The Bible Among the Myths
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
BOOK REVIEW
SUBMITTED TO DR. LARUE STEPHENS
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, OBST 590-B02
BY
JOSEPH HAMBY
BOILING SPRINGS, NC
FEBRUARY 3, 2013
The Bible Among the Myths: Introduction John N. Oswalt has long thought about the issue at hand regarding the bible and it’s relation, if any, to the study of myths. Beginning first in a course at Asbury Theological Seminary and evolving later through studies about the Mediterranean at Brandeis University, Oswalt has intently studied the topic and cultural impact over a significant period of time. This intentional period of study has lead Oswalt to the position posed through this book; “is the religion of the Old Testament essentially similar to, or essentially different from, the religion of its neighbors?” In particular within the contemporary study of both history and myth, does the Bible fit within a particular definition? The book will seek to clarify the distinct difference of the Bible and myth in regards to the nature of divinity and evaluate the impact mythology has on such an understanding. Additionally the question will be posed as to the historical accuracy of Old Testament writings and whether such an understanding is a necessity for Christians today. Particularly Oswalt will seek to determine whether our historical viewpoint of Scripture has an inseparable impact on our theological understanding of it. While Oswalt concedes that his viewpoint presented within this book is not definitive and all encompassing the argument is for the Bible to determine the starting place of such an investigation. Essentially, that, the Bible is quite capable of answering many of it’s own questions and evidence that supports the Bible’s claim to have been brought about through revelation be given the attention in which it deserves. In contrast, Oswalt argues that the fundamental disbelief to even such a possibility should have no place within
BOOK REVIEW
SUBMITTED TO DR. LARUE STEPHENS
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, OBST 590-B02
BY
JOSEPH HAMBY
BOILING SPRINGS, NC
FEBRUARY 3, 2013
The Bible Among the Myths: Introduction John N. Oswalt has long thought about the issue at hand regarding the bible and it’s relation, if any, to the study of myths. Beginning first in a course at Asbury Theological Seminary and evolving later through studies about the Mediterranean at Brandeis University, Oswalt has intently studied the topic and cultural impact over a significant period of time. This intentional period of study has lead Oswalt to the position posed through this book; “is the religion of the Old Testament essentially similar to, or essentially different from, the religion of its neighbors?” In particular within the contemporary study of both history and myth, does the Bible fit within a particular definition? The book will seek to clarify the distinct difference of the Bible and myth in regards to the nature of divinity and evaluate the impact mythology has on such an understanding. Additionally the question will be posed as to the historical accuracy of Old Testament writings and whether such an understanding is a necessity for Christians today. Particularly Oswalt will seek to determine whether our historical viewpoint of Scripture has an inseparable impact on our theological understanding of it. While Oswalt concedes that his viewpoint presented within this book is not definitive and all encompassing the argument is for the Bible to determine the starting place of such an investigation. Essentially, that, the Bible is quite capable of answering many of it’s own questions and evidence that supports the Bible’s claim to have been brought about through revelation be given the attention in which it deserves. In contrast, Oswalt argues that the fundamental disbelief to even such a possibility should have no place within