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Jesus and Myth

Hardcover |English |172525395X | 9781725253957

Jesus and Myth

Hardcover |English |172525395X | 9781725253957
Overview
Is Jesus mythological? And is he a mere product of his cultural milieu? Through narratological and social-scientific analysis of the gospel account, Barber systematically demonstrates that there are two opposing patterns structuring the gospel. The first is the pattern of this world, which is the combat myth, with a typical sequence of motifs having mythological meanings. It is lived out by everyone else in the accounts except Jesus, because this pattern of the world is the pattern of myth-culture, which is the pattern of the old Adam and sin nature. The pattern of Jesus is the pattern intended for Adam to walk in, and is the unique pattern of the new Adam, Jesus Christ. Jesus's pattern inverts the sequence and subverts the significance of each and every motif and episode of the myth-culture's pattern. Barber shows that Jesus's ""failure"" to conform to this world's mythological pattern establishes that he is not mythological, and not a product of his culture. As the apostle Peter states, "". . . we did not follow cleverly devised tales [myths] when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty"" (2 Pet 1:16).
ISBN: 172525395X
ISBN13: 9781725253957
Author: Peter John Barber
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2021-02-15
Language: English
PageCount: 356
Dimensions: 7.01 x 0.81 x 10.0 inches
Weight: 29.28 ounces
Is Jesus mythological? And is he a mere product of his cultural milieu? Through narratological and social-scientific analysis of the gospel account, Barber systematically demonstrates that there are two opposing patterns structuring the gospel. The first is the pattern of this world, which is the combat myth, with a typical sequence of motifs having mythological meanings. It is lived out by everyone else in the accounts except Jesus, because this pattern of the world is the pattern of myth-culture, which is the pattern of the old Adam and sin nature. The pattern of Jesus is the pattern intended for Adam to walk in, and is the unique pattern of the new Adam, Jesus Christ. Jesus's pattern inverts the sequence and subverts the significance of each and every motif and episode of the myth-culture's pattern. Barber shows that Jesus's ""failure"" to conform to this world's mythological pattern establishes that he is not mythological, and not a product of his culture. As the apostle Peter states, "". . . we did not follow cleverly devised tales [myths] when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty"" (2 Pet 1:16).
Editorial Reviews


""This is a significant book. It is not often that an idea comes along that helps you to read familiar texts in a new way, but Peter Barber's work does just that. His careful engagement with the thought of Rene Girard and Bruce Malina has resulted in an original and creative discussion contrasting the patterns and structures found in the canonical Gospels with those found in myths. The outcome not only makes a significant contribution to the way we study the Bible but also has considerable apologetic potential."" --Stephen Finamore, Bristol Baptist College ""Jesus and Myth is a masterpiece of logic, common sense, and scholarly analysis. Dr. Barber engages the critics head on--the critics of the New Testament that is, who seek to show that the Gospels are myths, and their chief subject, Jesus, a mere mythological figure. . . . As Dr. Barber points out throughout his study, the Gospels defy and subvert the structure of mythology. They are as distinct from mythology as chalk is from cheese, and they follow none of its patterns or structure. . . . Jesus defies and subverts every criterion of the mythological model, following none of the structure and pattern of mythology. As part of his 'de-mythologizing' process of the critics' cause, Barber lays out at some length statements of the critics, and then proceeds to dismantle their claims in a masterly treatment of logic and a very deep knowledge of his subject. This study is a rare treat indeed."" --Wm. R. Cooper, ICR School of Biblical Apologetics ""Today more than ever we are confronted with criticisms that focus on the Bible, the Gospels within, and specifically towards Jesus himself. This book is a must-read when it comes to the challenge of answering the charge that Jesus is mythological. The reader need only rely on the capable model and evidences presented in this book to help prepare for a proper defense. Peter Barber aptly handles the Bible in such a way to give confidence when making application of the information within, and thus time with this book will be time well spent."" --Joel Diamond, Nipawin Alliance Church


Peter John Barber is a professor of biblical and theological studies at Nipawin Bible College in Saskatchewan, Canada. He is a recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Award, and an authority on the relationships between the Gospels, myth, and culture.

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If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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Overview
Is Jesus mythological? And is he a mere product of his cultural milieu? Through narratological and social-scientific analysis of the gospel account, Barber systematically demonstrates that there are two opposing patterns structuring the gospel. The first is the pattern of this world, which is the combat myth, with a typical sequence of motifs having mythological meanings. It is lived out by everyone else in the accounts except Jesus, because this pattern of the world is the pattern of myth-culture, which is the pattern of the old Adam and sin nature. The pattern of Jesus is the pattern intended for Adam to walk in, and is the unique pattern of the new Adam, Jesus Christ. Jesus's pattern inverts the sequence and subverts the significance of each and every motif and episode of the myth-culture's pattern. Barber shows that Jesus's ""failure"" to conform to this world's mythological pattern establishes that he is not mythological, and not a product of his culture. As the apostle Peter states, "". . . we did not follow cleverly devised tales [myths] when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty"" (2 Pet 1:16).
ISBN: 172525395X
ISBN13: 9781725253957
Author: Peter John Barber
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2021-02-15
Language: English
PageCount: 356
Dimensions: 7.01 x 0.81 x 10.0 inches
Weight: 29.28 ounces
Is Jesus mythological? And is he a mere product of his cultural milieu? Through narratological and social-scientific analysis of the gospel account, Barber systematically demonstrates that there are two opposing patterns structuring the gospel. The first is the pattern of this world, which is the combat myth, with a typical sequence of motifs having mythological meanings. It is lived out by everyone else in the accounts except Jesus, because this pattern of the world is the pattern of myth-culture, which is the pattern of the old Adam and sin nature. The pattern of Jesus is the pattern intended for Adam to walk in, and is the unique pattern of the new Adam, Jesus Christ. Jesus's pattern inverts the sequence and subverts the significance of each and every motif and episode of the myth-culture's pattern. Barber shows that Jesus's ""failure"" to conform to this world's mythological pattern establishes that he is not mythological, and not a product of his culture. As the apostle Peter states, "". . . we did not follow cleverly devised tales [myths] when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty"" (2 Pet 1:16).
Editorial Reviews


""This is a significant book. It is not often that an idea comes along that helps you to read familiar texts in a new way, but Peter Barber's work does just that. His careful engagement with the thought of Rene Girard and Bruce Malina has resulted in an original and creative discussion contrasting the patterns and structures found in the canonical Gospels with those found in myths. The outcome not only makes a significant contribution to the way we study the Bible but also has considerable apologetic potential."" --Stephen Finamore, Bristol Baptist College ""Jesus and Myth is a masterpiece of logic, common sense, and scholarly analysis. Dr. Barber engages the critics head on--the critics of the New Testament that is, who seek to show that the Gospels are myths, and their chief subject, Jesus, a mere mythological figure. . . . As Dr. Barber points out throughout his study, the Gospels defy and subvert the structure of mythology. They are as distinct from mythology as chalk is from cheese, and they follow none of its patterns or structure. . . . Jesus defies and subverts every criterion of the mythological model, following none of the structure and pattern of mythology. As part of his 'de-mythologizing' process of the critics' cause, Barber lays out at some length statements of the critics, and then proceeds to dismantle their claims in a masterly treatment of logic and a very deep knowledge of his subject. This study is a rare treat indeed."" --Wm. R. Cooper, ICR School of Biblical Apologetics ""Today more than ever we are confronted with criticisms that focus on the Bible, the Gospels within, and specifically towards Jesus himself. This book is a must-read when it comes to the challenge of answering the charge that Jesus is mythological. The reader need only rely on the capable model and evidences presented in this book to help prepare for a proper defense. Peter Barber aptly handles the Bible in such a way to give confidence when making application of the information within, and thus time with this book will be time well spent."" --Joel Diamond, Nipawin Alliance Church


Peter John Barber is a professor of biblical and theological studies at Nipawin Bible College in Saskatchewan, Canada. He is a recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Award, and an authority on the relationships between the Gospels, myth, and culture.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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