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A review by saracat
Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler
4.0
In this book, Feiler explores who Abraham is from the perspective of the 3 religions that trace themselves back to him: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He does by connecting his travels in the Middle East to talk with various people about Abraham to his mental journey to try and define Abraham.
Except for the very end of the book, it does not feel like a religious text, but more of an exploration to understand these religions and the impact of how they choose to define Abraham and various points in history changed how they interacted with each other as time went on. Though, especially in the second to last chapter Feiler is clear that he doesn't feel any of these religions is above the other, he has conviction that God - at least in some form - exists.
While the book is written simply - but not in a dumbed down way, but more in a way to makes it accessible to non-experts - but at the same time, it feels to be aimed about readers who already have had exposure to these religions, whether because of practiced faith or because of previous study. Also, Feiler's American view does sometimes come through and at moments feel 'American-centric.' Though, it does feel like he is trying to write to be more inclusive.
Except for the very end of the book, it does not feel like a religious text, but more of an exploration to understand these religions and the impact of how they choose to define Abraham and various points in history changed how they interacted with each other as time went on. Though, especially in the second to last chapter Feiler is clear that he doesn't feel any of these religions is above the other, he has conviction that God - at least in some form - exists.
While the book is written simply - but not in a dumbed down way, but more in a way to makes it accessible to non-experts - but at the same time, it feels to be aimed about readers who already have had exposure to these religions, whether because of practiced faith or because of previous study. Also, Feiler's American view does sometimes come through and at moments feel 'American-centric.' Though, it does feel like he is trying to write to be more inclusive.