AllMovie

For centuries there have been countless atrocities committed in the name of religion. Jews, Christians and Moslems are particularly known for their never-ending conflicts over possession of holy lands and ideology. The need to dominate their environment seems to be fundamental to their beliefs. But the irony is, that despite their differences all three systems are based on common myths and/or historical figures. Chief among them is Abraham, the ancient father willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as a gesture of his faith and devotion to his God. He is revered as the founder of Judaism and considered a major figure in Christianity and Islam. This documentary, made by countries representing each of these three faiths, offers an in-depth exploration of Abraham and his frequently contradictory role in these religions. Via interviews with people ranging from archaeologists to psychiatrists to journalists to theologians to historians to people on the street, it also looks into the question of whether the great father figure was a historical figure or a myth.