Abraham? Really?

[Weatherman2020]

Agnostic is derived from the word ignorant. That's not a put down, and I was there once. But face it, it's the ultimate issue in life so it needed an answer so I did a lot of homework to get to a yes/no answer. Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, you name it.

In my opinion the religious texts of any religion are 100% accurate or they are totally wrong, you can't pick and choose.

Bottom line is everyone from Adam to John has flaws detailed for us to see and acts by people that are just plain evil and misguided. Abraham is not a solitary figure of a roller coaster lifestyle. So what I'm saying is do your homework and get an answer. Apologetics websites are good at answering questions and clarifying things that don't initially make sense. Personally I like this one.

carm |

Well lol..
I just cant get on board with man made religion man.. I have tried. But i question shit too much. I am skeptical as hell.
I dont necessarily doubt a supreme being. I think if something was as smart and powerful to create all this, why would he want complete servitude or you get punished? I wouldnt think something like that would want worship. I find many inconsistencies in man made religion. Well, mostly the Abrahamic ones because those are what i am most interested in.
Tyranny, murder, genocide etc isnt something i can get on board with..

You say Manmade. Again, what's the motive of painting everyone into such a bad light? Again, no motive is there. Now look at the people the religion produces. Not individuals, the groups as a whole. Makes it pretty obvious what's the religion with the one true God.

Thats just the way i see it.
I say that because they are man made.

And motive was?

And before you answer, the guy dying on the cross next to Jesus went to Paradise when he became a believer while dying.

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

 

[TNHarley]

Well lol..
I just cant get on board with man made religion man.. I have tried. But i question shit too much. I am skeptical as hell.
I dont necessarily doubt a supreme being. I think if something was as smart and powerful to create all this, why would he want complete servitude or you get punished? I wouldnt think something like that would want worship. I find many inconsistencies in man made religion. Well, mostly the Abrahamic ones because those are what i am most interested in.
Tyranny, murder, genocide etc isnt something i can get on board with..

You say Manmade. Again, what's the motive of painting everyone into such a bad light? Again, no motive is there. Now look at the people the religion produces. Not individuals, the groups as a whole. Makes it pretty obvious what's the religion with the one true God.

Thats just the way i see it.
I say that because they are man made.

And motive was?

And before you answer, the guy dying on the cross next to Jesus went to Paradise when he became a believer while dying.

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

 

[Weatherman2020]

You say Manmade. Again, what's the motive of painting everyone into such a bad light? Again, no motive is there. Now look at the people the religion produces. Not individuals, the groups as a whole. Makes it pretty obvious what's the religion with the one true God.

Thats just the way i see it.
I say that because they are man made.

And motive was?

And before you answer, the guy dying on the cross next to Jesus went to Paradise when he became a believer while dying.

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

 

[TNHarley]

Thats just the way i see it.
I say that because they are man made.

And motive was?

And before you answer, the guy dying on the cross next to Jesus went to Paradise when he became a believer while dying.

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

 

[Weatherman2020]

And motive was?

And before you answer, the guy dying on the cross next to Jesus went to Paradise when he became a believer while dying.

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

 

[TNHarley]

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

Honestly, i figure they would have done it anyways. Lol I find it hard pressed they just got enlightened and that was the end of a millennia of culture.. Not to mention they just raided in between lol
I wont argue there. There is alot of wisdom in the bible.

 

[Indeependent]

Uh...no.

Then take it up with Genesis...

I've been studying Genesis for about 35 years.

genesis 21 8-12 or 13 doesnt ring a bell?

Why not start from 21:1?

Because it isnt relevant to this

Uh...incorrect.
Chapter 20 is a chapter that starts from verse 1 for a reason.
I'm a bit surprised because you usually look at things in context.
I believe it's the agnostic in you that is veering you from this usual inclination.

 

[Indeependent]

Here is a question for you guys :
If Abraham had so many sins, why would God forgive him and not Sodom? Just because of his loyalty?
Hek, didnt he send Abraham to judge Sodom for him? Something about "find 10 good people"
Maybe that was someone else?

What are Avraham's sins?

 

[Indeependent]

Motive for making the religion?

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

A Christian who holds that believing in the Calvary sends them to heaven believes they can do whatever they want in the name of God.
And yes, there are many who believe such.

 

[Weatherman2020]

Yes. All of the books that make up the Bible. What was the motive of the authors?

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

A Christian who holds that believing in the Calvary sends them to heaven believes they can do whatever they want in the name of God.
And yes, there are many who believe such.

You can bullshit all day, it's your right.

 

[Indeependent]

IMO, considering everything that was said of god, it makes me believe it was about control.
There are religions that dont focus on that. Like hinduism and buddhism. But the abrahamic religions all focus on subordination, tyranny, murder, genocide and blackmail.

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

A Christian who holds that believing in the Calvary sends them to heaven believes they can do whatever they want in the name of God.
And yes, there are many who believe such.

You can bullshit all day, it's your right.

Are you denying that various sects of Christianity follow different philosophies?
A simple search of The Bible has thousands of Christian sites calling all other Christians sinners and idol worshippers.
I presume you know how to use Google.

My main concern is people who read verse here and there and think they have any idea the point God is trying to get across.
Simply put, what is God's Arrow as opposed to Man's Arrow?

 

[Weatherman2020]

There have been times in history where Christianity was misused for control. But there is only one message in the faith: If you believe Jesus was who he said he was, that's it. Done. You're in the club. The NT is explicit that no is saved by any actions they take themselves.

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

A Christian who holds that believing in the Calvary sends them to heaven believes they can do whatever they want in the name of God.
And yes, there are many who believe such.

You can bullshit all day, it's your right.

Are you denying that various sects of Christianity follow different philosophies?
A simple search of The Bible has thousands of Christian sites calling all other Christians sinners and idol worshippers.
I presume you know how to use Google.

My main concern is people who read verse here and there and think they have any idea the point God is trying to get across.
Simply put, what is God's Arrow as opposed to Man's Arrow?

There will always be idiots and there will always be idiots who point to idiots saying they are the norm.

The guy who surfaces my driveway every year is an Egyptian Coptic. We started talking religion and he had a shocked look that I was unsaved because I said I was an evangelical Christian. Then I told him we both believed Christ died for us and it was like this lightbulb turned on in his head about what being a Christian really is.

 

[Indeependent]

Im not going by that, but you are absolutely correct. The vikings came into Europe, converted and then we had the crusades. Those people were breed to raid and kill..
I am going by stuff that is in the bible. We probably just look at it differently.
You know, sometimes, despite my opinions on religion, i think faith is a gift. I just wont ever have it. Sometimes, i consider that a gift as well.
Probably why i am completely addicted to religion. Not just Abrahamic ones, all of them. Its fascinating.

Crusades were a response to the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, but that's a side issue for another thread.

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Read the 4 Gospels, Mark, John, Luke and Matthew. Use the NIV or new King James translations, easier to read.

Even if it's all fake, the wisdom and lessons in life are more than all colleges have combined.

A Christian who holds that believing in the Calvary sends them to heaven believes they can do whatever they want in the name of God.
And yes, there are many who believe such.

You can bullshit all day, it's your right.

Are you denying that various sects of Christianity follow different philosophies?
A simple search of The Bible has thousands of Christian sites calling all other Christians sinners and idol worshippers.
I presume you know how to use Google.

My main concern is people who read verse here and there and think they have any idea the point God is trying to get across.
Simply put, what is God's Arrow as opposed to Man's Arrow?

There will always be idiots and there will always be idiots who point to idiots saying they are the norm.

The guy who surfaces my driveway every year is an Egyptian Coptic. We started talking religion and he had a shocked look that I was unsaved because I said I was an evangelical Christian. Then I told him we both believed Christ died for us and it was like this lightbulb turned on in his head about what being a Christian really is.

Sadly, there are no lack of fools in any religion.

 

[onefour1]

When Abraham was young, his father strayed from the faith and gave Abraham as a sacrifice. But the Lord saved Abraham from this aweful situation:

Abraham 1:5-19
5 My fathers, having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice;
6 For their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt;
7 Therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice of the heathen in offering up their children unto these dumb idols, and hearkened not unto my voice, but endeavored to take away my life by the hand of the priest of Elkenah. The priest of Elkenah was also the priest of Pharaoh.
8 Now, at this time it was the custom of the priest of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to offer up upon the altar which was built in the land of Chaldea, for the offering unto these strange gods, men, women, and children.
9 And it came to pass that the priest made an offering unto the god of Pharaoh, and also unto the god of Shagreel, even after the manner of the Egyptians. Now the god of Shagreel was the sun.
10 Even the thank-offering of a child did the priest of Pharaoh offer upon the altar which stood by the hill called Potiphar’s Hill, at the head of the plain of Olishem.
11 Now, this priest had offered upon this altar three virgins at one time, who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent directly from the loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up because of their virtue; they would not bow down to worship gods of wood or of stone, therefore they were killed upon this altar, and it was done after the manner of the Egyptians.
12 And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, that they might slay me also, as they did those virgins upon this altar; and that you may have a knowledge of this altar, I will refer you to the representation at the commencement of this record.
13 It was made after the form of a bedstead, such as was had among the Chaldeans, and it stood before the gods of Elkenah, Libnah, Mahmackrah, Korash, and also a god like unto that of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
14 That you may have an understanding of these gods, I have given you the fashion of them in the figures at the beginning, which manner of figures is called by the Chaldeans Rahleenos, which signifies hieroglyphics.
15 And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands;
16 And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father’s house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of;
17 And this because they have turned their hearts away from me, to worship the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have come down to visit them, and to destroy him who hath lifted up his hand against thee, Abraham, my son, to take away thy life.
18 Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be over thee.
19 As it was with Noah so shall it be with thee; but through thy ministry my name shall be known in the earth forever, for I am thy God.

From this we see that Abraham was well aware of the evils of human sacrifice. So when God asked him to sacrifice his only son from Sarah, He probably had a very difficult time with this commandment from God. But Abraham knew God and had heard his voice. Therefore he knew God was the true and living God and that he should obey him. But why would God put Abraham through such an ordeal?
God did this to let Abraham know what it was like for the Father to sacrifice his only begotten son Jesus Christ. It was difficult for the Father to see his only begotten son suffer as he did. In this way God was able to convey his feelings to Abraham and let him know that it was truly a sacrifice even for the Father of us all to see his most faithful son suffer and die for the sins of the world. God never intended for Abraham to kill his son. He only wanted him to understand what he was going through as a Father.

Jacob 4:4-5
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.

Abraham was not an unfaithful servant but was very obedient to the will of God, even in the case of Hagar.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:34-36
34 God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises.
35 Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, commanded it.
36 Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.

Whatsoever the Lord God commands man to do is not sin. Abraham was very faithful to the Lord and is known as the Father of the Faithful.

Genesis 22:18
18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

 

[aris2chat]

He had a concubine. Actually two if you count hagar. Although some scholars have said they were the same person.
He married his sister
He was subordinate to his sister wife
Made an illegitimate child and kicked him out
Lied to his son that he was going to kill him
He was obviously mentally ill. With some incest and sins in there.
My point is, how did this crazy person become the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
Apparently, despite all of these moral flaws and repugnant behavior, he was still chosen by god for loyalty. This "moral" God was able to look past all of his sins because he was willing to kill his child? WTF
And people say atheists have no morals? Lol

he eventually married the other concubine, three of their six kids illegitimate

that would put three of them ahead of Ishmael. They were all sent away to form their own tribes

 

[Indeependent]

He had a concubine. Actually two if you count hagar. Although some scholars have said they were the same person.
He married his sister
He was subordinate to his sister wife
Made an illegitimate child and kicked him out
Lied to his son that he was going to kill him
He was obviously mentally ill. With some incest and sins in there.
My point is, how did this crazy person become the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
Apparently, despite all of these moral flaws and repugnant behavior, he was still chosen by god for loyalty. This "moral" God was able to look past all of his sins because he was willing to kill his child? WTF
And people say atheists have no morals? Lol

he eventually married the other concubine, three of their six kids illegitimate

that would put three of them ahead of Ishmael. They were all sent away to form their own tribes

Since when was a shifcha charusa illegitimate?

 

[aris2chat]

He had a concubine. Actually two if you count hagar. Although some scholars have said they were the same person.
He married his sister
He was subordinate to his sister wife
Made an illegitimate child and kicked him out
Lied to his son that he was going to kill him
He was obviously mentally ill. With some incest and sins in there.
My point is, how did this crazy person become the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
Apparently, despite all of these moral flaws and repugnant behavior, he was still chosen by god for loyalty. This "moral" God was able to look past all of his sins because he was willing to kill his child? WTF
And people say atheists have no morals? Lol

he eventually married the other concubine, three of their six kids illegitimate

that would put three of them ahead of Ishmael. They were all sent away to form their own tribes

Since when was a shifcha charusa illegitimate?

? شفاعة شَفاعة

with keturah?

 

[Indeependent]

He had a concubine. Actually two if you count hagar. Although some scholars have said they were the same person.
He married his sister
He was subordinate to his sister wife
Made an illegitimate child and kicked him out
Lied to his son that he was going to kill him
He was obviously mentally ill. With some incest and sins in there.
My point is, how did this crazy person become the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
Apparently, despite all of these moral flaws and repugnant behavior, he was still chosen by god for loyalty. This "moral" God was able to look past all of his sins because he was willing to kill his child? WTF
And people say atheists have no morals? Lol

he eventually married the other concubine, three of their six kids illegitimate

that would put three of them ahead of Ishmael. They were all sent away to form their own tribes

Since when was a shifcha charusa illegitimate?

? شفاعة شَفاعة

with keturah?

Keturah was Hagar and neither name was their actual name, they were descriptions of her character during her younger and older years.
She was the daughter of pharoah.
Hagar means "the stranger" because she was out of her element living with Avraham and Sarah; that's also why Yishmael was a bit of a wild person.
Keturah was when she became older and wiser and was like sweet smelling incense.

Now what exactly makes her a whore?

 

[Hawkins]

Abraham has to marry his half sister simply because it is against God's will to marry the daughters of Canaanites who worship idol gods such as Baal. His option is to produce offspring instead of fulfilling personal desire. That's why God allows him to marry his half sister, and later more than one wives. Abraham is more like a seed for God's salvation plan. He's chosen perhaps because only he and his family can firmly be with God to be against all other religions of all Canaanites surrounding him.

It's a human nature instead not to tell his son that "I am going to kill you so now I am bring you where you should be killed". God commanded him to kill his son to test his faith. Because at that time the Canaanites all surrounding him were practicing children sacrifice for Baal. They killed their own children to worship Baal as a common practice. So God just to demonstrate that Abraham has the same among of faith in the true God. Abraham is thus referred to as the father of faith. God stopped him because the death of Abraham's son is meaningless to Him. Only the death of God's own son can save humans. That's why Abraham found a lamb instead as a replacement for his son. That's the message God would like Abraham as His prophet to know.

Abraham and Lot were in dangers here and there in the middle of the Canaanites. God thus tolerates their behavior of taking measure in protecting themselves. Sometimes they may have to lie in order to survive. It makes a different from lying to gain common advantages or profits. It's about protecting themselves from being harmed. Lying in the end is a sin though. However the meaning of a covenant is to allow a sinner to be saved through God's Grace through the blood of Jesus Christ shed at some point of humanity.

 

[aris2chat]

He had a concubine. Actually two if you count hagar. Although some scholars have said they were the same person.
He married his sister
He was subordinate to his sister wife
Made an illegitimate child and kicked him out
Lied to his son that he was going to kill him
He was obviously mentally ill. With some incest and sins in there.
My point is, how did this crazy person become the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
Apparently, despite all of these moral flaws and repugnant behavior, he was still chosen by god for loyalty. This "moral" God was able to look past all of his sins because he was willing to kill his child? WTF
And people say atheists have no morals? Lol

he eventually married the other concubine, three of their six kids illegitimate

that would put three of them ahead of Ishmael. They were all sent away to form their own tribes

Since when was a shifcha charusa illegitimate?

? شفاعة شَفاعة

with keturah?

Keturah was Hagar and neither name was their actual name, they were descriptions of her character during her younger and older years.
She was the daughter of pharoah.
Hagar means "the stranger" because she was out of her element living with Avraham and Sarah; that's also why Yishmael was a bit of a wild person.
Keturah was when she became older and wiser and was like sweet smelling incense.

Now what exactly makes her a whore?

Two separate people from two different times. Abraham married Keturah after Hagar was already dead. Did you forget, or did you never read, Jubilees?