About the "Sacred Stone Witnesses
in Sunday Software's Abraham and Sarah CD

Return to the Abraham and Sarah CD Page |  Order the CD

See how we composed the 3-D scene for this CD

 

Traditional religious art has depicted Abraham's altar as a simple pile of stones in the wilderness. In our CD, however, we have depicted this sacred spot MORE ACCURATELY in line with the archaeological evidence and history. The construction of worship altars with "Sacred Stones" was a widespread custom in ancient Israel and throughout the region. They are mentioned several times in the Bible. The world's most famous example of "sacred stones" is Stonehenge. In addition to providing a focal point for ceremony, Sacred Stones were thought to represent or provide an abode for the presence of the gods or God, or ancestors and spirits. The people of Israel set up Sacred Stones or allowed them to exist. But at various times the practice was frowned upon, and Kings would order them "thrown down". Thus, the Bible sometimes calls the stones which the patriarchs set up, "altars" or "memorials." Eventually, all such altars were destroyed by the centralizing forces and theology of the Temple. Tradition places Abraham's altar at Mt. Moriah --the rocky hill upon which Jerusalem was later built. Tradition also holds that Abraham's stone altar became the "foundation stone" for the Temple. To this day the "foundation stone" can still be seen in Jerusalem when you enter the Dome of the Rock. The stones functioned as witness and reminder. And in our Abraham and Sarah CD we pick up this theme by having the stone reveal images of our children who come to witness to this story and ask questions. Through the magic of "green screen" video technology we have placed five kids into the scene to witness the near-sacrifice and ask some important questions, such as, "Why?" and "What does this mean?" These witnesses then become the focal point of the thought-provoking 3-D animation and video set to a song: "O Father Abraham." (hear streaming song clip -2.6 mb) The "Near Sacrifice" of Isaac is a difficult but important story. It is the culminating test of Abraham (and Sarah's) obedience and it foreshadows Christ's sacrifice. It also demonstrates God's essential nature. God is merciful, and will not burden us with unrealistic expectations. Indeed, one of the study notes in this section talks about the practice of "child sacrifice" in that time, and how this story REPUDIATES that practice. Our God is the God of Life. However, if you don't need to teach this section, it can be bypassed in the software, or used only in part. O Father Abraham, see this sacrifice, ...reveals the heart of God, it foretells the Christ, One world stopping, a new one just begun, No more death in the offering of the son. From the song, "O Father Abraham"  -a teaching music video with interactive lyrics in Sunday Software's Abraham and Sarah CD. Our thanks to Israeli archaeologist, Dr. Uzi Avner, for permission to use his photo of the "sacred stones" site which we have included in the interactive "study notes" section of our CD-ROM and at the top of this webpage. His photo originally appeared in Biblical Archaeological Review magazine. He used to teach at Hebrew University, Jerusalem and did his Thesis on "Researches in the Material and Spiritual Culture of the Negev and Sinai population during the 6th-3'rd Millennia B.C." <><Neil MacQueen Sunday Software

 

The "Near-Sacrifice of Isaac" scene in Sunday Software's Abraham & Sarah CD When I first shared my outline for this CD with my church pastor and educator friends, we all drew a deep breath about the episode of the near-sacrifice of Isaac. Its subject matter and imagery are challenging to say the least. Some people said "leave it out." But the sacrifice episode occupies a prime place in Christology, and is the ultimate test of Abraham's faith. Any Abraham CD or lesson would be incomplete without an examination of this part of the story. We decided to take a creative approach to re-creating this scene for kids and youth, --one that would answer their questions, and help them see beyond what looks very scary. We wanted them to BE there that day and bring all their questions. So we "wrote a little song, shot a little video, and made a little animation." I smile when I say "little" because this one scene in the CD took over 150 hours to make. We first videotaped "The Witnesses" --Lauren, Luke, Robin, Kyle and MacKenzie (seen right). In a very real sense, they are your students witnessing and pondering these events. Their presence via "green screen" technology is a first for Sunday Software. They were "installed" via multimedia magic onto the stone megaliths ringing the worship site. Stone Megaliths? YES! That is what the archaelogy of Abraham's altar very well included. Then we add our animated Abraham and Isaac. They walk in as the witnesses continue to move and ponder, and as the music raises issues. The Music is like something U2 would play. It's a lament of sorts with some repeating questions. Listen to a 2.6 mb streaming song clip here (By the way, we made the program so you can view any of the Abraham music video clips in a "player" at the end of the Abraham and Sarah CD.)   Part of the animation without the youth witnesses has already been seen by the students earlier in the CD. So it will look familiar, but get ready... because NOW we take a leap with them... "The Big Move" As the song progresses, and the witnesses and animatedcharacters leave the scene, a dramatic camera move in the scene takes your students up over the site to reveal the cross and some scripture about God sacrificing his own son. The scripture verse rotates, as does the entire seen, including the shadows. It's pretty spectacular and sure to create discussion. A burst of light from the cross-altar signals the end of the transformation. It also begs for discussion. Return to the Abraham and Sarah CD Page |  Order the CD See how we composed the 3-D scene for this CD