Abraham: One God, Three Wives, Five Religions

by Frances Worthington

Overview

A groundbreaking examination of Abraham, one of the most beloved and significant religious figures in history. Author Frances Worthington researches the three wives/concubines (Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah) of Abraham, and traces their lineage to five different religions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, the Babi Faith, and the Baha'i Faith. Examining the scripture and traditions of these five "Abrahamic" faiths, this complex story also draws heavily from a rich variety of historical sources that provide a fascinating backdrop.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781931847896
Publisher:	Baha'i Publishing Trust, U.S.
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Frances Worthington is a writer who loves libraries, gardens, and interfaith exploration. A graduate of Duke University with a master's in Library Science, she is also a master gardener and former chair of the Interfaith Forum in Greenville, South Carolina. For nearly twenty years she was an award-winning garden columnist for the Greenville News. Her two previous books are Southern Seasons and Baha'i Basics. She lives in Greenville, South Carolina.

Editorial Reviews

Worthington (Baha'i Basics), a former freelance gardening photojournalist, here demonstrates how Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Babi, and Baha'i traditions embody Abraham's spiritual legacy. Writing from the perspective of the newest Abrahamic religion (Baha'i), she harmonizes scriptures and traditions to show how Abraham's teachings, banishment, and descendants from three wives shaped the contours of monotheism. Worthington writes in a refreshing, engaging manner, with an ear for the music of metaphor. She concludes that the symbolism in Abrahamic faiths and the genealogies of their founders demonstrate that religions are intimately connected to one another and human beings are spiritually and genetically related: "a trace of Abraham in each and every face." Worthington's analysis complements such titles as Bruce Feiler's Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths. Worthington subtly corrects the erroneous classification of the Baha'i faith as Eastern or New Age. VERDICT Original, readable, and thought-provoking, this book is highly recommended to those interested in new approaches to spiritual history, Abraham, Abrahamic religion, religious symbolism, or progressive revelation.—William P. Collins, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Library Journal