Acts of global terrorism in the post-9/11 world have brought to the fore the issue of religious intolerance. Can we achieve reconciliation between religious factions and avoid the bloody conflicts that result from the most radical interpretations of their beliefs? Even among the humblest of believers, conflict between religious beliefs often leads to division, conflict, and impoliteness. The riveting three-part docu-series Sons of Abraham travels the world talking to diverse figures from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities in an attempt to find common ground in the gospel by which they live.
The film’s host, a devout Catholic named Mark Dodd, attempts to achieve this reconciliation by invoking the teachings of the prophet Abraham, a religious icon common to all three faiths. Abraham, dubbed by Dodd “a superstar of different faiths,” was appointed by God to be the unifying leader of all the nations of the world for his unwavering faith. In turn, Abraham’s story can also point to the current scourge of violent extremism. For these terrorists, violence is the ultimate act of surrender. The justification for the slaughter they committed because of their wrong mindset can be found in God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his only son.
This comprehensive documentary explores these concepts and many others. The first part traces the origins of Abraham and the ambiguous passages in religious texts that allow for this difference in belief. The second part begins in Jerusalem and travels through the holy site where three religions often meet and compete for access. The last part of the film is probably the most compelling, as we find ourselves in the confines of a state prison. There, a convicted murderer outlined his reasons for attacking a mosque.
The filmmakers aren’t just concerned with the differences that continue to divide people of different faiths. It also features inspiring portraits of those working to promote a welcoming environment of harmony and inclusion.
From Egypt via Bosnia to the deeply polarized Palestinian city of Hebron, Sons of Abraham is an ambitious exploration of age-old issues that continue to plague and divide large swaths of our global society.
Children Of Abraham Part Three
