On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Kyle and Juan discuss the challenging story of the binding of Isaac before introducing Justin Jackson.

Genesis is a book of fundamental importance for the Jewish and Christian faiths and has exerted a profound influence on Western Civilization. In addition to being a great religious text, it is also a literary masterpiece. This course explores some of the work’s major narrative themes, including the complex relationship between God and man, the consequences of a rupture in that relationship, and the path towards reconciliation.

The binding of Isaac is the Genesis passage that generates the most commentary—though it is frequently misunderstood. The narrative presents two acts of faith: Abraham offering his son to God and Isaac offering himself to his father. Abraham submits to God’s command, knowing full well that God will keep His promise.