The Significance of Abraham in Judaism, Christianity, And Islamic Traditions
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ABRAHAM IN JUDIASM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAMIC TRADITIONS
Lesson Overview: Modern day Palestine (the Promised Canaan) is the home of Jews, Christians, and Arabs. Abraham (Abram) is the common Hebrew patriarch of these Abrahamic monotheistic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Abrahamic narrative in the Book of Genesis centers on the theme of posterity, land, and blessings in the Promised Land-Canaan. In Judaism, Abraham is the founding father of the special relationship between the Jews and God; in Christianity, he is the spiritual forefather of all believers in God, whether Jewish or non-Jewish; and in Islam, he is a common link to the Islamic prophets beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad. This lesson will provide information about the conflict in the Middle East relative to the descendants of the biblical Abraham and the possession of the Promised Land. Students will review historical and current events in the Middle East and examine the complexities in resolving the issues. Key Concepts: The Promised Land, Palestine, the Arab Israeli conflict, Quran, or Koran, nationalism, Mecca, The Kaaba, Hajj, intifada, The Balfour Declaration, Nakba Day, the Temple Mount, Hamas, Salam Objectives: Students will: • • • • •
connect the biblical account of the life of Abraham to his descendants in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. compare the points of view of citizens of Israel and Palestine regarding the Arab Israeli conflict. summarize negotiation attempts and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Expected Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson students will: • • •
understand the role that the Abrahamic narratives play in the Middle East land conflicts. compare the points of view of Palestinian citizens regarding the Arab Israeli conflict. summarize negotiation attempts and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Materials: •
Video: Abraham, Father of Many Nations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5ZDoGqFfxg )
Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Education
196
