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Father Abraham’s Many Children: The Bible in a World of Religious Difference

by Tyler D. Mayfield
Paperback |English |0802879454 | 9780802879455

Father Abraham’s Many Children: The Bible in a World of Religious Difference

by Tyler D. Mayfield
Paperback |English |0802879454 | 9780802879455
Overview

Reframing religious diversity through the stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau

The way we read the Bible matters for the way we engage the pluralistic world around us. For instance, if we understand the book of Genesis as narrowly focused on primary characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we'll miss the larger story and end up with the impression that God only cares about those who are "chosen." In fact, the narratives of marginalized biblical characters reveal that God protects and provides for them also. What might this mean for Christians living in a world of religious difference today?

In Father Abraham's Many Children, Tyler Mayfield reflects on the stories of three of the most significant "other brothers" in the Bible--namely, on God's continued engagement with Cain after he murders Abel, Ishmael's circumcision as a sign of God's covenant, and Esau's reconciliation with Jacob. From these stories, Mayfield draws out a more generous theology of religious diversity, so that Christians might be better equipped to authentically love their neighbors of multiple faith traditions--as God loves, and has always loved, all humanity.

ISBN: 0802879454
ISBN13: 9780802879455
Author: Tyler D. Mayfield
Publisher: Eerdmans
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2022-01-04
Language: English
PageCount: 145
Dimensions: 5.0 x 0.5 x 8.0 inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces

Reframing religious diversity through the stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau

The way we read the Bible matters for the way we engage the pluralistic world around us. For instance, if we understand the book of Genesis as narrowly focused on primary characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we'll miss the larger story and end up with the impression that God only cares about those who are "chosen." In fact, the narratives of marginalized biblical characters reveal that God protects and provides for them also. What might this mean for Christians living in a world of religious difference today?

In Father Abraham's Many Children, Tyler Mayfield reflects on the stories of three of the most significant "other brothers" in the Bible--namely, on God's continued engagement with Cain after he murders Abel, Ishmael's circumcision as a sign of God's covenant, and Esau's reconciliation with Jacob. From these stories, Mayfield draws out a more generous theology of religious diversity, so that Christians might be better equipped to authentically love their neighbors of multiple faith traditions--as God loves, and has always loved, all humanity.

Editorial Reviews


Booklist

"Insightful."
"I love Tyler D. Mayfield's book because he illuminates parallel parts of the Bible. In beautiful clear prose, he shows how the call and command of Christian scripture helps people connect being both faithful to the Bible and contributing citizens in a diverse nation and world."


-- Eboo Patel

from the foreword
"Through his rich and deep reading of the biblical stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau, Tyler Mayfield helps us see God, the Bible, our neighbors, and our neighbors' religions differently. In today's world, that's a wonderful and needed accomplishment!"


-- Brian D. McLaren

author of
Faith after Doubt
"Religious pluralism is increasingly an unavoidable reality today, not only in how we see the world but also in how we experience our neighborhoods. As Christians are wrestling with these realities, many have assumed the ancient texts comprising their Bible have little to offer. Tyler Mayfield's
Father Abraham's Many Children steps into this void with an accessible and creative approach that literally goes back to the beginning, to the book of Genesis, to uncover neglected stories of diversity that have been right in front of us all along. This readable book from a respected biblical scholar helps Christians re-engage one of the oldest moral questions from Scripture: 'Where is your brother?' And it invites us to reply, generously and affirmatively, that we are our siblings' keepers."


-- Robert P. Jones

award-winning author and CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute
"Mayfield brings stunning biblical scholarship to our most urgent work: to become Christian pluralists who love difference, as God surely does. By exploring the complexity of biblical narrative through marginalized figures we come to fresh awareness of those whom we have judged 'less than' and pushed to the margins today. Be prepared to be challenged and changed through 'more light shed' in service of building the world where all belong. This book makes me fall in love with the Bible all over again!"


-- Katharine Rhodes Henderson

president of Auburn Seminary
"In this lucid, innovative, and expansive rereading of Genesis narratives, Tyler Mayfield uses the stories of three sets of brothers--Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, and Esau and Jacob--to illustrate how the prejudices of the authors of Genesis and our own preconceived notions have distorted the way we look at these characters. I do not know of any other volume that so skillfully does justice to the neglected brothers and draws out the implications of rereading these narratives to religious pluralism and interfaith relations. Here is an excellent example of placing excellence in scholarship at the service of building community. It is an invaluable resource to those looking for a biblical basis for a new approach to religious pluralism."


-- S. Wesley Ariarajah

former director of the interfaith dialogue program of the World Council of Churches
"In a world in which incendiary antagonism toward other faiths is all too common, this book will foster lively dialogue about Scriptural hermeneutics and interreligious understanding. Mayfield invites Christians to engage religious pluralism with empathy and intelligence. The pastoral tone and searching discussion questions make this slim volume well-suited for those eager to examine inherited biases of Christianity and move toward a more audacious love of neighbor."


-- Carolyn J. Sharp

author of
Wrestling the Word: The Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Believer
"In a world fraught with hate, fear of 'the other, ' and laced with the violent commingling of Christian nationalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy, Tyler Mayfield's book provides a much-needed lens for which to better understand ourselves, our faith, and our universal call to love.
Father Abraham's Many Children helps us decolonize theologies and mindsets that harm rather than free and is a must-read for anyone interested in collective liberation."


-- Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft

Executive Minister for Justice, Education, and Movement Building at Middle Collegiate Church, New York City
"
Father Abraham's Many Children is an important and bold contribution to understanding that the biblical vision is intrinsically diverse and centered on complexity. This important way of reading Scripture embraces God's self-revelation through 'many-ness' and resists any simplistic us-versus-them presentations of God's people. This book sets an agenda for ongoing explorations of inclusive encounters and interpretations which welcome difference, distinction, and diversity within the wide and generous compass of God's saving grace. In a context of political divisiveness, the wonder of celebrating 'many children' is compelling and freeing. A must-read to melt the burden of corrosive identity politics."


-- Chris Ferguson

former general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches




Tyler D. Mayfield is the A. B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament and director of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His other books include
A Guide to Bible Basics and Unto Us a Child Is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Jewish Neighbors.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

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  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
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The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

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  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

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All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

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If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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Overview

Reframing religious diversity through the stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau

The way we read the Bible matters for the way we engage the pluralistic world around us. For instance, if we understand the book of Genesis as narrowly focused on primary characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we'll miss the larger story and end up with the impression that God only cares about those who are "chosen." In fact, the narratives of marginalized biblical characters reveal that God protects and provides for them also. What might this mean for Christians living in a world of religious difference today?

In Father Abraham's Many Children, Tyler Mayfield reflects on the stories of three of the most significant "other brothers" in the Bible--namely, on God's continued engagement with Cain after he murders Abel, Ishmael's circumcision as a sign of God's covenant, and Esau's reconciliation with Jacob. From these stories, Mayfield draws out a more generous theology of religious diversity, so that Christians might be better equipped to authentically love their neighbors of multiple faith traditions--as God loves, and has always loved, all humanity.

ISBN: 0802879454
ISBN13: 9780802879455
Author: Tyler D. Mayfield
Publisher: Eerdmans
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2022-01-04
Language: English
PageCount: 145
Dimensions: 5.0 x 0.5 x 8.0 inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces

Reframing religious diversity through the stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau

The way we read the Bible matters for the way we engage the pluralistic world around us. For instance, if we understand the book of Genesis as narrowly focused on primary characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we'll miss the larger story and end up with the impression that God only cares about those who are "chosen." In fact, the narratives of marginalized biblical characters reveal that God protects and provides for them also. What might this mean for Christians living in a world of religious difference today?

In Father Abraham's Many Children, Tyler Mayfield reflects on the stories of three of the most significant "other brothers" in the Bible--namely, on God's continued engagement with Cain after he murders Abel, Ishmael's circumcision as a sign of God's covenant, and Esau's reconciliation with Jacob. From these stories, Mayfield draws out a more generous theology of religious diversity, so that Christians might be better equipped to authentically love their neighbors of multiple faith traditions--as God loves, and has always loved, all humanity.

Editorial Reviews


Booklist

"Insightful."
"I love Tyler D. Mayfield's book because he illuminates parallel parts of the Bible. In beautiful clear prose, he shows how the call and command of Christian scripture helps people connect being both faithful to the Bible and contributing citizens in a diverse nation and world."


-- Eboo Patel

from the foreword
"Through his rich and deep reading of the biblical stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau, Tyler Mayfield helps us see God, the Bible, our neighbors, and our neighbors' religions differently. In today's world, that's a wonderful and needed accomplishment!"


-- Brian D. McLaren

author of
Faith after Doubt
"Religious pluralism is increasingly an unavoidable reality today, not only in how we see the world but also in how we experience our neighborhoods. As Christians are wrestling with these realities, many have assumed the ancient texts comprising their Bible have little to offer. Tyler Mayfield's
Father Abraham's Many Children steps into this void with an accessible and creative approach that literally goes back to the beginning, to the book of Genesis, to uncover neglected stories of diversity that have been right in front of us all along. This readable book from a respected biblical scholar helps Christians re-engage one of the oldest moral questions from Scripture: 'Where is your brother?' And it invites us to reply, generously and affirmatively, that we are our siblings' keepers."


-- Robert P. Jones

award-winning author and CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute
"Mayfield brings stunning biblical scholarship to our most urgent work: to become Christian pluralists who love difference, as God surely does. By exploring the complexity of biblical narrative through marginalized figures we come to fresh awareness of those whom we have judged 'less than' and pushed to the margins today. Be prepared to be challenged and changed through 'more light shed' in service of building the world where all belong. This book makes me fall in love with the Bible all over again!"


-- Katharine Rhodes Henderson

president of Auburn Seminary
"In this lucid, innovative, and expansive rereading of Genesis narratives, Tyler Mayfield uses the stories of three sets of brothers--Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, and Esau and Jacob--to illustrate how the prejudices of the authors of Genesis and our own preconceived notions have distorted the way we look at these characters. I do not know of any other volume that so skillfully does justice to the neglected brothers and draws out the implications of rereading these narratives to religious pluralism and interfaith relations. Here is an excellent example of placing excellence in scholarship at the service of building community. It is an invaluable resource to those looking for a biblical basis for a new approach to religious pluralism."


-- S. Wesley Ariarajah

former director of the interfaith dialogue program of the World Council of Churches
"In a world in which incendiary antagonism toward other faiths is all too common, this book will foster lively dialogue about Scriptural hermeneutics and interreligious understanding. Mayfield invites Christians to engage religious pluralism with empathy and intelligence. The pastoral tone and searching discussion questions make this slim volume well-suited for those eager to examine inherited biases of Christianity and move toward a more audacious love of neighbor."


-- Carolyn J. Sharp

author of
Wrestling the Word: The Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Believer
"In a world fraught with hate, fear of 'the other, ' and laced with the violent commingling of Christian nationalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy, Tyler Mayfield's book provides a much-needed lens for which to better understand ourselves, our faith, and our universal call to love.
Father Abraham's Many Children helps us decolonize theologies and mindsets that harm rather than free and is a must-read for anyone interested in collective liberation."


-- Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft

Executive Minister for Justice, Education, and Movement Building at Middle Collegiate Church, New York City
"
Father Abraham's Many Children is an important and bold contribution to understanding that the biblical vision is intrinsically diverse and centered on complexity. This important way of reading Scripture embraces God's self-revelation through 'many-ness' and resists any simplistic us-versus-them presentations of God's people. This book sets an agenda for ongoing explorations of inclusive encounters and interpretations which welcome difference, distinction, and diversity within the wide and generous compass of God's saving grace. In a context of political divisiveness, the wonder of celebrating 'many children' is compelling and freeing. A must-read to melt the burden of corrosive identity politics."


-- Chris Ferguson

former general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches




Tyler D. Mayfield is the A. B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament and director of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His other books include
A Guide to Bible Basics and Unto Us a Child Is Born: Isaiah, Advent, and Our Jewish Neighbors.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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