Myth and the Christian Nation

Burton L. Mack, now retired, was formerly John Wesley Professor in Early Christianity at the Claremont School of Theology and Graduate University in California. He is the author of numerous publications on Hellenistic Judaism, ritual theory, Classical rhetoric and Christian origins from the viewpoint of cultural anthropology and the history of religions.

• PrefaceIntroductionPart I: The Religions of Other PeoplesChapter 1. Looking for Religion in the New WorldChapter 2. Noticing the Social Interests in Myths and RitualsChapter 3. Watching Myths in the MakingChapter 4. Thinking with Myths about CulturePart II: The Religion of ChristianityChapter 5. Early Christian MythmakingChapter 6. The Social Formation of ChristendomChapter 7. The State of the Christian NationChapter 8. Religions in a Polycultural WorldConclusionBibliography

"A primer in the ways in which religion can enhance our thinking about social construction. As such, it ranges widely: from ancient Rome and Greece, to the indigenous populations encountered during the Age of Discovery, to contemporary America." - Religious Studies Review "A substantial contribution to the contemporary challenging task of critical thinking about religion, society and our social situation. It deserves wide attention." - Reviews in Religion and Theology "Burton Mack is the most interesting and the most important scholar of ancient Christianity working today. The current work shows what the study of the religions of 'others' can do for our understanding of Christianity, both ancient and contemporary." - William Arnal, University of Regina "This book is vintage Mack. It is Mack at the height of height of his powers - of analysis, argumentation, communication. All serious explorers should reference this book as they chart their courses." - Vincent L. Wimbush, Claremont Graduate University