Myth and Mystery: An Introduction to the Pagan Religions of the Biblical World

The name Jack Finegan is synonymous with scholarly analysis and lucid exposition. In Myth and Mystery he puts his vast erudition to good use and offers a major contribution to biblical studies. Culling the primary sources, Finegan examines nine pagan religions in existence during both the Old and New Testament times. Among them are the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Canaanite, Greek, Roman, and Gnostic religions. He carefully documents not only their beliefs, practices, writings, and history, but also their relation to the biblical faith. The result is a vivid profile of the religious milieu surrounding the biblical world. The ancient religions explored by the author ‘‘rest upon theological and mythological ways of thought which, to a greater or lesser degree, they all share,’’ writes Finegan. ‘‘In their individual configuration, they are very distinct although in various places and times borrowings, equivalences, and syncretisms will be observed.’’ Myth and Mystery deserves to become the standard work in its field. Its carefully organized text and thorough treatment, coupled with the most recent archaeological discoveries, make it an invaluable tool. Indexes help to locate the author’s insights, and bibliographies for each religion guide the interested reader to further investigation. Jack Finegan is professor emeritus of New Test: it history and archaeology at Pacific School of Religion and Graduate Theological Union. This prestigious scholar has over thirty books to his credit. Among them are 'Light from the Ancient Past', 'The Archaeology of the New Testament: The Mediterranean World of the Early Christian Apostles', and 'Archaeological History of the Ancient Middle East'. Finegan Examines The Beliefs, Practices, Writings, And History Of Nine Pagan Religions And Their Relation To Biblical Faith. Mesopotamian Religion -- Egyptian Religion -- Zoroastrian Religion -- Canaanite Religion -- Greek Religion -- Roman Religion -- Gnostic Religion -- Mandaean Religion -- Manichaean Religion. Jack Finegan. Includes Bibliographical References. Myth and Mystery Contents List of Tables Acknowledgments Introduction List of Abbreviations 1. Mesopotamian Religion 2. Egyptian Religion 3. Zoroastrian Religion 4. Canaanite Religion 5. Greek Religion 6. Roman Religion 7. Gnostic Religion 8. Mandaean Religion 9. Manichaean Religion Reflective Postscript Bibliography Index Prolific author Jack Finegan has written a fascinating and useful survey of the ancient religions practiced alongside Judaism and Christianity in their formative stages.