The Binding of Isaac
Religious interpretations similar to the story of
Abraham and Isaac can lead to child abuse and neglect in today's society.
The Binding of Isaac, found in Genesis 22:1-24 of the Bible, tells the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God. Without questioning his God, or his God’s intentions, Abraham bound his son to the sacrificial altar. This religious attitude and questionable interpretation of God’s will causes many cases of child abuse today. The Department of Children and Family Services in Illinois defines child abuse and neglect to be physical, sexual, or emotional. Examples of all of these types of child abuse have occurred in extreme religious groups, and when religious followers abuse or neglect children through their beliefs or rituals, they should be penalized.
