In different ways, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their beginnings to Abraham, who is considered the founding father of an extended family of believers. His wives Hagar and Sarah, though also pivotal in the story, have received far less attention. In this book, however, noted Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scholars focus on Hagar, Sarah, and their children, from Ishmael and Isaac to their many descendents through the centuries. Moving from ancient and medieval sources to contemporary appropriations of the Sarah and Hagar story, Trible and Russell's Hagar, Sarah, and Their Children begins with an overview of the three religions?from their scriptural beginnings to their contemporary questions. Part two, "Hagar and Sarah in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Traditions," explores how the story was developed after its canonization in scripture in rabbinic interpretations, the stories of Islam, and the teachings of the early church fathers. And part three, "Continuing the Conversation with Hagar and Sarah," moves into a contemporary context with witnesses from womanist and feminist perspectives. Timely, relevant, and provocative, Hagar, Sarah, and Their Children offers a reliable and insightful look into a scriptural text foundational to these three great religions, and more importantly, provides an entr?e into open inter-religious discussion and understanding. In addition to Trible and Russell, contributors are Elizabeth A. Clark, Riffat Hassan, Adele Reinhartz, Delores Williams, and Miriam-Simma Walfish.
