Abraham, Father of Many: Portraits of a Patriarch

by Daniel Maier

Overview

Abraham fascinates. As a primeval desert sheik with dazzling character traits, as the father of many peoples and religions, as a migrant with long wanderings through trials and tribulations, as a convert and a sacrificer, as a believer and a doubter—his impact reverberates through the ages into the present. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all claim him, drawing on different aspects of his figure and facets of his memory for their respective theological ends.

In Abraham, Father of Many, Daniel Maier delves into this storied heritage and the various dimensions of this important patriarch. With a thematic approach, Maier examines Abraham’s multifaceted identity across ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the beginnings of Islam. A rich tapestry of sources—including the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the New Testament, early Christian apocrypha, and the Quran—illuminates Abraham’s role as a relatable character continually reinterpreted while remaining the archetypal eternal father figure. Rather than a chronological collection of passages, Maier offers engaging and manageable chapters on topics such as the Abrahamic faith, his remarkable friendship with God, different understandings of the controversial binding of his son, his steadfast obedience, and his characteristic happiness, which bring to life the diverse perspectives on the patriarch. This approach provides new insights into the opportunities and challenges of interreligious dialogue and what it means to walk in the footsteps of the primogenitor in the twenty-first century.

Abraham, Father of Many invites readers to explore Abraham’s enduring legacy and encourages a deeper understanding of how this ancient biblical character continues to shape contemporary beliefs and practices. Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply intrigued by the complexities of religious history, Maier’s captivating portrait offers a rewarding journey into the early reception of Abraham’s story and its profound impact on the three major monotheistic religions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781481320634
Publisher:	Baylor University Press
Publication date:	09/15/2025
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Daniel Maier is Tenure Track Assistant Professor of New Testament at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and a Research Associate in the Department of New Testament and Related Literature at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Faces of a Father Figure in the Past and Present
1 Blurred Beginnings: Abraham in the Hebrew Bible
2 Narrative Evolutions and the Ancient Reception of Abraham
3 Abraham as a Figure of Identification
4 The Essence of the Abrahamic Faith
5 Abraham as Genealogical and Spiritual Father
6 The Binding of the Son
7 Obedience: Abraham’s Active Discipline Against All Adversity
8 Abraham’s Friendship with God
9 Abrahamic Happiness
10 The Abraham of the Twenty-First Century: Chances and Challenges
Epilogue

What People are Saying About This

John J. Collins

This engaging study shows how Jews, Christians, and Muslims have all adapted the biblical story of Abraham selectively and elaborated it to support their values and agendas. Maier suggests that it can still be adapted for our own time, by focusing on aspects of the story that are especially relevant today – Abraham’s migration to foreign land, the theme of hospitality, and trust in God.  This is an intriguing exercise in the practical use of Scripture, grounded in the history of reception.

Tobias Nicklas

Biblical figures lead many lives. Perhaps none are as fascinating as Abraham, whose story shaped competing religious movements, societies, and cultures. Daniel Maier's highly learned book offers a fascinating spectrum of Abrahamic images throughout the centuries - a guided tour to the many facets of this highly symbolic figure. A must-read, and not only for scholars of religion!

Hindy Najman

Abraham, Father of Many presents Abraham across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. The book demonstrates traditions of understanding Abraham across canonical and noncanonical works of the three monotheistic faiths. Shared interpretations of Abraham bring the three faiths together in hope, hospitality, and conversation. This book combines the highest scholarly expertise with profound conviction of faith.