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.

"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

• Preface Introduction Part I: The Religions of Other Peoples 1. Looking for Religion in the New World 2. Noticing Social Interests in Myths and Rituals 3. Watching Myths in the Making 4. Thinking with Myths about Culture Part II: The Religion of Christianity 5. Early Christian Mythmaking 6. The Social Formation of Christendom 7. The State of the Christian Nation 8. Religions in a Polycultural World Conclusion Bibliography Index