Review article
To be brothers: task and challenge. Variations on the theme of rotherhood in the book of Genesis
Miljenko Odrljin
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split
Abstract
Biblical reflections on the theme of fraternal relations begin in a pragmatic way in the Old Testament with a story of the tragic case of Cain and Abel (Gen 4). Later on it is repeated in different ways, on many occasions, in the fortunes and misfortunes of the
Patriarchs. The most typical are the ones related to Abraham’s
sons: Ishmael and Isaac (Gen 21), to Isaac’s twin sons: Esau
and Jacob (Gen 25; 27; 32-33), to sons of Jacob: Joseph and his brothers (Gen 37-50). But what concept of fraternal relations is promoted in these stories? Can you figure out the typical moti- ves for these and such stories? What is the role of their repetiti- ons and possible changes?
Keywords
Cain; Abel; brother; neighbour; conflict; dialogue
Hrčak ID:
155291
URI
Publication date:
8.4.2016.
Visits: 1.525 *