Watch Abraham: One Man, One God

Abraham: One Man, One God is a fascinating documentary that explores the life and impact of one of the most revered figures in religious history: Abraham. Produced by A&E and directed by Karl Sabbagh, the show delves deep into the biblical account of Abraham's life, attempting to separate myth from reality and shed light on the man behind the legend.

The show opens with an exploration of the historical context in which Abraham lived. Viewers are introduced to the ancient world of the Near East, where tribes and nations were constantly at war with one another, and where gods and goddesses were believed to preside over every aspect of daily life. In this milieu, Abraham emerges as a singular figure: a man who, according to tradition, was called by God to leave his home and journey to a new land, where he would become the father of a great nation.

From there, the show follows Abraham's journey as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of his life. We see him leave his home in Ur and travel to the land of Canaan, where he builds an altar and receives a divine promise that his descendants will inherit the land. We see him struggle to conceive a child with his wife Sarah, and how his impatience leads him to father a child with her slave Hagar. We see him bargain with God to spare the city of Sodom, and how he ultimately fails to save it. And we see him bind his son Isaac and prepare to sacrifice him, only to be stopped at the last moment by an angel of God.

Throughout these trials and tribulations, Abraham is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted figure. On the one hand, he is a man of great faith, who trusts implicitly in the promises of God and is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his beliefs. On the other hand, he is plagued by doubts and fears, and often resorts to deception and manipulation to achieve his goals. The show does not shy away from these ambiguities, but instead confronts them head-on, offering a nuanced and realistic portrayal of a man who is at once heroic and flawed.

One of the most striking aspects of Abraham: One Man, One God is its attention to detail. The show draws on a wide range of historical and archaeological sources to reconstruct the world of the patriarchs, and uses stunning footage of the Middle East to bring that world to life. Viewers are treated to panoramic shots of the desert landscape, close-ups of ancient artifacts, and re-enactments of key events in Abraham's life. Throughout it all, the show maintains a high level of production value, with beautiful cinematography and expert editing that keep the viewer engaged from start to finish.

Another strength of the show is its commitment to presenting a balanced and fair portrayal of Abraham's story. While the show is clearly sympathetic to the religious beliefs that underlie the biblical account, it does not gloss over the difficult or controversial aspects of the story. For example, it explores the tension between Abraham and his nephew Lot, who divides the land between them and ends up settling in the corrupt city of Sodom. It also looks at the role of Sarah, who is often overshadowed by her husband but who plays a critical role in the story's resolution.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Abraham: One Man, One God is the way it resonates with contemporary audiences. While the show is clearly rooted in the ancient world, it speaks to themes and issues that are relevant to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Whether it's the struggle to reconcile faith and doubt, the question of how to respond to adversity, or the importance of family and community, the show offers insights and perspectives that are both timeless and urgent.

Overall, Abraham: One Man, One God is a must-see for anyone interested in religious history, biblical studies, or Middle Eastern culture. It is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important figures in human history, and it offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.