In class, the concept of Abraham’s illegitimate son, Ishmael was brought up in class. After reflecting on the idea, a couple of questions came to mind. If Isaac contains the descendents of all Christians and God symbolizes Christianity, where do the descendents of Ishmael stand? I do not believe the concept of a gorilla being God’s illegitimate son because that is not a part of my faith. I do question my faith sometimes, and the idea that God may have an illegitimate son ponders me. If God loves everyone the same and claims everyone has his son or daughter, why allow for one of the most prominent Biblical figures (Abraham) to disown a son? Why God allows this will always question me, but what questions me more is the concept of sin and why Abraham is not punished for banning Ishmael. Cain kills his brother Able and his punishment affects mankind. A Biblical figure banning his son just does not add up as “okay” to do in the Bible.
Adam and Eve symbolize the first sin as Quinn writes, “I pointed to my own fair or maggot-colored face” (175). This can be the only explanation for why God allows Abraham to disown his son Ishmael. Abraham is only human with a “maggot colored face” therefore he can commit adultery and ban FIRST born son. First born sons in the Bible are so significant in the Bible that it scares me to think about why God would allow Ishmael to have his own set of descendents. Because God did not give Abraham a punishment, this just shows that even God did not want Ishmael. Islamic faith and Christian Faith are similar in the fact that they both believe Heaven exists, but they are also very different. Visit this site to learn more about the nature of both faiths: http://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/christianity-vs.-islam.
Personally, I cannot find it in myself to ever believe that God could have an illegitimate son, but it does scare me that Abraham, an enormous figure in the Old Testament, is allowed to commit adultery and ban his first born son from his tribe. Why is there an exception? Does God want two separate branches of faith? Is this a similar comparison to the Tower of Babel in the fact that God does not want mankind figuring out God’s master plan? These questions will remain unknown to me, but the book Ishmael definitely sparked some questions about the Bible, sin, and mankind.
