Description
Book SynopsisReligious people who define themselves as monotheists have often advanced the idea that their relationship with God is unique and superior to all others. Theirs supercedes those who came before and is superior to those who have followed. This phenomenon tends to be expressed in terms not only of supersessionism, but, also, "chosenness" or "election." Who is most beloved by God? What expression of the divine will is the most perfect? Which relationship reflects God's ultimate demands or desire? In this fascinating examination of the religious phenomenon of chosenness, Reuven Firestone explores the idea of covenant and the expressions of supersessionism as articulated through the scriptures of the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He explores how and why the ongoing competition and friction between these religions came about and offers thoughts about how to overcome it.
Trade Review"The first careful, fair, and thorough comparison of how the concept functions in the three major Abrahamic religions…. Required reading." —Harvey Cox, Hollis Professor of Divinity, Harvard University “Scholars and laypeople, believers and skeptics alike will profit greatly from this informative and thought-provoking book.” —Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD, president, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion “Does the reader a favor by not glossing over the hard issues that confront us, rather offering a timely analysis of the concept of chosenness.” —Akbar Ahmed, PhD, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Language of Chosenness vii 1 In the Beginning … 1 2 Chosenness in the Ancient Near East 11 3 Best Practice Models and Religious Success 35 4 Chosenness and Covenant in the New Testament 57 5 Chosenness and Covenant in the Qur'an 73 6 Chosenness and Covenant in Rabbinic Literature 85 7 The Merit of the Ancients 91 8 The Legacy of Chosenness 115 9 Does Redemption Require Election? 131 Conclusion: Retaining Our Uniqueness while Affirming the Other 147 Notes 151 Suggestions for Further Reading 157
