Sir Isaac Newton and Judaism
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Why did God choose Abraham to be the founder of the Jewish People?
Abraham developed the philosophy of monotheism at the age of 48.1 There would seem to be an obvious connection between Abraham’s philosophical accomplishments and his role as the first forefather of the Jewish people. Yet Abraham wasn’t the first person to believe in a single God. There were other great people who believed in monotheism, like Noah, Shem and Ever (who even had the first yeshiva learning center). What, then, made Abraham the person God chose to father the Jewish People?
Maimonides records a summary of the history of paganism and monotheism.2 He writes that in the generation of Enosh (son of Seth, the third of Adam’s children) an idea developed that because God had created stars and other celestial objects, paying honor and tribute to these great bodies would be an effective way of honoring their Creator, God. As time passed this devolved to the point where people assumed the heavenly objects had their own innate spiritual powers, and as more time passed the idea of a single Creator of the universe was forgotten by most of humanity. Paganism became the dominant theology of the time.
Once the idea of a just, loving Creator was lost, the idea that humanity has ethical responsibilities became less pervasive as well. There were exceptions to this trend, such as Noah, Methuselah, Henoch, Noah’s son Shem, Ever (Shem’s great grandson) and others. Maimonides writes that Abraham, after much contemplation, reached the conclusion that there must be a single force controlling the universe. This led him to the conclusion that the world was created and is directed by God. Once he reached this idea, Abraham started debating with his neighbors and colleagues about their spiritual belief system, and in spite of governmental persecution, he eventually convinced tens of thousands of people that monotheism was accurate and authentic.3 Abraham was at the first to convince others to follow ethical monotheistic.
The primary difference between Abraham and other righteous, monotheistic people who preceded him was Abraham’s ability to influence his society for the better. Noah isolated himself from his corrupt and immoral surroundings, and when God decided to destroy that civilization, he saved only himself and his family. Abraham on the other hand proactively and positively elevated the spiritual sensitivity and the theology of those around him, spearheading a spiritual revolution of monotheism.4 God saw Abraham’s commitment to impact the world and to share his philosophical understanding with humanity. He was the man up for the job to create a nation dedicated to Ethical Monotheism.
Abraham also demonstrated enormous conviction in his beliefs, willing to undergo hardship and risk his very life for their sake
With the recognition of a One Infinite Being Who is perfect and thus only gives, Abraham understood that the most tangible way to forge a relationship with God is to become like Him, to be a giver par excellence.
Abraham also embodied great kindness and sensitivity, even to those who treated him improperly. Some examples in the Torah pointing to this characteristic are Abraham dealing graciously with Lot,5 acting with benevolence to the king of Sodom in returning his kingdom to him,6 arguing with God to try and save Sodom and Gomorrah,7 and praying on behalf of Abimelech after he had abducted Sarah.8 According to the Talmud9 Abraham’s home was open for hospitality to all travelers passing by. While eating and staying with him, Abraham would engage in conversation with his guests and share his ethics and values with them.
With the recognition of a One Infinite Being Who is perfect and thus only gives, Abraham understood that the most tangible way to forge a relationship with God is to become like Him, to be a giver par excellence.
Abraham’s success was not only a product of the validity of his ideas, but can also be attributed to his dedication, passion, and empathy. His intellect may have started the most influential philosophy of monotheism the world has ever seen, but his personality and character were the impetus that connected his philosophy to other people.
Abraham’s brilliance in philosophy and his exceptional treatment of others were instrumental in revolutionizing his society and changing the course of history.
Abraham was the father of Judaism and the belief of one G _d, but also gave us a thorn in our side Ishmael Arab Muslims and are suffering a lot now beacause of them I am sorry to say but it is the truth
Although this story about Abraham may seems to have some reality to it, and therefore have no objection, to my understanding of the Scriptures as the only reliable source of all truth, it God who revealed to Abraham and called him to be separated from the people around him. And it is after then Abraham had a closer relation with God and know as the only true God with no other beside Him.
Even few people may have that right ideology of God being one, until He revealed Himself to Abraham and did everything what He has promised to Abraham and giving us the Torah and all the rest of the written Word of God it would have been absolutely impossible to know about Him.
This is a wonderfully written post!
Excellent article. If we don’t understand the character of Heshem we will not form a similar character. It is by knowing God that we can be changed and experience true Shalom.
Very interesting article for me as a non-Jew. What part did God's call play in Abraham's ethical monotheism and influence? Did call lead to "character", character lead to call or maybe inseparable?