Tag: monotheism

Monotheism

Posted on by jovial_cynic
A thought about Abraham:

The story of Abraham occurs during a time when nations had their own local “greatest deity.” That god was supposed to be the most powerful, thus “many gods.” As a kingdom grew, it “proved” the greatness of a particular deity.

But the story of Abraham starts with being called to wander. Away from empire, to view many empires and to see the absolute irrationality of a theology built upon it.
The God of Abraham only makes sense to those who wander. An empire is an idol.

Monotheism

Posted on by jovial_cynic

Now Terah took his son Abram, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they departed together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran and settled there. The days of Terah were 205 years; and Terah died in Haran.
Genesis 11:31-32 (NASB)

Abram’s father Terah was going to Canaan, but settled in Haran and died there instead.

Haran means “path,” and is linked to an idea of “many roads,” as it was a major trade city. Many roads… many options. Perhaps it hinted at many gods. The Midrash teaches that Terah was an idol maker, so this link seems to fit.

But the Promise of God follows one singular path.