Behind the Myths: The Foundations of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781481783620)

There has never been a more important time for a study of the social, economic, and political origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three important world religions that share a common root. This book adopts a Marxist, that is a materialist, view of human development, so it takes as its starting point the idea that gods, angels, miracles, and other supernatural phenomena do not exist in the real world and therefore cannot be taken as explanations for the origin and rise of these faiths. It looks instead at the material conditions at appropriate periods in antiquity and the social and economic forces that were at work, to outline the real foundations of these three doctrines. In doing so, it challenges the historicity of key figures like Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. This is a unique book that draws on the research, knowledge, and expertise of hundreds of historians, archaeologists, and scholars to create a new synthesis that is both coherent and completely based on a materialist world outlook. It is a book written by an unbeliever for other unbelievers as a contribution to a discussion among atheists and secularists as to the real origins of the so-called Abramic faiths. It will be a revelatory read, even to those already firmly of an atheist or secularist persuasion, underpinning their nonreligious views, and it will provide a valuable resource for all those who might be coming to question the hold that organized religion has had on human society.

Author: John Pickard
ISBN-10: 1481783629
ISBN-13: 9781481783620
Publisher: Authorhouse UK
Language: English
Published: 02/25/2013
Pages: 492
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.44lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.99d

Review Citation(s):
Foreword 07/03/2013
BlueInk Review 04/17/2013