Elie Wiesel’s classic look at Job and seven other Biblical characters as they grapple with their relationship with God and the question of his justice.“Wiesel has never allowed himself to be diverted from the role of witness for the martyred Jews and survivors of the Holocaust; and by extension for all those who through the centuries have asked Job's question: ‘What is God doing and where is His justice?’ Here in a masterful series of mythic portraits; drawing upon Bible tales and the Midrashim (a body of commentary); Wiesel explores ‘the distant and haunting figures that molded him’: Adam; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Isaac; Jacob; Joseph; and Job. With the dramatic invention of a Father Mapple and the exquisite care of a Talmudic scholar; Wiesel interprets the wellsprings of Jewish religious tradition as the many faces of man’s greatness facing the inexplicable. In an intimate relationship with God it is possible to complain; to demand. Adam and Eve in sinning “cried out†against the injustice of their entrapment; Cain assaulted God rather than his brother; and Abraham's agreement to sacrifice his son placed the burden of guilt on Him who demanded it. As for Job; Wiesel concludes that he abdicated his defiance as did the confessing Communists of Stalin’s time to ‘underline the implausibility’ of his trial; and thus become the accuser. Wiesel’s concern with the imponderables of fate seems to move from strength to strength†(Kirkus Reviews).
#2651167 in Books Joan M Martin 2000-05-01 2000-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .52 x 5.50l; .59 #File Name: 066425800X208 pagesMore Than Chains and Toil A Christian Work Ethic of Enslaved Women
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. More Than Chains and Toil - A Multifaceted BookBy mikemilletThe Reverend Dr. Joan M. Martin has produced a fantastic volume on the roles;lives; and philosophies of life of the Africa-American slave woman during the period of slavery in the United States and later. Dr. Martin; a Presbyterian Minister; describes and dissects how the Christian Religion of the slaveowner was used (and abused) by him to control his slaves; but also demonstrates how the slave women (and men) found in the same Christianity the key to their survival. The book's many Notes enables the interested reader to follow paths suggested by the text. Dr. Martin also supplies a very fine Bibliography. This book is not only of great interest to the individual reader; but should be considered as a text by Anthropology; Sociology; and Black Studies Dpartments as well.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Recommended for students of Black history and Christianity.By Midwest Book ReviewJoan Martin's More Than Chains And Toil provides a study of Christian work ethic and enslaved black women; analyzing work in the experience of black women and analyzing the meanings women attributed to their work. A fine guide examines notions of work; 'calling'; and social conditions and issues of the times.
