasoning that God's command was evil. It concludes by questioning if we could do what Abraham did and whether his story should still test our faith today.
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Sacrifice of isaac
- 1. Mosaic in Bet Alpha synagogue, 6th century CE
- 2. God tested Abraham’s faith - Genesis 22:1
- 3. In Abraham’s mind… If Abraham kills Isaac… Therefore it is reasonable to ask… Didn’t God make a promise? …he will not have any descendants Is God a liar? Isn’t Isaac is an innocent boy? …it will be an unjust act Is God unjust? Doesn’t a father love his son? …it will cause the family great anguish Is God a sadist?
- 4. In Abraham’s mind… If Abraham kills Isaac… Therefore it is reasonable to ask… Didn’t God make a promise? …he will not have any descendants Is God a liar? Isn’t Isaac is an innocent boy? …it will be an unjust act Is God unjust? Doesn’t a father love his son? …it will cause the family great anguish Is God a sadist? A reasonable person would be expected to… • Clarify their understanding by asking questions • Look for evidence to support claims • Only act if they are convinced it is moral to do something
- 5. What then does faith mean?
- 6. Thinker Summary of their View But… Martin Luther Abraham is a hero because he ‘slew his reason’ and obeyed God anyway But what kind of God would ask this? Immanuel Kant Abraham is a fool – he should have reasoned that such an evil command can’t be from God But doesn’t that make moral law greater than God? Soren Kierkegaard Abraham’s actions can’t be explained rationally or morally But doesn’t that make having faith incredibly difficult?
- 7. Would you do what Abraham did? How could you do such a thing?
- 8. Abraham’s story should test our faith too Caravaggio, Sacrifice of Isaac (Uffizi)
- 9. Abraham doesn’t ignore mortality & doesn’t give up in the face of death
- 10. Abraham courageously continues to love Isaac knowing he will die