Book Review: "Abraham" by Bruce Feiler

 By Nate Feldman

More than twenty years ago, Bruce Feiler wrote Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths, a book detailing the connection the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths have with their forefather, Abraham.  

In the introduction, the author meets with David, a man who moved to Jerusalem.  David says, "The relationship between a person and another human being is what creates and allows for a relationship with God.  If you're not capable of living with each other and getting along with each other, than you're not capable of having a relationship with God."  

Throughout the book, Feiler travels throughout different parts of the Middle East to trace the steps of the historical Abraham.  He goes to the Negev desert, where it is believed that Abraham received his first interaction with God.  He also goes to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the site of where it is believed Jesus was crucified, and where many Christians believe Abraham also offered his son Issac to be sacrificed for God.  He also goes to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, where it is believed that Abraham, his wife, as well as his son and grandson and their wives are buried.  

On this journey, he talks with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious figures about the importance of Abraham in their lives.  He learns how each tradition has shaped Abraham to be a symbol of their particular faith.  

Eventually, he discusses how Abraham is now being used as a chance to reconcile the different religions, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  The book concludes with efforts to foster dialogue and understanding between people of different religions over the concept that all originate from Abraham.  

Though the book is getting old now (it was published almost a quarter of a century ago) in our divided world, it's still worth reading.  I appreciate Feiler's efforts to include the traditions of the three Abrahamic faiths and go deep into their views on Abraham.  His willingness to interact with people of all backgrounds is admirable.  I also think he did a good job of focusing on what these religions really say and didn't rely on sensationalism, which is way too prevalent when discussing others traditions.  Perhaps he could have included different voices about Abraham on his journey.  The Jewish and Christian voices he interviewed tended to be more moderate than the Muslim ones (excluding the Sufi Imam from New York), but perhaps that really reflects the mainstream.  

All in all, it is an enjoyable book, and I think it is a must-read for those interested in both religious history, the Bible, Quran, and those who want to build better relations with people of other faiths.