How is it that some of the worst atrocities committed over the past decades are done in the name of a powerful and compassionate God?
Well, they aren't.
That is what former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks confronts in his new book. The very idea that today's ever pervasive religious violence is done in God's name is a huge misreading of the texts that violence is perpetuated in.
Through insightful and in-depth readings of the key Biblical texts that form the very foundation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Sacks shows that, in his own words, "It is our task to be a blessing to the world", and not a curse.
"Abraham himself, sought to be a blessing to others regardless of their faith. That idea, ignored for many of the intervening centuries, remains the simplest definition of Abrahamic faith. It is not our task to conquer or convert the world or enforce uniformity of belief."
Timely in its confrontation, Sacks' view religion is not one towards Political ends. Which he classifies as being idolatry, but one of goodwill towards man and a blessing to all peoples.
Eloquent and in-depth, Sack's shows that, regardless of what messages the bringers of hate claim their actions to be under, any form of religious violence is most definitely Not In God's Name.
Well, they aren't.
That is what former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks confronts in his new book. The very idea that today's ever pervasive religious violence is done in God's name is a huge misreading of the texts that violence is perpetuated in.
Through insightful and in-depth readings of the key Biblical texts that form the very foundation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Sacks shows that, in his own words, "It is our task to be a blessing to the world", and not a curse.
"Abraham himself, sought to be a blessing to others regardless of their faith. That idea, ignored for many of the intervening centuries, remains the simplest definition of Abrahamic faith. It is not our task to conquer or convert the world or enforce uniformity of belief."
Timely in its confrontation, Sacks' view religion is not one towards Political ends. Which he classifies as being idolatry, but one of goodwill towards man and a blessing to all peoples.
Eloquent and in-depth, Sack's shows that, regardless of what messages the bringers of hate claim their actions to be under, any form of religious violence is most definitely Not In God's Name.