Saturday, April 19, 2008

Abraham and Isaac

What is the deal with God telling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?

Is this story severely disturbing to anyone else?

Abraham is a freak. Yet, we say he was faithful.
How could a father ever conceive of sacrificing his son?

Yes, God himself sacrificed his son, but Jesus himself had a say in that matter. Okay, some scholars think Isaac was a grown man and went willingly (but the narrative sure doesn't read like this). Besides, if Isaac went willingly, wouldn't he be the faithful one rather than Abraham? Kind of defeats the meaning of the whole story...

I don't even care that God never intended for Abraham to kill Isaac. This is an alarming command to even toy with.

For one thing, it's Isaac's life!!! It is not up to Abraham to decide what to do!!

Seriously, for one moment, put yourself in this situation...

There is not one possible way for me to look at this story that I know of that makes any sense. It is simply becoming a disturbing story.

Oh I get it...so now God knows that Abraham fears him. Well, isn't that wonderful. What a great man Abraham must be.
What a great man?? I think he's deranged!! He would be in our day, wouldn't he?

Imagine Abraham on the courthouse steps on the evening news. "I understand the laws of the country. I must go to jail. But I only tried to sacrifice my son because God told me to do it."

Wow. This would not go over very well.

I really just don't get it.

1 comment:

Grandma said...

I believe God wanted Abraham to prove his faith in Him. He knew what the answer would be, before He told him to do it. I believe Isaac was a younger boy obeying his father.
Why do you think this is a disturbing story?
Love, G.