Abraham and Isaac

I have heard this passage explained away in various ways through the years. It still seems pretty darn odd to me. Then there are the crazies who use this as justification for their own brand of human sacrifice.

explorefaith.org - January 17: "After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.'He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt-offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.'
—Genesis 22: 1-2"