Carol Bakhos, a professor in the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, director of the Center for the Study of Religion and chair of the Study of Religion Interdisciplinary Program, will launch her new book with a panel discussion on Thursday, Feb. 19, 12 p.m. at 6275 Bunche Hall.
Bakhos will explore the broader implications of “The Family of Abraham: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Interpretations” (Harvard University Press, 2014). The term “Abrahamic religions” has gained considerable currency in both scholarly and ecumenical circles as a way of referring to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Bakhos steps back from this convention to ask a frequently overlooked question: What, in fact, is Abrahamic about these three faiths? Exploring diverse stories and interpretations relating to the portrayal of Abraham, she reveals how he is venerated in these different scriptural traditions and how scriptural narratives have been pressed into service for non-religious purposes.
Joining her in discussion will be Asma Sayeed, associate professor of Islamic Studies, and David Wolpe, senior rabbi of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. Todd Presner, professor of Jewish studies, Germanic languages and comparative literature, will serve as moderator.
Bakhos is the author of numerous articles and publications that include four other books, including “Ishmael on the Border: Rabbinic Portrayals of the First Arab” (SUNY Press, 2006). She holds a Master of Theological Studies MTS from Harvard and a Ph.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
The event is free, but reservations are required: Email cjsrsvp@humnet.ucla.edu or call 310-267-5637. Presented by the UCLA Center for the Study of Religion, the UCLA Center for Jewish Studies and the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.