Four thousand years ago Abraham, considered the forefather of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, journeyed from the Iraqi desert to Arabia to Canaan. This film follows that journey. It is the fascinating story of the life of Abraham with a unique Biblical, Koranic, and historical background. Well-known Muslim Arab writer and actor Hisham Yanis from Jordan, and Alex Anski, a Jewish journalist and actor guide us as they converse and compare versions in the Torah and the Quran. Representing the sons of Abraham - Isaac and Ishmael, the Jordanian and the Israeli travel together in the very lands of Abraham's sojourn, discussing the conflicts and problems of the past and of the present.

Against the dramatic backgournd of the geographic variety of 8 different countries, this film reveals colorful ethnic diversity and traditions particular to the life of the inhabitants - some previously unphotographed. It also deals with the ancient land's varied religions from paganism and animist cults to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Well-known Muslim Arab writer and actor Hisham Yanis from Jordan, and Alex Anski, a Jewish journalist and actor guide us as they converse and compare versions in the Torah and the Quran. Representing the sons of Abraham - Isaac and Ishmael, the Jordanian and the Israeli travel together in the very lands of Abraham's sojourn, discussing the conflicts and problems of the past and of the present.

This video will help students understand and appreciate both what is unique and what is common to five of the world's most historically significant religions - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The program presents brief overviews of the nature, origin, common themes, and contrasting ideologies of the five religions and stresses the importance and value of religion in the modern world. The teacher's guide includes script, learning objectives, reproducible activities, and bibliography.

Tape 5 of 5.
Smith's lifetime of experience and study helps him go beyond the differences between each tradition. Smith shows how the cultivation of virtues valued by all religions --intelligence, compassion, creativity, truth, beauty and goodness --can lead to transcendence. Smith believes that all enduring traditions ultimately make the same claim, that everything emanates from an absolute perfection.