Esau (Biblical Figure) 5

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Esau (Biblical Figure) 5 RABBINIC PORTRAYAlS OF THE fiRST ARAB A volume in the SUNY series in Judaica: Hermeneutics, Mysticism, and Religion Michael Fishbane, Robert Goldenberg, and Elliot Wolfson, editors Rabbinic Portrayals of the First Arab Carol Bakhos State University of New York Press The author and the publisher are grateful to the Koret Foundation's jewish Studies Publication Program for their generous support. Cover image: Dreamstime.com Published by State University of New York Press, Albany © 2006 State University of New York All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. For information, address State University of New York Press, 194 Washington Avenue, Suite 305, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12210-2384 Production by Judith Block Marketing by Susan M. Petrie Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Bakhos, Carol. Ishmael on the border : rabbinic portrayals of the first Arab I Carol Bakhos. p. em. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13:978-0-7914-6759-6 ISBN-10: 0-7914-6759-7 (hardcover: alk. paper) 1. Arabs in the Bible. 2. Bible. O.T. Genesis-Criticism, interpretation, etc. 3. Ishmael (Biblical figure) 4. Esau (Biblical figure) 5. Ishmael (Biblical figure) in rabbinical literature. 6. Esau (Biblical figure) in rabbinical literature. I. Title. BS1199. A66B35 2006 296.1 '2083058927-dc22 2005018667 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 CoVJt~VJt$ 1VJtro&tuctl.oVJ 1 M~~~~ 4 Overview 10 Ch~-rter 1. 1shm~et ~Vld es~u : .i\1~r~i.VJ~li.!ted .i\1eVJ of the ']i.ble 13 Ishmael in the Bible 14 Esau in the Bible 2 3 Ch~-rtel' 2. 1shm~el tVJ '!~VJVJ~i.t(c ~Vld .s4mor~k: .Llter~ture 31 The Tannaitic Sources 32 The Amoraic Sources 3 7 Ch~-rter 3· 'the ~~bbi.s ~Vld 'thetl' Others 47 The Pairing of Ishmael and Esau in Rabbinic Literature 54 Esau as Real Other 63 Ishmael, the Ishmaelites, and the Children of Keturah 65 The Arab Descendants oflshmael 67 Abraham's Descendants and Israel's Divine Election 74 The Role of Christianity in the Depiction of the Other 79 Ch~-rter 4· 1shm~el tVJ J.~ter .i\1i.dr~shi.m 85 The Treatment of Ishmael in Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer 96 Abraham's Visits to Ishmael in Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer 104 Abraham's Visits to Ishmael in Arabic Sources 116 v vi Contents Revisiting the Visits 119 The Ishmaelites in Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer 123 Condusi.ons 129 135 183 201 Ishmael on the Border: Rabbinic Portrayals ofthe First Arab builds on and de­ velops the ideas explored in my doctoral dissertation, Rabbinic Portrayals of Ishmael. Although this work for the most part retains the overarching framework of the former, and reaches some of the same conclusions, the study of rabbinic texts here is significantly more detailed and nuanced, and thus leads me to draw different conclusions with respect to why the rab­ binic treatment of Ishmael changes in the early medieval literature. There has been a marked resurgence of interest in the intertwined relationship of rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity over the past several years. Taking into account and addressing the matters raised in recent works, I have con­ siderably refined my earlier discussion on the degree to which rabbinic lit­ erature reflects an engagement with Christian and Muslim theological claims, and redressed related issues. It would have been impossible to complete this work without the gracious support of family, friends, and colleagues whose warmth and well wishes sustained me during various stages of this project. I am grateful to the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary, espe­ cially Richard Kalmin whose dedication, patience, wealth of knowledge and good judgment contributed greatly to my formation as a scholar. Stephen Garfinkel, Raymond Scheindlin, Stephen Geller, Benjamin Gampel and Eliezer Diamond each in his own way was and ever remains, a fount of knowledge and a source of encouragement. This work has benefited enormously from the attention of Seth Schwartz, whose erudition never ceases to amaze me. I am grateful for the many enlightening and engaging conversations we have had over the years, for his critical reading of this work, and above all for his friendship. I also wish to thank my former colleagues in the Department of Religion at Middlebury College, 0. Larry Yarbrough and Katherine VII viii Acknowledgments Sonderegger, a most inspiring interlocutor who helped me sharpen the conceptual framework of my thesis. I am indebted to William Schniedewind and Michael Cooperson, my colleagues at UCLA, who commented on earlier versions of some of the chapters. Reuven Firestone, Robert Goldenberg and Joel Kaminsky read a first draft of the manuscript. Their keen reading of the manuscript im­ proved it immeasurably. And finally, I am thankful to Dana Foote, Mac­ cabee Avishur, and Candice Levy for their editorial assistance. Of course it goes without saying (but I will state it anyway) that no one other than I should be held accountable for shortcomings one may find in the work. This study was made possible in part by funds granted by the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, and most recently by the Koret Foundation. The statements made and views expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of the author. I wish to thank my mentors Jon Levenson, who introduced me to the playful, yet reverent world of midrash, and Brother Jerome O'Connell, who passed away in 1998. Brother Jerome fostered my love of literature and often reminded me oflreneaus's words, "God's glory is man fully alive." In A Driven Leaf, Milton Steinberg writes: "No matter what other doubts we entertain, we cannot question the reality of friendship. And in a world where so little is certain, that is a good deal." Indeed it is so. I thank Barbara Butterworth, Paul Dry, Vivienne Kneider, Alexa Midthassel, and Walid Saleh for their constant support and friendship, which is a very good deal. This book is dedicated to the memory of my father, Mehsen Bakhos (1932-1998), who believed me when I said, "soon." The world of acade­ mia, let alone the world of the rabbis, was alien to him. Yet, in his own way he delighted and took pride in my pursuit. This book is also dedicated to Dr. Arthur Carr, Professor Emeritus of Columbia University, who despite the near fifty years between us, is a steadfast friend and confidant. Arthur's zest for life-that is, his deep appreciation of the ordinary-his intellectual curiosity, and his passion for the Arts inspire me endlessly. I thank him for encouraging me, for often chiding me (there is nothing like a good tongue­ lashing to whip one into shape), but more than anything else, I thank him for the laughter. For this and more I am grateful. ore than any other figure in the Hebrew Bible, Ishmael evokes a variety of associations from nomads to Moby Dick. A recent question put to me by a rabbi highlights the unusual place Ish­ mael has in Jewish thought: "So, your work is not about Rabbi Ishmael, but the Ishmael of Islam?" Though Ishmael is a prominent figure in Islam's theological history, and in Arab genealogy, the rabbi's question reveals a widely held assumption about the figure of Ishmael; namely, that he plays no role in the Jewish tradition. Today more than ever, this assumption plays itself out in references to the putatively antagonistic brothers "Isaac and Ishmael," who have come to represent Judaism and Islam. The rabbi's question implicitly relegates Ishmael to a status that inaccurately reflects Ishmael's position vis-a-vis Judaism. Indeed, since the medieval period, Ishmael has often, but not exclusively, symbolized Islam. Ishmael's place nonetheless is marginal, but is it marginal within the Jewish tradition. As Abraham's rejected son, he cannot play a consequential role in Judaism. At the same time, as a figure who was part of early Israelite history, he cannot be excluded-set fully apart-from that history. Because rabbinic literature implicitly recognizes his marginalized status, it can neither embrace nor disavow him unequivocally. To answer the rabbi's question, this work is not about R. Ishmael or Islam's Ishmael. Rather, it focuses narrowly on the figure of Ishmael in classical rabbinic literature from the tannaitic period (ca. first through third centuries CE) through the early Middle Ages and traces the nuances and shifts in rabbinic portrayals of Ishmael over a period of a thousand years. Compilations such as the Tosefta, Sifre Deuteromony, Genesis 2 Ishmael on the Border Rabbah, and the Tanl).uma literature provide a basis for distinguishing trends in the ways in which the rabbis grappled with the elusive nature of Ishmael's character. This work also examines rabbinic depictions of Esau, the Ishmaelites, and the children of Keturah to the extent that an under­ standing of their portrayal sheds light on the rabbinic treatment of Ishmael. A study of rabbinic sources dealing with Ishmael leads to the follow­ ing conclusions: The portrayal of Ishmael before the rise of Islam can be neutral, positive, or negative; after the emergence of Islam, however, he is consistently portrayed more negatively. Despite the connection made be­ tween Ishmael and Arabs in early Jewish writings such as Jubilees and the works of Josephus, as well as in tannaitic texts, Ishmael rarely symbolizes the Arab people but rather, like the Ishmaelites and the children of Ketu­ rah, he often represents the rabbinic Other.
Recommended publications
  • Trialogue Among the Abrahamic Faiths
    Trialogue among the Abrahamic Faiths RIFFAT HASSAN e are undoubtedly living in the age have had the Nivilege of participating in many of dialogue. Dialogue, in the sense interreligious conferences bringing together Nvof conversations between persons adherents of the three Abrahamic faiths— or groups is, of course, nothing new, but dia- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. logue in the sense of Martin Buber's "I-Thou" What I state in this paper thus comes from encounter is something relatively novel. Sub- more than two decades of intensive and sequent to the Second World War there has extensive involvement in a variety of tria- been much ecumenical dialogue between logues in many countries. It is very difficult Jews and Christians and among Christians for me to express in words what I have themselves. Since the 1970s, Jewish-Chris- learned and gained from these experiences. tian dialogue has been expanded in some Suffice it to say that they have not only places to include Muslims and has popularly enriched but transformed my life, and that come to be known as "trialogue". It is my through them I found a community of faith good fortune that I was invited to be part of which has been a source of great strength and the first major trialogue of about 20 Jewish, support to me in more ways than I can enu- Christian and Muslim scholars which was ini- merate. As I share my reflections on the prob- tiated by the Kennedy Institute of Ethics in lems and possibilities of trialogue among the Washington DC in the late 1970s and con- Abrahamic faiths, I want to express my deep tinued until the mid-1980s.
    [Show full text]
  • A Biographical Study of Isaac Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected]
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Liberty University Digital Commons Liberty University Scholars Crossing Old Testament Biographies A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible 10-2018 A Biographical Study of Isaac Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ot_biographies Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "A Biographical Study of Isaac" (2018). Old Testament Biographies. 17. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/ot_biographies/17 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Biographical Study of Individuals of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in Old Testament Biographies by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Isaac CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY I. Isaac and Abraham A. The supernatural birth of Isaac 1. Isaac was promised to his parents and named by God himself even before he was born (Gen. 17:9, 21). 2. He was born from Sarah’s barren womb, which God had supernaturally touched (Gen. 18:10-11). 3. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 at the birth of their son (Gen. 17:17; 21:5). B. The submissive spirit of Isaac (Gen. 22:1-11) 1. Isaac accompanied Abraham upon Mr. Moriah to become a sacrifice as commanded by God. 2. At first he was unaware that he himself would be the sacrifice. 3. He thus asked his father: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Gen.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sons of Keturah – Islam in Prophecy
    mark h lane www.biblenumbersforlife.com THE SONS OF KETURAH – ISLAM IN PROPHECY Is the Prophet Mohammed in Scripture? Yes he is. He is called the 'Blessed Guide'. But he is no blessing. The Biblical account of Keturah will explain this. There was a marriage problem between Abraham and Sarah. We don't know if due to her age Sarah lost interest or rebuffed Abraham for other reasons, but we know they stopped sleeping together. To meet his physical and emotional needs, Abraham took a concubine named Keturah and fathered children by her. Some translations of Genesis 25 verse 1 say “Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah”. This is a mistranslation. The Hebrew word in this verse is ‘ishshah’ which means ‘woman’. It can mean ‘wife’ in some contexts but not in this context. We know Keturah was not the wife of Abraham because it is written in verse 5 and verse 6: “Abraham left everything to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the East”. The Hebrew word is ‘piylegesh’ and it has the unmistakable meaning of ‘concubine’ or ‘paramour’. The image above is of a belly-dancer, a harlot of Arabia. You will notice the harlot has her face covered by a veil. According to the Bible, wearing a full-face veil is the mark of a harlot. Concerning another harlot, Tamar, the Bible says: “she took off her widow’s clothes, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enaim…” (Genesis 38:13).
    [Show full text]
  • Islam in Process—Historical and Civilizational Perspectives Yearbook of the Sociology of Islam Volume 7
    Islam in Process—Historical and Civilizational Perspectives Yearbook of the Sociology of Islam Volume 7 2006-12-06 16-23-03 --- Projekt: T491.gli.arnason.yearbook7 / Dokument: FAX ID 00fb133402603594|(S. 1 ) T00_01 Schmutztitel.p 133402603618 Yearbook of the Sociology of Islam Edited by Georg Stauth and Armando Salvatore The Yearbook of the Sociology of Islam investigates the making of Islam into an important component of modern society and cultural globalization. Sociology is, by common consent, the most ambitious advocate of modern society. In other words, it undertakes to develop an understanding of modern existence in terms of breakthroughs from ancient cosmological cultures to ordered and plural civic life based on the gradual subsiding of communal life. Thus, within this undertaking, the sociological project of modernity figures as the cultural machine that dislodges the rationale of social being from local, communal, hierarchic contexts into the logic of individualism and social differentiation. The conventional wisdom of sociology has been challenged by post-modern debate, abolishing this dichotomous evolutionism while embracing a more heterogeneous view of coexistence and exchange between local cultures and modern institutions. Islam, however, is often described as a different cultural machine for the holistic reproduction of pre-modern religion, and Muslims are seen as community-bound social actors embodying a powerful potential for the rejec- tion of and opposition to Western modernity. Sociologists insist on looking for social differentiation and cultural differ- ences. However, their concepts remain evolutionist and inherently tied to the cultural machine of modernity. The Yearbook of the Sociology of Islam takes these antinomies and contradic- tions as a challenge.
    [Show full text]
  • Old Testament Books Hebrew Names
    Old Testament Books Hebrew Names Hadrian pichiciago accordantly as teachable Abner disseised her binomials stereochrome corrosively. Declarable and unconstrainable Alphonso stimulating, but Eric palely addle her odometer. Redirect Keith strove subtly. Nowhere is this theme more evident success in Exodus the dramatic second wedding of the american Testament which chronicles the Israelites' escape. Hebrew forms of deceased name JesusYehoshua Yeshua and Yeshu are. Jewish Bible Complete Apps on Google Play. Since Abel was the royal martyr in the first surgery of written Hebrew Scriptures Genesis and. The Names and basement of the Books of split Old Testament Kindle edition by. What body the oldest religion? Old TestamentHebrew Bible Biblical Studies & Theology. Who decided what books the Hebrew Bible would contain. For the names of the blanket large subcollections of his Hebrew Bible Torah Nevi'im. Read about Hebrew Names Version Free Online Bible Study. Lists of books in various Bibles Tanakh Hebrew Bible Law or Pentateuch The Hebrew names are taken from other first equation of death book alone the late Hebrew. Appears in loose the remaining twenty-two books of late Hebrew Bible. Name six major events that first place buy the OT before so were written. The Hebrew canon or last Testament refers to the collection of swan and. Rabbinic explanations for fidelity and email, focusing more prominent jew has some old testament names? Books of The Bible and the meaning in option name excel RAIN. Versions Cambridge University Press. A-Z array of Bible Books Tools & Resources Oxford Biblical. Chapter 3 Surveying the Books of the Bible Flashcards Quizlet.
    [Show full text]
  • 1“Islam in Christ's Eyes”
    1“Islam in Christ’s Eyes” A study on the origins of Islam and the Christian response by Wissam Youssif Lesson Two- The Origins of Islam Spring Quarter - 2018 I. Introduction A. Thank you for being here for lesson two from the study, “Islam in Christ’s Eyes.” B. If you would like a copy of the book that is the guide for this course, I have the information where you can order the book if you would like one. C. One of my favorite characters is Barney Fife from the old Andy Griffith television show. C.1. In one episode, two prisoners are brought to the small town of Mayberry jail for Andy and Barney to guard. C.2. To get their attention, Barney set them straight from the beginning. C.3. He said, “Men, here at the rock, we have two rules. Memorize them so as to be able to say them in your sleep. Rule number one, obey all rules. Rule number two, there is no writing on the walls as it take a lot of work to erase writing off of walls.” D. In my classroom, there are also two rules. D.1. Memorize so that you can say them in your sleep. D.2. Rule number one, obey all rules. D.3. Rule number two, there is no political discussion of any kind allowed because once uttered it’s almost impossible to erase it from people’s memory who are offended by it. D.4. Therefore, all political discussion is banned because it is directly tied to the subject of Islam.
    [Show full text]
  • Mary in Film
    PONT~CALFACULTYOFTHEOLOGY "MARIANUM" INTERNATIONAL MARIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE (UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON) MARY IN FILM AN ANALYSIS OF CINEMATIC PRESENTATIONS OF THE VIRGIN MARY FROM 1897- 1999: A THEOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF A SOCIO-CULTURAL REALITY A thesis submitted to The International Marian Research Institute In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree Licentiate of Sacred Theology (with Specialization in Mariology) By: Michael P. Durley Director: Rev. Johann G. Roten, S.M. IMRI Dayton, Ohio (USA) 45469-1390 2000 Table of Contents I) Purpose and Method 4-7 ll) Review of Literature on 'Mary in Film'- Stlltus Quaestionis 8-25 lli) Catholic Teaching on the Instruments of Social Communication Overview 26-28 Vigilanti Cura (1936) 29-32 Miranda Prorsus (1957) 33-35 Inter Miri.fica (1963) 36-40 Communio et Progressio (1971) 41-48 Aetatis Novae (1992) 49-52 Summary 53-54 IV) General Review of Trends in Film History and Mary's Place Therein Introduction 55-56 Actuality Films (1895-1915) 57 Early 'Life of Christ' films (1898-1929) 58-61 Melodramas (1910-1930) 62-64 Fantasy Epics and the Golden Age ofHollywood (1930-1950) 65-67 Realistic Movements (1946-1959) 68-70 Various 'New Waves' (1959-1990) 71-75 Religious and Marian Revival (1985-Present) 76-78 V) Thematic Survey of Mary in Films Classification Criteria 79-84 Lectures 85-92 Filmographies of Marian Lectures Catechetical 93-94 Apparitions 95 Miscellaneous 96 Documentaries 97-106 Filmographies of Marian Documentaries Marian Art 107-108 Apparitions 109-112 Miscellaneous 113-115 Dramas
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of Islam As a Constitutive Revolution
    Chapter 5 Revolution in Early Islam: The Rise of Islam as a Constitutive Revolution SAÏD AMIR ARJOMAND We conceive of revolution in terms of its great social and political consequences. In a forthcoming comparative and historical study of revolutions, I contrast to the state-centered revolutions of modern times with another ideal-type of revolution which I call the ‘integrative’ revolution (see the Appendix). This ideal type of revolution – which is an aspect of all revolutions – expresses two simple ideas: revolutions 1) bring to power a previously excluded revolutionary elite, and 2) enlarge the social basis of the political regime. This makes integrative revolu- tions not just political but also ‘social revolutions.’ Integrative revolution is in turn divided into three subtypes, the two sub-types I derive from Aristotle-Pareto and Ibn Khaldun are so labeled. The ‘constitutive’ type is my own invention, of- fering the sharpest contrast to the state-centered or ‘Tocquevillian’ type in that it is the typical pattern of radical change in the political order through the enlarge- ment of political community in ‘stateless societies,’ be they of 6th century BCE Greece or 7th century CE Arabia. In addition to this structural typology, we need to come to terms with the mo- tives and goals of the revolutionaries as historical actors, and here I do what may be politically incorrect from the viewpoint of the theory community by using the term teleology, not in the strict Aristotelian sense but rather as a term denoting the directionality of revolution. Through teleology, I seek to capture the distinc- tive direction of a revolution, its intended or intentionally prefigured conse- quences.
    [Show full text]
  • Sharing Biblical Knowledge, Spiritual Insights, Life and God's Love A
    University City Church of Christ Sharing Biblical knowledge, Spiritual A Publication by and for the Members 4626 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605 Insights, Life and God’s Love Volume 9, Number 1 universitycitychurchofchrist.org KETURAH AND HER BAND OF 14 MEN Abraham had many mothers for his sons (and daughters?). Women were truly considered “chattel” or belongings. Their lives were full of childbirth and hard work. Early translations do not use the word “pain” but “hard work and many pregnancies”. So that is understood as a consequence! And God made women to bare this burden. Keturah enters the picture at this point. She bore six sons, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Later Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan, who had three sons, Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. Then Midian had five more sons: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidda, and Eldaah. (I spelled out all these Jewish names so you could appreciate them!) Keturah may have been or NOT wealthy or beautiful as was Sarah, but as his wife (concubine?) she gave Abraham fourteen sons and grandchildren! Money in the bank, so to speak! Today we like to feel these “sons” were God's gifts to Abraham and the nation of Israel. All seem precious to the Clan. While Abraham still lived he gave great gifts to “these also” sons. Abraham sent them far away from HIS special Isaac. Probably so there would be less jealousy! As the Bible says God gave the rest of the herds, his lands and his many women and children to Isaac, who began his hard core of devoted and prolific descendants.
    [Show full text]
  • Ibrahim Belongs to the Path (Shia, Lineage) of Noah1
    KELAM ARAŞTIRMALARI 3:1 (2005), SS.165-174. THE PROPHET IBRAHIM IN THE QUR’AN Emine YARIMBAŞ PhD Candidate in Marmara U., Theology Faculty Abstract: In the Qur’an, two hundred and forty-five verses contained in twenty-five suras are dedicated to Ibrahim, no complete single account can be found but one of the suras (14.) bears his name. Throughout these verses, we can eaily trace the roots of a prototype figure both in his faith and way of life. In the following paper first his personality then his faith and way of life will be anayzed. Key terms: Ibrahim, Sacrifice, Ismael. WHO IS IBRAHIM? Ibrahim belongs to the path (shia, lineage) of Noah1 (that is Nova) and has a free heart (qalb selim)2, He is among those to whom the religion was prescribed after Noah, but before Musa (that is Moses), Isa (that is Jesus) and Muhammed3. He is called “intimate friend of God” (halilullah)4. He preaches monotheism to his father and his people. His father’s name is Azar who is a craftsman of idols5. The Qur’an mentions Ibrahim as “a saint, a prophet” (siddik nabi)6 and an imam (that is leader) for mankind7. He was not of the idolaters8. The Qur’an declares that Ibrahim was not a Jew, nor a Christian; but he was an upright man (hanif), a muslim who had 1 And most surely Ibrahim followed his (Nuh) way (es-Saffat 37/83). 2 When he came to his Lord with a free heart (es-Saffat 37/84). 3 es-Sura, 42/ 13.
    [Show full text]
  • Christians in the Contemporary Middle East: Religious Minorities and the Struggle for Secular Nationalism and Citizenship
    Christians in the Contemporary Middle East: Religious Minorities and the Struggle for Secular Nationalism and Citizenship Villanova University December 5-6, 2016 INTRODUCTION International scholars, government officials, and NGO representatives will convene at Villanova University this December 5-6 for the conference, “Christians in the Contemporary Middle East: Religious Minorities and the Struggle for Secular Nationalism and Citizenship.” The goals of this conference are to examine: (1) The reasons for the decline in pluralistic and cosmopolitan spaces in the Middle East, and the consequences for Christians and other minorities; (2) The historic role of Christian intellectuals and their contributions to Arab politics and promoting religious freedom; (3) Prospects for securing the equality of citizens, given current interpretations of Islamic law that tend to create separation and marginalization, even among Muslim citizens not of the majority sect; (4) Strategies that could be implemented to combat the persecution of minority and religious communities and enable them to stay in their home countries; (5) The geopolitical and regional tensions that have threatened the presence of Christians and other vulnerable communities in the Middle East, and (6) the impact of the Shia-Sunni conflict on the status of ethnic and religious minorities in the region. The conference will conclude with an open discussion with all the panelists and Q&A. 1 | Page SCHEDULE DAY ONE – Monday, December 5, 2016 9:15-9:30 a.m. | Welcome | Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President, Villanova University | Introduction | Rev. Kail C. Ellis, OSA, PhD, Assistant to the President, Conference Director, Villanova University 9:30-10:00 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • A Bible Timeline: from Creation to the Cross Timeline Legend: Free Download at * Parenthesis Denote Lifespan, Brackets Denote Reign
    A Bible Timeline: From Creation to the Cross Timeline Legend: Free download at www.CMDeaf.org/timeline * Parenthesis denote lifespan, brackets denote reign. Eg:”(1040-970) [40]” means “Born in 1040, died in 970, reigned for 40 years”. * Underlined names represent Christ's lineage Middle Bronze Age: 2200-1550 BC Jacob migrates to Egypt: 1876 BC 2200BC 2100BC 2000BC 1900BC 1800BC 1700BC 1600BC 1500BC Abraham (2166-1991) Isaac (2066-1886) Moses Jacob/Israel (2006-1859) Joseph (1918-1808) [80] EgyptEgypt SojournSojourn (1876-1446(1876-1446 BC)BC) Ishmael (2080-1943) Hagar : Ishmael (12 sons = Arabs) Rebekah: Esau (Edomites), Jacob (Israelites) Sarah : Isaac (Edomites & Jews) The 12 Tribes of Israel: Keturah : Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, Shuah Leah: Reuben (1), Simeon (2), Levi (3), Judah (4), Issachar (9), Zebulun (10), Dinah (11 f) Bilhah (R): Dan (5), Naphtali (6) Zilpah (L): Gad (7), Asher (8) Rachael: Joseph (12), Benjamin (13) Seed Line (approx): Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Perez Hezron Ram Amminidab Nahshon Late Bronze Age: 1550-1200 BC Iron Age 1: 1200-1000 BC Exodus: 1446 BC 1600BC 1500BC 1400BC 1300BC 1200BC 1100BC JudgesJudges [1400-1050 [1400-1050 BC]: BC]: Othniel, Othniel, Ehud, Ehud, Shamgar, Shamgar, Deborah, Deborah, G Gideonideon Saul (1070-1010BC) [40] Moses (1526-1406 BC) [40] Egypt Egypt Sojourn Sojourn Tola,Tola, Jair, Jair, Jephthah, Jephthah, Ibzan, Ibzan, Elon, Elon, Abdon, Abdon, Samson, Samson, E Eli,li, Samuel Samuel (1876-1446(1876-1446 BC) BC) Nahshon Salmon (& Rahab ) Boaz (& Ruth ) Obed Jesse David A Bible Timeline: From Creation to the Cross Free download at www.CMDeaf.org/timeline Prophets of the Old Testament Prophesied to Israel Prophesied to both Judah and Israel Prophesied to Judah Prophesied to other nations Iron Age 1: 1200-1000 BC Babylonian ..
    [Show full text]