Prothero Judaism

Homework:

Part I: Read and annotate Prothero p. 243-245 (The Way of Exile and Return), 248-250 (Arguing for the Sake of God), and 253-260 (Exile and Return, and Liberation and Law) . Come prepared to discuss the questions at this link.

Part II: Read the text attached below, which is a summary of the story of Abraham. It ends with a translation of the "climax" of the Abraham story.

1. How does the story of Abraham "fit in" with what Prothero calls "The Way of Exile and Return?"

2. Prothero noted that Judaism is famous for debate about its own beliefs and its own stories. The story you read at the end of this attached summary is the MOST commented on in all the Jewish scriptures. What arguments or questions does it prompt?

3. Read the text of the Binding of Isaac carefully. What phrases are ambiguous? Why might this story be relevant for the Jewish people throughout their history?