Reuniting the Children of Abraham

Reuniting the Children of Abraham is a powerful, multimedia peace initiative created with Jewish, Christian and Muslim families to combat the fear, bigotry and bullying that fuels violence. The multicultural project described in this book includes inspiring true stories and educational materials that flow from the ancient story of Abraham, a patriarch in all three faiths. Just as Abraham’s own children were reunited, this project is a model for calling these vast families of faith toward building peaceful new relationships.

The project was the focus of a CBS network special documentary, which pointed out: “Abraham, of the Old Testament, was the founding patriarch of a new, monotheistic faith, which included Jews and later Christians and Muslims. One of his two sons is historically tied to the founding of Judaism, the other to the founding of Islam.”

CBS Executive Producer and Director of that special, John P. Blessington, said, “This project is a powerful experience that gives hope to the idea of these three religions being able to find their common heritage as a reason for mutual religious respect and spiritual healing in the future.”

Now, the source materials for this project, which range from shared prayers to true stories of young participants, are appearing in book form so that individual readers and small groups will be inspired to carry this kind of interfaith work into their communities. The texts in the book include educational material developed by scholars at the University of Michigan as well as the Michigan State University School of Journalism. The book also draws on wisdom from the Bible as well as the Quran.

Reporting for The Detroit Free Press, David Crumm wrote about the urgency of this program, which has been presented in several formats in communities across the country. David wrote, “Once we rediscover our shared origin story in the ancient family of Abraham—Jews, Christians and Muslims living today must face the powerful truth that God still is calling us to reunite our family.”

In Minnesota, Muslim community leader and mother Arshia Khan helped to bring the program to Duluth. Arshia said, “God created us for a purpose. We need to learn to live with each other. We believe in the same God. If our children see us doing the right thing, they learn about love and respect for each other.”

The book closes with recommendations for further reading as well as links to additional resources available online.

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