There's good reason the Akedah or Binding of Isaac is so famous and culturally relevant. It's harrowing and even horrifying. Spitzer, of course, has a point that a modern Abraham would be guilty of attempted murder. It's a powerful story because it continues to raise the question "how far would you take your religious commitment?" It directly confronts the reader and doesn't allow any dodging of the question.
It also, of course, sets up as its conclusion the absolute rejection of human sacrifice, a major theological innovation.
Hmm...would Abraham be guilty? I read the article a few days ago so I may have forgotten, did AD argue that even if the modern elements could be satisfied Abraham could be found not guilty by reason of insanity? I mean, if we believe Abraham that he's hearing the voice of God, I'm sure some of us by definition would think he'd have to be insane, right?
