Abraham: A Vessel For Peace

Abraham, the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is a significant figure in the history of religion, and in world events, because his story provides the basis for religious conflicts, but at the same time his role as a common ancestor may be the key to reaching worldwide religious tolerance. Abraham’s close relationship motivates these three main monotheistic religions to identify with him and his descendants, creating the possibility of a family bond that could be used as a “vessel” towards peace.

The fight over which religion is most legitimate – whose connection to Abraham is strongest – can be looked at as a violent family feud. The beginning of this religious clash is seen in the text itself, and has carried on over the centuries. In the story, god states that he will make both of Abraham’s sons into great nations.  However, in the story of Abraham, when Isaac and Ishmael get older, they grow to be bitter enemies. Over centuries and millennia, this conflicted relationship turns into violent wars between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  For Christians, Abraham becomes a figure to minimize the religious importance of Judaism, as the story of Isaac’s sacrifice foreshadows Jesus’ (god’s son) crucifixion. In the early years of Islam, Mohammed preached that god’s covenant and relationship with Abraham was open to all religions. However, as Islamic beliefs spread and Islam became a powerful religion, many Islamists began to “elbow” the Jews out of the story and insist that the text was trying to show the importance of Islam.  They started to preach that Abraham actually loved Ishmael more than Isaac.  Many even said that rather than almost sacrificing Isaac, Abraham actually chose Ishmael when god asked Abraham to sacrifice his favorite son.  Religious persecutions, the crusades, and religious extremists have been the products of this early religious conflict.

Though Abraham’s figure brings religious conflicts, he also may be the key to religious tolerance and peace.  Abraham is the greatest link between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  He is the forefather of these religions and thought of as a leader and a role model.  More importantly, he is thought of as the biological father of these religions.  In the story of Abraham, it states that when Abraham dies at 175 years old, his sons, Isaac and Ishmael who are enemies of opposing nations, come together and bury their father side by side.  They coexist because of a common father who they love.

It is interesting that rather than appreciating a common ancestor and role model, religions battle over who is connected to the “true Abraham.”  Yet, I believe that the only route to religious tolerance and peace is for people to give up the idea that they hold the only truth and to accept that opposing interpretations are inevitable.  It is useless and inhumane to combat people who believe differently because there will never be only one view of Abraham.  As said in the podcast, Abraham is the best vessel we have to accomplishing peace throughout religions.