Cain Abel And The Politics Of God

The Genesis story of Cain’s murder of Abel is often told as a simplistic contrast between the innocence of Abel and the evil of Cain. This book subverts that reading of the Biblical text by utilising Giorgio Agamben’s concepts of homo sacer, the state of exception and the idea of sovereignty to re-examine this well-known tale of fratricide and bring to the fore its political implications. Drawing from political theory, philosophy, and psychoanalysis, this book creates a theoretical framework from which to do two things: firstly, to describe and analyse the history of interpretation of Genesis 4:1-16, and secondly to propose an alternative reading of the Biblical text that incorporates other texts inside and outside of the Biblical canon. This intertextual analysis will highlight the motives of violence, law, divine rule, and the rejected as they emerge in different contexts and will evaluate them in an Agambenian framework. The unique approach of this book makes it vital reading for any academic with interests in Biblical Studies and Theology and their interactions with politics and ethics.

Utilising Giorgio Agamben’s concepts of homo sacer and drawing from political theory, philosophy, and psychoanalysis, this book creates a theoretical framework from which to analyse interpretations of Genesis 4:1-16 and to propose an alternative reading of the Biblical text that incorporates other texts inside and outside the Biblical canon.

Enter the packed courtroom and take your seat as a juror on the Cain v. Abel trial. Soon, the prosecution and defense attorneys (angels from Jewish legend) will call Cain, Abel, Sin, Adam, Eve, and God to the witness stand to present their perspectives on the world's first murder. Great Jewish commentators throughout the ages will also offer contradictory testimony on Cain's emotional, societal, and spiritual influences. As jurors, when we mete out Cain's punishment, must we factor in his family history, psychological makeup, and the human impulse to sin? In this highly eclectic and gripping compilation of insights by Jewish commentators on the Cain and Abel story, courtroom scenes are juxtaposed with the author's commentary, advancing novel insights and introspection. As each of us grapples with Cain's actions, we confront our own darkest traits. If Cain is a symbol for all humanity, what can we do to avoid becoming like him? Furthering this conversation, Rabbi Dan Ornstein includes a discussion and activity guide to promote open dialogue about human brokenness and healing, personal impulses, and societal responsibility.

This is a literary-critical analysis of the myth of Cain and Abel, masterfully related in Genesis 4 by the Yahwist, probably the greatest storyteller in the Hebrew Bible. The Yahwist narrates the initial slaughter of one human being by another, and strikingly, it is described as fratricidal. The book explores the anthropological, theological, and psychological dimensions of this universal myth and shows the readers such a vivid and intense story that one feels like will never get to the bottom of it. Thus, after a deep reading, this well known story is much more than what could seem at first sight; it can be said to be the portrait of human that is always torn between the innocence of Eden and its denial; between what is considered 'doing well' and 'not doing well'.

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.

The Curse of Cain confronts the inherent ambiguities of biblical stories on many levels and, in the end, offers an alternative, inspiring reading of the Bible that is attentive to visions of plenitude rather than scarcity, and to an ethics based on generosity rather than violence. "[A] provocative and timely examination of the interrelationship of monotheism and violence. . . . This is a refreshing alternative to criticism-biblical and otherwise-that so often confuses interpretation with closure; it is an invitation to an ethic of possibility, plenitude, and generosity, a welcome antidote to violence, as important for its insights into memory, identity, and place as for its criticism of monotheism's violent legacy."—Booklist "Brilliant and provocative, this is a work demanding close attention from critics, theologians, and all those interested in the imaginative roots of common life."—Rowan Williams, Bishop of Monmouth "A stunningly important book."—Walter Brueggemann, Theology Today "Artfully rendered, endlessly provocative."—Lawrence Weschler, New Yorker

This Arch Book retells the story of Cain and Abelfirst man to be born and the first man to die (Genesis 4).

The Cain and Abel story is riddled with linguistic ambiguities and narrative gaps. Jewish and Christian interpreters often expanded the story in an attempt to fill the gaps and answer questions. This book traces the interpretive history of Genesis 4.

The real Jesus is deeply challenging, something which cannot be said for the stain-glass window figure of Christian imagery. "The Lost Message of Jesus" is written to stir thoughtful debate, to pose fresh questions, perhaps even to shed a little new light and help create a deeper understanding of Jesus and his message.