I am disappointed that J. Soloveitchik puts so much stock in the absent-from-the-text midrash that Abe's father was an idol maker. I am further disappointed that he seems to know so little about comparative near-East religions that he buys into Chazal's misunderstanding about avoda zara. Yes, even ancient heathens KNEW that idols have (artistic representation of) eyes, but they see not! Duh.
I am disappointed that J. Soloveitchik puts so much stock in the absent-from-the-text midrash that Abe's father was an idol maker. I am further disappointed that he seems to know so little about comparative near-East religions that he buys into Chazal's misunderstanding about avoda zara. Yes, even ancient heathens KNEW that idols have (artistic representation of) eyes, but they see not! Duh.
Loved both parts of this article. I actually touch on a few similar points (with referance to Rav Soloveitchik as well!) in this article I wrote a month or two ago. https://open.substack.com/pub/yaacovlyons/p/on-the-way?r=1msi7x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web