Most critiques of religion focus on scriptural self-contradiction and the lack of evidence supporting faith-based assertions. Bernard Lamborelle’s is offering a credible interpretation of the story accepted by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, about a covenant between God and Abraham. The basic idea is that there really was a covenant made with a man named Abraham. However, the other party in the covenant was not God but a man—a regional king in that era (in fact, one of the most famous rulers in the ancient world). This naturalistic interpretation presents no insuperable problems and does not depend on belief in supernatural phenomena.
Bernard Lamborelle explores in detail the story of Abraham and his descendants based on a very unique covenant . His scholarly examination is both revealing and refreshing and while there are many who have accepted previous traditions as being wholly reliable, a different perspective is a welcome addition to the literature. There are numerous examples in various cultures where religious faith adopted the secular practices of the common people.
This book captured my attention right away and held it throughout. I can’t say for sure that it’s true, but it certainly explains a lot if it is. The book contains great insights that helped me to view the biblical narrative in a more reasonable light; and, although I don’t believe the Bible was inspired by a god, by reading this book I came to a greater appreciation of the historical events it presents. I recommend the book for anyone interested in the history of Israel.
Mr. Lamborelle has done a great job of weaving several strands of evidence into an ingenious and credible hypothesis. While I would need more evidence to be be completely convinced of what I read, I found nothing in the book that I could dismiss. I feel that Mr Lamborelle has advanced an idea that is worthy of a serious look by scholars, and I would love to see these scholars use the lens that he has provided in his book to take a fresh look at the data that has been accumulated regarding the ancient Middle East.
Bernard’s thorough investigation and analysis faithfully explains the non-fiction untold story of Sodom in a beautifully illustrated imaginative comic. To be Done with Sodom compliments the author’s first book, “The Covenant” with his credible interpretation of the story of a covenant between God and Abraham. A believer, I found the author’s knowledge of biblical accounts is engaging and presents a unique in-depth presentation and explanation of a story we know.
READ IT! The book is well written, clear, well organized. The theses are documented and overlap each other as if the author had found the Adriane’s’ ball of thread that is the labyrinth of the Old Testament. It’s written without pretensions, but it is clear that this is the most credible interpretation of the Bible that I was given to read to date. In the end, it is as if the Bible “felt back on his feet.” This theory, which anchors the biblical texts to specific historical time is a great starting point for future research that can tell us how relevant it is. … This investigation blew me away.
I am not religious, had little religious education as a child and don’t consider myself a believer. However, as a historical account of real life locations and people, I was most interested in this story as a reconciliation of the biblical myth with the written records of the time. The comic format gave it a broader appeal, not just to me but potentially younger readers who may enjoy such snapshots, panel by panel, that tell a complex story over eons of time.
As a student of Near Eastern and biblical studies, I found this interpretation of the Abrahamic story fascinating. I love how Bernard Lamborelle brought together historical and archaeological evidence with the Bible to give new meaning to the story. It is obvious how much thought, care, and research has gone into the argument. Alexandra Filipek’s illustrations are beautifully done, and they definitely bring the story to life.
This is a great follow-up to Bernard’s Lamborelle’s earlier book “The Covenant: On the Origin of the Abrahamic Faith, by Means of Deification”. As a non-fiction comic, with engaging illustrations, it presents his thoroughly researched and substantive thesis centered on the well-known religious story of the covenant between God and Abraham, as a compelling story with a fresh perspective that is very well told and will engage any reader. Bravo Bernard!
An easy to read & understand book, especially for those who have no understanding of Biblical stories, within the context of the Ancient Near East. The legend of Sodom & Gomorrah has been elusive, as to it’s foundation & origin, and often taken completely out of context by misguided beliefs. Very thought provoking, and based on historical realities of the era.
Bernard Lamborelle’s book comes in the form of a non-fiction comic. It presents a new perspective on a story that most of us know. Extremely well researched material and a great section with reference material that supports the premise of this work. I recommend it highly!
Whether you are a believer or not, I think that everyone will be able to take something away from this story. It gives a wonderfully objective perspective on a very well known text and manages to reconcile the myth, with the documented truth of what was going on in the region at the time, ultimately resulting in an engaging and timeless tale of the oppressed fighting back against the oppressor.The comic format lends itself all too well to bringing this story to life. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
Bernard has done something significant here. He has taken very complex subject matter and created a compelling story that believably reinterprets the religious history of the bronze age and the old testament. It is very well written and very well researched. It a highly recommended reading for all of us – no matter what our religious beliefs. Bernard’s work will support the fostering of more love, peace and empathy in a world full of increasing violent religious rhetoric.
A fascinating and amazing book! This brilliant historical essay, conducted as a survey and told as an adventure, presents a surprising hypothesis that challenges the traditional interpretation of the Genesis account. The new perspective offered by the author has stimulated my curiosity and my desire to understand.
This book twists the knife in the beliefs. Very very interesting. It may take time to establish itself, but it will be popular for a long time. In ten, twenty, and thirty years, as part of the studied curriculum, they will look it up as a reference. I loved how he explained everything. It is a scientific work that required a lot of research.
I finished reading your book once and I’m speechless, first by the huge research effort carried out, and by the overlapping of different elements to conclude that Abraham was a governor… if this is correct… what an impact! … It’s really amazing to be able to come to such conclusions thousands of years later… and the patriarchs are first and foremost a book on geopolitics.
For those interested in the origin (and history) of religions, I recommend you read Quiproquo sur Dieu by Bernard Lamborelle. A highly relevant analysis and reading of the Bible that puts it in a new light. It is clear that this book probably does not appeal to practitioners of the three most widespread monotheistic religions on Earth. Finally, information warfare and manipulation of information are not only contemporary concerns, but exists since man communicates.
It is difficult to determine the truth after 3,800 years, but your hard and methodical work is much more compelling than the “clerical” version. We should apply the same objective approach to all elements of the faith. But believers do not seek truth, they seek complacency for better reassurance. Bravo!
Very interesting book: beautiful holistic demonstration, logical, rational and verifiable on Abraham patriarch, Egyptian lord rather than prophet of God, which therefore questions the existence of this monotheistic god, father of Jewish, Islamic and Catholic religions; beautiful challenge to the promised land. What a pity that this land, now so coveted, is the cause of this 3rd world war and tearing apart of its people! But what can one do against beliefs? Therefore thank you for this courageous book, which undermines the existence of God.
First, I think I could not have read it otherwise than in one shot! I dove into chapters like it was a detective story, given I am not a specialist on the topic. I was hooked and waited for the elements to gradually come together during the investigation, which led to the presentation of a perfectly constructed theory that supports it. I admit, without being a specialist, it is very convincing. It makes me want to go further and return to visit the Louvre with a different look. Thank you for the good time and congratulations for this great historical and scientific work.
I liked your theory about Abraham and his “lord” – it brings new light on the Bible. Bernard mets the challenge brilliantly. It was time for the Bible to be read with a different look. For my part, I compare the Bible to Homer’s Odyssey. It’s an assemblage of legendary stories that helped shape the world. In Homer’s Odyssey, one finds the beauty and cruelty of Greek myths that have shaped the values of Greek civilization. I believe that all myths contain some truth. Just like Troy, ancient Trojan town that has seen many wars and was magnified by Homer. But that would most likely have now known the war as told by Homer. For a banal story passes through time, it takes a little magic, something special for people to bear interest, hence the hidden side of Abraham’s “lord”.
I was rarely in my life so captivated by a book, as I was by the thesis developed by Mr. Lamborelle. The arguments are substantiated, solid, indisputable. I buy into it completely, but a second (third…) reading is absolutely necessary to absorb this amount of scholarship. BRAVO and (that’s personal) THANK YOU!
As it does not happen often, I literally devoured it. The scientific approach, the “reverse engineering”, logic and common sense you have shown in your work are extremely rare and, besides some small things it would be interesting to discuss, your book convinces. Very clever (I recognize the engineer), and packed with a good sense of elevation (that few still have) it offers very probable answers to a simple question, but that one had to think of. Everything is there… it’s wholeheartedly that I would like to congratulate you and encourage you to follow on this route… Finally, I myself am a doctor of biology and my wife is a doctor in anthropology, and it is also as scientists that we really appreciated your work.
This historical essay has the merit of “unraveling” biblical and historical inconsistencies. The logic is striking and I think is genius! It is factual, it is consistent. In addition, it’s a new discovery. This book will surely arouse great interest amid scholars, among others, historians, theologians and all those interested in the Bible. The current Pope has appealed to all Christians to read the Bible: the moment is therefore appropriate. We had felt into mystery, we now get back on earth as we feel we are approaching truth … – Author of Femme après le cloître and Aù delà de la religion
From an objective and rational nature, convinced that everything can be explained, Mr. Lamborelle favored the scientific method in the construction of his argument. And to pinpoint the truth, the engineer has made a point of leaving absolutely nothing to chance. … By converting these dates from the sexagesimal system used by the Babylonians at the time, he manages to draw a parallel with surprising accuracy between historical events and those cited the Scriptures.
I read with great interest your demonstration and it is convincing. I think you’re right, there was confusion at the time between the gods and kings. Your text is clear and well written. Unfortunately this is a scholarly book, which I cannot account in l’Actualité where I have to place myself at a public level. It is also a thesis that will shock and little media will dare to allude to it. Do not be discouraged, this kind of work takes time before circulating properly. And then, in the end, to have made this discovery was worth the time you put into it. Congratulations on your intuition and infinite patience.
As a sociologist and methodologist in social research, I read during my career a number of research reports, scientific papers, theses and other writings, which allowed me to sharpen my critical senses to separate “the wheat from the chaff.” Without a shadow of a doubt, I would place this book in the category of excellent historical essays… All in all, it is admirable that an engineer, uninitiated “academically” on the historical methods, but passionate for history, skilled in research and good at manipulating the pen, had the courage to undertake and carry to term such a colossal project to re-examine the story of the Patriarchs. In addition, to find that the result is convincing, is impressive! This is definitely a book to read and reread to fully absorb all its richness.
You have not heard from me since I’ve started reading, and for good reason: I was transported. Your book is like an Aladdin’s carpet! Profound scholarship, implacable logic, impeccable methodology, accessible writing and exemplary presentation and teaching, in short, a work of reference. I know of only one other book which rises to the height of your work and it is entitled “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life” published by Emile Durkheim in 1912. These are points of absolute reference… I did not want my comments to be “hits censers” but I simply want to bring the strict perception I have of your book in light of my experience, my education and my thoughts. Thus, for me, the comparison with Durkheim is needed not only on the rigorousness of your respective approaches but also under the silence that church authorities wrapped the first one, and will wrap the second.
A book that goes in the direction of any intelligent reading of the Bible… Many historical and biblical arguments come to light when establishing a connection between Abraham and Hammurabi, including the real reason for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, or the paternity of Isaac. A fascinating journey awaits the reader who will take the time to read this historical essay and consult some of the works mentioned in the bibliography.
A very pleasant proofreading that sounds surprisingly fair! … In a strong language, Mr. Lamborelle raises more than interesting questions. The links are intelligent and the assumptions plausible. The book is researched and scholar… Fascinating!
Lamborelle finally gives us a stream of arguments to prove that the Yahweh of the Bible is none other than a single character, already known to all: Hammurabi, the Babylonian king who gave us the famous code of 282 laws. The saga of Hammurabi, Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, revised and corrected by Lamborelle, is a scenario worthy of a Hollywood movie and, I would add, much more interesting than the classical theological version. … To discover a very plausible “sense” to a story that, taken literally, does not hold water, makes all the enjoyment of this “off the beaten path” reading.
I admired the ease with which you navigate the chronologies of Babylon, Egypt and the Bible. Your assumption is troubling. If the Lord of Abraham is king Hammurabi then the whole foundation of the Bible is questioned. In short, your book is essential and I wonder why the media do not make mention of it. Author of La Bible Immorale, Quebec
Bernard Lamborelle has made an outstanding contribution to this process by demonstrating how one can establish a historical connection between the central pillar of the most significant myths that have influenced the Western world, the God of Abraham and very real characters that have allowed the emergence of these mythologies. Thank you Bernard Lamborelle. Thank you from my heart for the hope that this work really brings.
This book offers a tour of ancient sources of Genesis, and adds a method of rational calculation for transforming the erroneous dates contained in the Bible for ages and periods of time in Genesis. This allows, beyond the thesis of the author (on the dating and transforming of the “Lord” into God), to better understand the ancient origin of this legendary religious text. The integration of Abraham, Jacob and Joseph into history is very interesting. The replacement of Isaac and Ishmael too. The calculations of the dates, difficult to follow, and their results are detailed and put in context. The transformation of the ages, according to their origin (Babylonian base 60 system, ages counted as moon cycles, etc) is very logical, their correction can be discussed, but the result suggested by the author is very interesting and removes irrationalities related to age and duration in Genesis. One should know that apart from the identification of Hammurabi as the “Lord” and the detailed calculation of the dates, all the theses presented in this book come from many researches from historian’s world on the content of Genesis and other very ancient sources.
With an inflexible rigor of analysis, its careful research led him to hypothesize what may very well prove difficult to challenge, and that will most likely change the beliefs of a large number of followers still attached to the three religions “book” in the coming years. I cannot better compare this researcher with Darwin, revealing “The Origin of Species”, or even to Galileo, reversing the roles of the sun and the earth. Both long disputed, due to ideas that seemed delusional to their contemporaries, have helped human kind make unprecedented steps on the path of knowledge.