“This book represents a careful attempt to draw together two complementary dimensions: the long-standing tradition of Pentateuchal criticism and the edifying potential of Abraham’s story to shape the reader in values and virtues.This book will be of great value to biblical scholars, students of theology, and all who seek to understand the patriarch’s role within the broader biblical canon.”

(Prof. Dr. Thomas Karimundackal, S.J.
Jnana Deepa, Pune)

“Dr. James, with seven arguments, presents how the historical-critical method creates ‘inaccessibility of Abraham’s character in the Abraham narrative,’ which has limited the construction of the character of Abraham. Therefore, he uses formalist analysis to study the character of Abraham.This book offers an engaging and critical resource for scholars, students and pastoral ministers alike.”

(Prof. Dr. Peter Ignatius, S.J.
Jnana Deepa, Pune)

“Through the use of formalist character analysis, the author presents a nuanced portrait of Abraham that engages respectfully the tradition of Pentateuchal criticism, while opening a fresh interpretive perspective. What is particularly admirable is the seamless integration of critical analysis and spiritual formation. This study will reward biblical scholars with its methodological clarity and originality. Students of theology will find here a model of disciplined yet imaginative reading of Scripture. Faith communities will encounter Abraham as a living witness, who continues to inspire trust and surrender.”

(Prof. Dr. Rajakumar Joseph, S.J.
Principal, Vidyajyoti – College of Theology, Delhi)

Dr. James B. Dabhi, S.J., received his Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures from Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He obtained his Doctorate in the Old Testament from Santa Clara University in California, U.S.A. He teaches Sacred Scriptures since 1995. At the moment, he is teaching at Vidyajyoti (VJ) – College of Theology in Delhi. He is the Director of the Postgraduate Program and Doctoral Studies at VJ. He is the Assistant Director of Distance Education Program in Theology (DEPTh), a department of VJ, that conducts online Theology Studies for mainly the lay students in India and abroad. He is a Visiting Faculty, teaching Sacred Scriptures in some Colleges of Theology in India. He contributes regularly scholarly articles on biblical themes in leading journals published in India and abroad. He prepares videos on biblical themes, Ignatian Spirituality, Church Feasts and uploads them on YouTube under the aegis of Gurjarvani – Center for Culture and Communication in Ahmedabad – of the Society of Jesus. To teach the Bible in the vernacular language (Gujarati) online, he has prepared a 120-Lesson series, named ‘Bible Darshan,’ on all the 73 Books of the Bible and uploaded them on YouTube through Gurjarvani.