Hello everyone. This week's post will focus on both Chapters 7 and 8. Enjoy your reading, your reflecting and your weekend. See you all on Monday. Peace.
Chapter 7 was probably the one I least agree with. I guess I always thought about Sarah as Abraham wife, not really the mother of faith. Then again, after reading the story once again in this chapter I agree with McKenna that Hagar would be the more likely mother of faith. SHe when through a lot before, during, and after her pregnancy, yet she stayed with GOd throughout it and ended up making an incredible addition to the faith's history. She reminds us that not only through the good, but through the bad does God stay with us and help us through. Sarah is not portrayed well in this story, but she still holds a special place in our faith by being the mother of Issac. Like the maids, I can see the good in Hagar, but I dont exactly dislike Sarah because she acted like many women of that time did. Just like Jesus had a human moment last chapter, she had one too.
I most admit I've never thought of God as the "warring god", but then again I do see HIm as the defender of the people so I guess in a way I have, even if I didn't do it conciously. I fist thing I thought of while reading about Abigail and her "active nonviolence" was the march for tomato picking that most of the class went to. She went to David and risked her life for her people andwas rewarded with her life and later on a marriage to a king. Even though she was one of quite a few wives, she still contunued on with her peacemaking and didn't get jealous of the others or change her ways. I like the translation of Abigail's name; it defintely suits her. God's time isn't our time, but it's the right time for our prayers even though sometimes we don't believe it. The only part I didn't like anbout this chapter was the very end. McKenna portrayed David in a way that made it seem as he had no good qualities and Abigail had them all, and this I can't agree with when I think of other passages about David. Yes, there were others were he made wrong decisions, but he made many good decision also. BUt all in all, this was probably one of my favorite chapters.
Chapter 7 was pretty interesting to me because I had never thought about who was our mother of faith. I was a little bit confused because they both seem to have part of the title of mother of faith. I wouldn't want to give sarah this title though after hearing this stroy because she really does sound like an a conceited and unappreciative woman with no compassion towards others. Although it was her idea to give Hagar to her husband she later treats hagar badly and drives her away. It didn't make much sense to me that God would tel Abraham to let Hagar and his son go because Isaac would be the son that would make the big nation of descendants. God lets them be abandoned and them comes back to save them after when he hears the boys cry. Why did he make them go through so much trouble before helping them?
Abigail is definitely a cool character I had never really heard about. Her independence and confidence really stands out because it doesn't really go along with the typical woman of that age. I would be more convinced to hear a story like that happenning now. I think of how traditions were back then and how the woman followed her husband, did everything he wanted her to, and supported his every decision. It was amazing how this woman was like so much smarter than her husband and pretty much ran everything without him knowing. Even the servants would come to her with their problems. She knew what she had to do and she did it, knowign that no one else would, saving her husband although he was an idiot.
I must agree with Erika that this woman has been one of the best characters in the book so far with her intelligence and courage. It wa sinteresting how you thought about the ICW march. Although I hadn't thought of that I do understand how you would associate it. That is surely an example of a present-day Abigail story. :)
The more I read this book, the more new things I learn. However, I don't think neither Hagar nor Sarah is our mother in faith. Even though, I think Hagar would be a better choice than Sarah, I just wouldn't know which one should be given the title because Hagar didn't really contribute that much to our faith after she was saved in the desert it was Abraham's son Issac that continued the faith, and that was Sarah's son, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Sarah deserves the title. She wasn't really given a fair fight in this chapter, I think. I know that she acted very abusive toward Hagar, but isn't that a human instinct, everyone can have a moment a jealously. When one's own world is being threatened by some outsider, our defenses kick in, so I can sort of understand her actions, even though they were very heartless. However, I do think it is important that God appeared to Hagar when she was in need, which leads one of my favorite sentences in the chapter. "Faith is relying on God when there is no one else there, not even those who claim people of faith." Hagar had no one in world, but her faith led her to trust in God, a God she had never known to help foreigners. This faith lets her have an advantage over Sarah, who laughed at God's power to give her a son.
Yes, I agree with Nicole on the part of the scripture where it says that God told Abraham to let Hagar go into the desert because Issac would be the father of the descendants. Why would God allow this to happen? Doesn't that mean that Hagar isn't really our mother in faith because God let her leave from His future people? It makes God seem like He is choosing favorites. Because He grants Sarah a child, even after she laughs at Him, and His powers, but in other parts of the Bible, God is said to punish women by killing their children because they angry God. I just don't get it.
A woman I have never heard of, Abigail. Her story is very heoric and shows how courageous she is when she wants peace. I don't know why, but this chapter reminded me of the saying, "Behind every great man, there is an even greater woman." Nabal is a very wealthy and well established man that owned many sheep and goats, but he was rude and ungenerous, however his wife, Abigail was the complete opposite, which says quite a lot. The fact that the scripture takes its time to describe Abigail as "intelligent and attractive" is significantly important because it describes her before it even mentions that Nabal is "harsh and ungenerous" which is a premonition that Abigail will do something great later on in the story. And she really did. She acted as the peacemaker and the only sensible one out of the group in time of hostility and raging war.
well, I agree with Nikki that Abigail was definitely a very strong woman, but I still think Sarah deserved some credit, it must be hard to have your servant have your husband's first born child, the heir. Then again, that doesn't give you the right to abuse her.
I agree with Kat about Sarah's getting defensive over Hagar. Also, Hagar's son is God's miracle which is like Jesus and Mary. The quote about faith is a good one. God is always there which is a great thing for us.
Again, I love your quote Kat, I haven't thought about that quote for quite awhile. I hadn't thought about her being described before her husband, but it does make sense that it's important considering back then women weren't on the same level as men.
Chapter 7 I was really shocked by Sarah and Abraham's behavior, mostly Sarah. This chapter gave me a really negative outlook of her, first because she treated Hagar really bad and than laughed when God said that she would bear a child. To me this doesn't really sound like a woman of faith. It's also kind of suprising to find out that back than wives could make their husbands sleep with slaves so that a child can be produced. I feel like that totally goes against our faith, though.
This chapter also highlighted about the poor, and everything said in this chapter about them was absolutely true. Sometimes we overlook the poor and forget they have feelings but we can't do that because they are humans too. And it is true that God also dwells in them and we can't be taking advangage of them, kind of like what Sarah did to Hagar.
To be honest I always thought most Catholics believed Mary, the mother of Jesus to be the "mother of faith". This is the first time I'm hearing about another woman who may be over her. I glad that im learning about these different women that seem to have made such an impact. You never really get to hear about the Abigail's. I mainly hear about the Jezebel's, or the Delilah's. But I wouldn't go too far as to say that Sarah nor Hagar is the mother of faith. In my opinion Abigail is a woman who has the strength to keep the peace. I also agree with you Kat. That was the best quote that could describe Abigail and the role she played.
well here is my post to chapter 7&8 chaoter7: i have ot say i i know this story pretty well and i have ot say that they both are mothers of faith cuz of Sarah and Hagar childs went ot be great people in their religions but i have to say htat how Sarah treats Hagar is wrong but understandable she did sleep with her husband and gave him his first child so she acted totaly human but she didnt have ot kick her otu and almost kill the poor kid. when it comes to hagar she really is a tuffo ne she sticks it out and then trusted a God that she didnt even know and didnt what he told her to do and for that i give her great recanition.
chapter8: im not familiar with this story at first but after reading i haveto say thati agree with the statment behind ever great man there is an even better women and that is totaly true in abigails case. her husband being a rude and ungenerous but you look at her she is the opiset and she is tuff cookie4 as well because she stays true to how she is and doesnt let him change her.
Chapter 8 I see Abigail as a very strong woman. I'm guessing it takes a lot of courage to do what she did and it's not easy. It's amazing to see how Abigail humbled herself to David and pretty much threw everything away [her life with hur husband, shelter, etc.] and repeteadly keeps calling herself a handmaid. It's sad that she doesn't get much recognition throughout the bible and probably many more characters like Abigail don't get the recognition that they deserve either.
After reading this chapter, I understood the title of it. To me, it meant that Abigail is a teacher because each and everyone of us can learn from her actions. She sought peace and was persistent. She did whatever possible to get what she wanted and in the end she did.
Erica: I agree with you that Sarah isn't portrayed very well in the story and that she does play a big role in our faith. And about your reflection on chapter 8, that is a very good comparison with the tomato picking thing. They are alike.
Nicole: Yeah, Abigail really isn't like a main character in the bible and when i saw the title of the chapter, I thought "who's Abigail?" That's what's good about this book, the little yet crucial detials in the bible are pointed out.
Kat: That is a very powerful quote you put there. I agree with everything you said about chapter 7. Well, execpt for your defense on Sarah's actions. Sarah was the one who told Hagar to have intercourse with her own husband. What else was Sarah expecting to happen other than Hagar getting pregnant. But i'm pretty sure that there is a reason for everything, including Sarah's actions so i don't completely blame her.
to be honest i never thought of any other woman than mary being the mother of faith and Hagar cant be considered mother of faith because she had the child with another womans husban. and arah cant be it because she almost killed the child and hagar so they both knocked out the runnings and mary stays the mother of faith for me.and abigail is a women that i see all the time even my mother is like that. shes basically the brains and the glue of the family when things dont go right so i understand that she had alot of responsibilities and she wanted peace.
Ch 7: I don't like this story very much, mainly because of the way Sarah acts towards Hagar. And i don't think many people would look at it this way, but Abraham is the one who caused it. He let her do what she wanted to Hagar, knowing that what she wanted was to abuse her. I do like, however, the fact that it stresses God's relationship to the poor. God does hear the cry of the poor and He does have something in store for them. There are times when we have to have faith and endure whatever we are going through because in the end God will be there for us. Also, Erika, when you say Sarah is not portrayed well but is still special, i think you are wrong. McKenna wrote that the women in the Bible are not remembered simply because they are the mother, daughter, wife, of someone important. They have their own stories and are important independently. I think the story is more about Hagar than Sarah, and so Sarah should not be counted as "special" because all she did was birth Isaac.
7- I can say I have learned something new. I did not know that Sarah was the way she is. Kat said it was jealousy or maybe she was having a bad situation. Think about it in modern society. I would be enraged if My wife told me to coit with her maid and I had a kid with her. For one, it would be awkward and then having to send her off. It would be the same as if I got some girl pregnant and left her. Lucky for Abraham both his kids will have many descendants and be remembered in history. On the treatment, it was harsh the way Sarah acted. In a way, she was a little idiotic due to the fact that she told her husband to kick the girl and the kid out, and then both of the women are looking at each other hard. It is uncomfortable to have to share an inheritance with a kid who came out of nowhere. Above all, it was Sarah’s fault. I really do not think anyone has faith except for Abraham who sounds like he is laid back and just doing what God tells him knowing everything is going to be great.
8- To start Nabal is reckless, ignorant, and a little bit of idiot. I wonder if he was so greedy that he would not even give a quarter of a lamb to a baby. Yes, he is that selfish. Abigail is his better half and in that, he is saved. If not the story would have been sad. This excerpt helps us realize that greed only hurts us. Whether we like it or not it affects our communities as well as our intimate places. As hardheaded as Nabal was, we should learn not to be like that. If we are, we are not able to see the truth. Peacemaker was her job and Abigail did it well. I like the comment on how she had a co-wife and she still upheld the peace. It is true and interesting. It differs from that of chapter 7.
Ch 8: Abigail is a very interesting character. One that everyone can learn from. It seemed like she had similar problems before because of her husband's stupidity. She acted quickly and had a plan and took a chance. she saved the lives of many innocent people because of her actions. Active Non-violence requires that we put ourselves out there and take a risk for the sake of peace. And that is exactly what she gets. Its funny seeing how her intelligence is able to halt sure violence in the face of manly ego and stupidity.
I found this chapter about our mother of faith very interesting. Sarah, like McKenna said would be the obvious choice of being our mother of faith simply because she is the wife of our father of faith. I do not like the fact that she laughed at God, ergo being the reason why their son is named Isaac for "she laughed." Well, it is understandable, but she really did not have faith unlike Hagar.
Sarah allowed Abraham to have a child with Hagar, but you that saying about a woman's scorn. This chapter does provide hope for everyone. Not only the poor or the oppressed, but anyone. It just shows you that faith in God will always pay off. God hears the cry of those suffering when others do not.
I see how Hagar is the mother of faith for Christianity, but the real reason I liked this chapter is b/c it explained the beginning of Islam. Ishmael was the start of Islam. I found it very interesting that McKenna talked about Hagar.
I mean to me McKenna proved that there is only ONE GOD. Whether called Abba, Allah, Father, etc. We (Christians, Jews, and Muslims) stem from the same beginning and a promise with God.
Erika: It is true, Sarah still does play an important role in our faith. But she seemed like Nabal in the next chapter. And you're right. Sarah is human.
Nikki: I guess it is a test of faith. God tests us daily. We go through a lot, but trusting, hoping, and loving God will help us out tremendously. Hagar went through the same pain Mary had to go through.
It's true the poor would see the story of Hagar as their own reality. It made me think when she said that this story of Hagar is continuously occuring while we live our lives.
In the beginning, I liked this chapter, but towards the end. It lost all its zest when Abigail was just thrown in as another wife. I wanted to hear more about Abigail and her peace-making deeds. She really is an intelligent woman, which makes me wonder why she was the wife of a husband like Nabal.
And I didn't quite understand what happened to Nabal after she confessed to what she did. And it bothers me that David was allowed to have more than one wife.
Erika: I agree. I never and still have difficulty believing God was a warring God that killed. Because in my head and heart, he is an Almighty God that is always forgiving and kind. Abigail's name does suit her. David, was portrayed, as a man that acted upon feelings instead of thinking and being generous.
Nikki: Yes, she has one of the best personalities and actions of the women that we read about in this book.
Jill: Abigail is a teacher. A teacher peace and trust in God. She is very persistent.
Chapter 7 This is the first time that i post a blog because the rest i have done in my journal. Well as i keep reading through the chapters Mckenna continues to amaze me with her knowledge over the bible. The very significant people from the bible who dont get recognition regularly keep being mentioned. Although I am quite the "femanist" myself i didnt like the title of this chapter. "Mothers of faith" i think it might give others the wrong idea of our faith like many already have. They think we worship Mary. Well, I really did like how she stressed the whole helpless person (Hagar) and compared it to the poor. How they are not even acknowledged at times. I love how she gives you a different outlook on stories you think you know. We normally overlook the "servent" but in this case Hagar IS the ones whose being emphisized.
Chapter 8 In this chapter Mckennas feminist side shines. To be honest I thought I knew the bible pretty well but I dont remember ever hearing about Abigail.In this chapter she writes mostly about Abigail and her good deeds. She portrayes that Abigail was a better person than her husband. I dont like that Mckenna sometimes takes away the good qualities of some of the men of the bible such as David. But i do like she empasizes on the ones who play an important role but arent recognized like the foundation at the botttom of a building. Like God calls all of us to be.
This Chapter i disagree 100% with. knowing that Sarah and Abraham are husband and wife. Sarah as wife is not a mother of Faith. But in this chapter i can truly say Abigail is definitely a cool character to look up to even thought I had never really heard about. Her independence and confidence really stands out because it doesn't really go along with the typical woman of her age
27 comments:
Chapter 7 was probably the one I least agree with. I guess I always thought about Sarah as Abraham wife, not really the mother of faith. Then again, after reading the story once again in this chapter I agree with McKenna that Hagar would be the more likely mother of faith. SHe when through a lot before, during, and after her pregnancy, yet she stayed with GOd throughout it and ended up making an incredible addition to the faith's history. She reminds us that not only through the good, but through the bad does God stay with us and help us through. Sarah is not portrayed well in this story, but she still holds a special place in our faith by being the mother of Issac. Like the maids, I can see the good in Hagar, but I dont exactly dislike Sarah because she acted like many women of that time did. Just like Jesus had a human moment last chapter, she had one too.
I most admit I've never thought of God as the "warring god", but then again I do see HIm as the defender of the people so I guess in a way I have, even if I didn't do it conciously. I fist thing I thought of while reading about Abigail and her "active nonviolence" was the march for tomato picking that most of the class went to. She went to David and risked her life for her people andwas rewarded with her life and later on a marriage to a king. Even though she was one of quite a few wives, she still contunued on with her peacemaking and didn't get jealous of the others or change her ways. I like the translation of Abigail's name; it defintely suits her. God's time isn't our time, but it's the right time for our prayers even though sometimes we don't believe it. The only part I didn't like anbout this chapter was the very end. McKenna portrayed David in a way that made it seem as he had no good qualities and Abigail had them all, and this I can't agree with when I think of other passages about David. Yes, there were others were he made wrong decisions, but he made many good decision also. BUt all in all, this was probably one of my favorite chapters.
Chapter 7 was pretty interesting to me because I had never thought about who was our mother of faith. I was a little bit confused because they both seem to have part of the title of mother of faith. I wouldn't want to give sarah this title though after hearing this stroy because she really does sound like an a conceited and unappreciative woman with no compassion towards others. Although it was her idea to give Hagar to her husband she later treats hagar badly and drives her away. It didn't make much sense to me that God would tel Abraham to let Hagar and his son go because Isaac would be the son that would make the big nation of descendants. God lets them be abandoned and them comes back to save them after when he hears the boys cry. Why did he make them go through so much trouble before helping them?
Abigail is definitely a cool character I had never really heard about. Her independence and confidence really stands out because it doesn't really go along with the typical woman of that age. I would be more convinced to hear a story like that happenning now. I think of how traditions were back then and how the woman followed her husband, did everything he wanted her to, and supported his every decision. It was amazing how this woman was like so much smarter than her husband and pretty much ran everything without him knowing. Even the servants would come to her with their problems. She knew what she had to do and she did it, knowign that no one else would, saving her husband although he was an idiot.
I must agree with Erika that this woman has been one of the best characters in the book so far with her intelligence and courage. It wa sinteresting how you thought about the ICW march. Although I hadn't thought of that I do understand how you would associate it. That is surely an example of a present-day Abigail story. :)
Chapter 7
The more I read this book, the more new things I learn. However, I don't think neither Hagar nor Sarah is our mother in faith. Even though, I think Hagar would be a better choice than Sarah, I just wouldn't know which one should be given the title because Hagar didn't really contribute that much to our faith after she was saved in the desert it was Abraham's son Issac that continued the faith, and that was Sarah's son, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Sarah deserves the title. She wasn't really given a fair fight in this chapter, I think. I know that she acted very abusive toward Hagar, but isn't that a human instinct, everyone can have a moment a jealously. When one's own world is being threatened by some outsider, our defenses kick in, so I can sort of understand her actions, even though they were very heartless.
However, I do think it is important that God appeared to Hagar when she was in need, which leads one of my favorite sentences in the chapter. "Faith is relying on God when there is no one else there, not even those who claim people of faith." Hagar had no one in world, but her faith led her to trust in God, a God she had never known to help foreigners. This faith lets her have an advantage over Sarah, who laughed at God's power to give her a son.
Yes, I agree with Nicole on the part of the scripture where it says that God told Abraham to let Hagar go into the desert because Issac would be the father of the descendants. Why would God allow this to happen? Doesn't that mean that Hagar isn't really our mother in faith because God let her leave from His future people? It makes God seem like He is choosing favorites. Because He grants Sarah a child, even after she laughs at Him, and His powers, but in other parts of the Bible, God is said to punish women by killing their children because they angry God. I just don't get it.
Chapter 8
A woman I have never heard of, Abigail. Her story is very heoric and shows how courageous she is when she wants peace. I don't know why, but this chapter reminded me of the saying, "Behind every great man, there is an even greater woman." Nabal is a very wealthy and well established man that owned many sheep and goats, but he was rude and ungenerous, however his wife, Abigail was the complete opposite, which says quite a lot. The fact that the scripture takes its time to describe Abigail as "intelligent and attractive" is significantly important because it describes her before it even mentions that Nabal is "harsh and ungenerous" which is a premonition that Abigail will do something great later on in the story. And she really did. She acted as the peacemaker and the only sensible one out of the group in time of hostility and raging war.
well, I agree with Nikki that Abigail was definitely a very strong woman, but I still think Sarah deserved some credit, it must be hard to have your servant have your husband's first born child, the heir. Then again, that doesn't give you the right to abuse her.
I agree with Kat about Sarah's getting defensive over Hagar. Also, Hagar's son is God's miracle which is like Jesus and Mary. The quote about faith is a good one. God is always there which is a great thing for us.
Again, I love your quote Kat, I haven't thought about that quote for quite awhile. I hadn't thought about her being described before her husband, but it does make sense that it's important considering back then women weren't on the same level as men.
Chapter 7
I was really shocked by Sarah and Abraham's behavior, mostly Sarah. This chapter gave me a really negative outlook of her, first because she treated Hagar really bad and than laughed when God said that she would bear a child. To me this doesn't really sound like a woman of faith. It's also kind of suprising to find out that back than wives could make their husbands sleep with slaves so that a child can be produced. I feel like that totally goes against our faith, though.
This chapter also highlighted about the poor, and everything said in this chapter about them was absolutely true. Sometimes we overlook the poor and forget they have feelings but we can't do that because they are humans too. And it is true that God also dwells in them and we can't be taking advangage of them, kind of like what Sarah did to Hagar.
To be honest I always thought most Catholics believed Mary, the mother of Jesus to be the "mother of faith". This is the first time I'm hearing about another woman who may be over her. I glad that im learning about these different women that seem to have made such an impact. You never really get to hear about the Abigail's. I mainly hear about the Jezebel's, or the Delilah's. But I wouldn't go too far as to say that Sarah nor Hagar is the mother of faith. In my opinion Abigail is a woman who has the strength to keep the peace. I also agree with you Kat. That was the best quote that could describe Abigail and the role she played.
well here is my post to chapter 7&8 chaoter7:
i have ot say i i know this story pretty well and i have ot say that they both are mothers of faith cuz of Sarah and Hagar childs went ot be great people in their religions but i have to say htat how Sarah treats Hagar is wrong but understandable she did sleep with her husband and gave him his first child so she acted totaly human but she didnt have ot kick her otu and almost kill the poor kid. when it comes to hagar she really is a tuffo ne she sticks it out and then trusted a God that she didnt even know and didnt what he told her to do and for that i give her great recanition.
chapter8:
im not familiar with this story at first but after reading i haveto say thati agree with the statment behind ever great man there is an even better women and that is totaly true in abigails case. her husband being a rude and ungenerous but you look at her she is the opiset and she is tuff cookie4 as well because she stays true to how she is and doesnt let him change her.
Chapter 8
I see Abigail as a very strong woman. I'm guessing it takes a lot of courage to do what she did and it's not easy. It's amazing to see how Abigail humbled herself to David and pretty much threw everything away [her life with hur husband, shelter, etc.] and repeteadly keeps calling herself a handmaid. It's sad that she doesn't get much recognition throughout the bible and probably many more characters like Abigail don't get the recognition that they deserve either.
After reading this chapter, I understood the title of it. To me, it meant that Abigail is a teacher because each and everyone of us can learn from her actions. She sought peace and was persistent. She did whatever possible to get what she wanted and in the end she did.
Erica: I agree with you that Sarah isn't portrayed very well in the story and that she does play a big role in our faith.
And about your reflection on chapter 8, that is a very good comparison with the tomato picking thing. They are alike.
Nicole: Yeah, Abigail really isn't like a main character in the bible and when i saw the title of the chapter, I thought "who's Abigail?" That's what's good about this book, the little yet crucial detials in the bible are pointed out.
Kat: That is a very powerful quote you put there. I agree with everything you said about chapter 7. Well, execpt for your defense on Sarah's actions. Sarah was the one who told Hagar to have intercourse with her own husband. What else was Sarah expecting to happen other than Hagar getting pregnant. But i'm pretty sure that there is a reason for everything, including Sarah's actions so i don't completely blame her.
to be honest i never thought of any other woman than mary being the mother of faith and Hagar cant be considered mother of faith because she had the child with another womans husban. and arah cant be it because she almost killed the child and hagar so they both knocked out the runnings and mary stays the mother of faith for me.and abigail is a women that i see all the time even my mother is like that. shes basically the brains and the glue of the family when things dont go right so i understand that she had alot of responsibilities and she wanted peace.
i liked the stories alot though
Ch 7: I don't like this story very much, mainly because of the way Sarah acts towards Hagar. And i don't think many people would look at it this way, but Abraham is the one who caused it. He let her do what she wanted to Hagar, knowing that what she wanted was to abuse her. I do like, however, the fact that it stresses God's relationship to the poor. God does hear the cry of the poor and He does have something in store for them. There are times when we have to have faith and endure whatever we are going through because in the end God will be there for us.
Also, Erika, when you say Sarah is not portrayed well but is still special, i think you are wrong. McKenna wrote that the women in the Bible are not remembered simply because they are the mother, daughter, wife, of someone important. They have their own stories and are important independently. I think the story is more about Hagar than Sarah, and so Sarah should not be counted as "special" because all she did was birth Isaac.
7- I can say I have learned something new. I did not know that Sarah was the way she is. Kat said it was jealousy or maybe she was having a bad situation. Think about it in modern society. I would be enraged if My wife told me to coit with her maid and I had a kid with her. For one, it would be awkward and then having to send her off. It would be the same as if I got some girl pregnant and left her. Lucky for Abraham both his kids will have many descendants and be remembered in history. On the treatment, it was harsh the way Sarah acted. In a way, she was a little idiotic due to the fact that she told her husband to kick the girl and the kid out, and then both of the women are looking at each other hard. It is uncomfortable to have to share an inheritance with a kid who came out of nowhere. Above all, it was Sarah’s fault. I really do not think anyone has faith except for Abraham who sounds like he is laid back and just doing what God tells him knowing everything is going to be great.
8- To start Nabal is reckless, ignorant, and a little bit of idiot. I wonder if he was so greedy that he would not even give a quarter of a lamb to a baby. Yes, he is that selfish. Abigail is his better half and in that, he is saved. If not the story would have been sad. This excerpt helps us realize that greed only hurts us. Whether we like it or not it affects our communities as well as our intimate places. As hardheaded as Nabal was, we should learn not to be like that. If we are, we are not able to see the truth. Peacemaker was her job and Abigail did it well. I like the comment on how she had a co-wife and she still upheld the peace. It is true and interesting. It differs from that of chapter 7.
Ch 8: Abigail is a very interesting character. One that everyone can learn from. It seemed like she had similar problems before because of her husband's stupidity. She acted quickly and had a plan and took a chance. she saved the lives of many innocent people because of her actions. Active Non-violence requires that we put ourselves out there and take a risk for the sake of peace. And that is exactly what she gets. Its funny seeing how her intelligence is able to halt sure violence in the face of manly ego and stupidity.
Chapter 7
I found this chapter about our mother of faith very interesting. Sarah, like McKenna said would be the obvious choice of being our mother of faith simply because she is the wife of our father of faith. I do not like the fact that she laughed at God, ergo being the reason why their son is named Isaac for "she laughed." Well, it is understandable, but she really did not have faith unlike Hagar.
Sarah allowed Abraham to have a child with Hagar, but you that saying about a woman's scorn. This chapter does provide hope for everyone. Not only the poor or the oppressed, but anyone. It just shows you that faith in God will always pay off. God hears the cry of those suffering when others do not.
I see how Hagar is the mother of faith for Christianity, but the real reason I liked this chapter is b/c it explained the beginning of Islam. Ishmael was the start of Islam. I found it very interesting that McKenna talked about Hagar.
I mean to me McKenna proved that there is only ONE GOD. Whether called Abba, Allah, Father, etc. We (Christians, Jews, and Muslims) stem from the same beginning and a promise with God.
Erika: It is true, Sarah still does play an important role in our faith. But she seemed like Nabal in the next chapter. And you're right. Sarah is human.
Nikki: I guess it is a test of faith. God tests us daily. We go through a lot, but trusting, hoping, and loving God will help us out tremendously. Hagar went through the same pain Mary had to go through.
It's true the poor would see the story of Hagar as their own reality. It made me think when she said that this story of Hagar is continuously occuring while we live our lives.
Chapter 8
In the beginning, I liked this chapter, but towards the end. It lost all its zest when Abigail was just thrown in as another wife. I wanted to hear more about Abigail and her peace-making deeds. She really is an intelligent woman, which makes me wonder why she was the wife of a husband like Nabal.
And I didn't quite understand what happened to Nabal after she confessed to what she did. And it bothers me that David was allowed to have more than one wife.
Erika: I agree. I never and still have difficulty believing God was a warring God that killed. Because in my head and heart, he is an Almighty God that is always forgiving and kind. Abigail's name does suit her. David, was portrayed, as a man that acted upon feelings instead of thinking and being generous.
Nikki: Yes, she has one of the best personalities and actions of the women that we read about in this book.
Jill: Abigail is a teacher. A teacher peace and trust in God. She is very persistent.
Chapter 7
This is the first time that i post a blog because the rest i have done in my journal.
Well as i keep reading through the chapters Mckenna continues to amaze me with her knowledge over the bible. The very significant people from the bible who dont get recognition regularly keep being mentioned.
Although I am quite the "femanist" myself i didnt like the title of this chapter. "Mothers of faith" i think it might give others the wrong idea of our faith like many already have. They think we worship Mary.
Well, I really did like how she stressed the whole helpless person (Hagar) and compared it to the poor. How they are not even acknowledged at times. I love how she gives you a different outlook on stories you think you know. We normally overlook the "servent" but in this case Hagar IS the ones whose being emphisized.
Chapter 8
In this chapter Mckennas feminist side shines. To be honest I thought I knew the bible pretty well but I dont remember ever hearing about Abigail.In this chapter she writes mostly about Abigail and her good deeds. She portrayes that Abigail was a better person than her husband.
I dont like that Mckenna sometimes takes away the good qualities of some of the men of the bible such as David. But i do like she empasizes on the ones who play an important role but arent recognized like the foundation at the botttom of a building. Like God calls all of us to be.
This Chapter i disagree 100% with. knowing that Sarah and Abraham are husband and wife. Sarah as wife is not a mother of Faith. But in this chapter i can truly say Abigail is definitely a cool character to look up to even thought I had never really heard about. Her independence and confidence really stands out because it doesn't really go along with the typical woman of her age
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