The story of Cain and Abel in Rabbinic, Christian and Gnostic tradition

Abstract

The classical texts are reread and interpreted within communities influenced by historical circumstances that guide them. The Bible has for centuries intensely influenced Western culture. Stories like that of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4.1 to 16) influence the way of thinking that accompanies the various communities. It is interesting to follow the readings made by the Rabbinical, Christian and Gnostic traditions in the first three centuries of the Common Era. The study will necessarily be brief. Extensive bibliography is recommended for further reading.