Isaac versus Oedipus: an alternative view

Max Sugar (2002) argues for the essential similarity of the legends of Oedipus and Isaac with regard to the common themes of filicide, patricide, guilt, punishment, and expiation. Sugar does point out, however, that while the outcome in the Oedipus myth is tragic, it is hopeful in the narrative of Isaac. This article, in contrast, argues that this distinction between tragedy and hopefulness is not incidental and indeed stems out of the essential differences between the legends of Oedipus and Isaac, which themselves reflect the opposing life views emerging from Athens and Jerusalem. Indeed, we will argue for viewing the Akedah (the binding of Isaac) as a Biblical alternative to the Oedipus Complex, rather than simply an extension of it, and as the basis for a Biblical psychology and psychotherapy.