(This is a slight tangent about Abraham and the Binding of Isaac. I can't really speak to how this may or may not connect to the Crucifixion.)
The best take on the Binding of Isaac I've ever heard -- in terms of why God would ask Abraham to do that -- has more to do with obedience and trust than love.
Abraham's habitual inclinations were so perfectly aligned with what God wanted, on a regular basis, that there was never any way to know whether or not he would obey God's command against his own judgment. Unless God were to demand of him something that was counter to everything he personally believed about God's will and nature.
And the thing is: Abraham was right about God's will and nature. But God gave him a command that would require him to either disobey ... or decide that he was wrong, and trust God's direct word over his own beliefs.
It is also open to debate as to whether Abraham passed this test or failed it. Or, indeed, whether it was a test that could only be passed or failed.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2010-05-02 01:19 am (UTC)The best take on the Binding of Isaac I've ever heard -- in terms of why God would ask Abraham to do that -- has more to do with obedience and trust than love.
Abraham's habitual inclinations were so perfectly aligned with what God wanted, on a regular basis, that there was never any way to know whether or not he would obey God's command against his own judgment. Unless God were to demand of him something that was counter to everything he personally believed about God's will and nature.
And the thing is: Abraham was right about God's will and nature. But God gave him a command that would require him to either disobey ... or decide that he was wrong, and trust God's direct word over his own beliefs.
It is also open to debate as to whether Abraham passed this test or failed it. Or, indeed, whether it was a test that could only be passed or failed.