Abstract

This article discusses biblical chosenness and the Chinese concept of zhiji in a comparative reading of the two prominent stories that represent the relevant concepts in each tradition. The two concepts share a similar structure, cause a similar passion for total devotion, deal with similar problems caused by the paradox of obedience, and solve the dilemma by applying the paradox of probability with its three rules. Through this discussion I wish to explore possible answers to the Akedah question raised by Franz Kafka: Can we understand Akedah without God?