Religion Textbook Assignment pg. 118

Why do you think that Abraham should be considered a "model of faith"?

Abraham should be considered a "model of faith" because he is the one who put aside his own desire to follow his God.

What is the title for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (or Israel), and Joseph that describes the significant roles they played in the history of the Hebrew people?

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the "fathers" of the Chosen People because of the significant roles they played in the history of the Israelites.

Expand on the glossary definition (page 381) of covenant from what you learned in this section. Write a new, more in-depth definition.

Covenant is a binding promise of far-reaching importance in the relations between individuals, groups, and nations. It has social, legal, religious, and other aspects to convince people to do the right thing during their lives. This discussion is concerned primarily with the term in its special religious sense and especially with its role in Judaism and Christianity.

What did God require of Abraham and his descendants for their side of the covenant?

God require that Abraham and his descendants undergo circumcision for their side of the covenant.

List and explain the three names used to describe the Chosen People.

Hebrews is the ancestor of several Semitic peoples who lived in Canaan. Israelites were known after God changed Jacob's name to Israel. Jews were known after the Chosen People entered the Promised Land, those who lived or were born in ancient Judea.

Explain how Joseph and Jesus resembled each other. From what you know about both, how did they differ?

Joseph and Jesus resembled each other because both are beloved sons, both go to Egypt because of persecution, both are betrayed for pieces of silver, both are falsely accused, both forgive those who hurt them. Joseph is the favorite son of Jacob, but Jesus is the favorite son of God the Father.

What is your reaction to God's request that Abraham sacrifice his son?

My reaction to God's request that Abraham sacrifice his son is torturing.

How did biblical covenants resemble and differ from the suzerainty covenants of the Ancient Near East?

The divine-human covenants in the Bible resemble political suzerainty covenants in the Ancient Near East. A suzerainty covenant occurred when one people or geographical area was under the rule of a more powerful nation. Though the divine-human covenant and the suzerainty covenant share similarities, you can imagine that God's loving covenant with humanity far exceeds any human type of contract, agreement, or covenant.

What are two examples of Abraham's faith?

Two examples of Abraham's faith are trusting and obeying God without protest, bargaining, or hesitation, but agreeing with a heavy heart.