Genealogy Books - Abraham's Children: Race, Identity, and the DNA of the Chosen People

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Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:

Summary: Greatly Exceeded Expectations
Comment: I wasn't sure I was going to read this book because of the controversy over IQ that it's stirred.
That would have been a big mistake. That's such a minor portion of the book, and after reading it,
the author could not have avoided the subject. After all, throughout history, except for the modern
period, Jews have been considered a "race" and have considered themselves a "race." This book
discusses race and the history of "race" very thoughtfully and not polemically. The real strength of
the book, and why I heartily recommend it, is its fascinating narrative on the origins of Judaism
and Christianity, and the story of the Israelites. Bible lovers like me (and I'm not a strong
believer, I just love history), won't be able to put this book down. It weaves history, archaeology,
and genetic anthropology. In some cases, such as in the story of Aaron and his descendants, the
Jewish priests, it provides genetic witness to Biblical claims. But it's not afraid to follow the
facts when science challenges the literal text. It reviews everything from Christ's genealogy to the
story of the Lost Tribes to the real origins and ancestral make-up of today's Jews -- a hot potato
to those challenging the so-called "right of return" by Jews to what they say is their ancient
homeland. It's not pro-Jewish. In fact it's neutral on political issues. It seems all about
challenging the reader to think outside their comfort zone. This book reminds me of Jared Diamond's
"Guns, Germs and Steal." I loved it.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Author Proves: Most citizens of Israel are Gentiles under Israeli law!
Comment: Interesting stuff...that have emerged from this book of Jewish genetics-such as the fact that most
Ashkenazi Jews are descended on their maternal line from Gentiles who more than likely never went
through a formal conversion,which would make most citizens of Israel, Gentiles under Israeli
law...this is all according to the author!

Customer Rating:

Summary: Excellent Abraham's Children is mind candy---get it!
Comment: There are lots of positive reviews here, but I want to add my two cents because of some remarks in
the publisher's reviews implying Jon Entine's science was debatable. I found just the opposite to be
true...Mr Entine has very thoroughly researched recent developments in the DNA science, the
archeaology, and historical analysis to bring together in one book information that one otherwise
would have to read dozens of books and articles to compile. I know becaue I have spent many years
exploring the fields of genetic genealogy and evolutionary anthropology and was very impressed by
Mr. Entine's grasp of these subjects, as well as his comprehensive overview of Jewish history. There
will always be debate about historical ideas, traditions and trends. The wonderful thing about this
book, is it provides excellent fodder for mind-expanding discussion. On top of all that, it is
well-written and fun to read!

Customer Rating:

Summary: Abraham's Children
Comment: Fascinating and well told story. Couldn't put it down, Well worth the reading for anyone interested
in this subject.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Jewish Intelligence or Dangerous arrogance
Comment: Is there really a difference between the elitist musings in this book and the anti-semitic ravings
of the fringe hate groups? I don't think so.

As a secular Jew I am offended and
concerend by this book. What possible good can come from such information even if it is accurate.
Doesn't it always and blessedly come down to the individual and "the content of his character?" />
Can the author and his supporters not see how this kind of poison can only increase
prejudice and feed the all too often accurate assessment of organized judaism as simply a vehicle
to feed elitism and other forms of delusional arrogance.

Is it good for the jews?
Definitly not. Religions serve basic human needs for meaning, ritual and stability when they are
observed. What then is the purpose of so called "secular jews"? Can any real good come from such
an oxymoron? To judge by this book, definitely not.

This kind of eltism and ethnic
arrogance is more surely to lead to ovens than the mad ravings of mein kamph.

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