Myths on the Margins

“This is a great book. From the myths of the wicked angels in the book of Genesis to the various myths associated with the Messiah in the New Testament, the author not only makes sense of myths but also critically engages with them, while using both biblical and other ancient Jewish and Christian sources in accessible translations. Warmly recommended for a broad audience.”


—Gerbern Oegema, McGill University





“The German playwright and poet Berthold Brecht . . . described the Bible as ‘a collection of exciting stories, intergenerational conflicts, murders and killings, and at its height the Song of Songs, a love song.’ Bill Loader writes about some of these exciting ancient stories. They raise questions fundamental to human existence, and he demonstrates wonderfully how relevant these old stories are for us today.”


—Wolfgang Kraus, Saarland University





“What is at stake in Jewish and Christian mythmaking? This outstanding book provides a compact and lucid source-based overview of the four basic Jewish myths that formed Christianity. Updating Rudolf Bultmann’s existential interpretation of biblical myth, Bill Loader explains excellently its meaning and relevance for contemporary readers in multicultural societies. Any reader of this brilliant book will perceive the Bible and Christian tradition anew.”


—Angela Standhartinger, Marburg University





“Bill Loader deftly unpacks several stories that shaped the religious imagination of the Christian tradition. . . . He concludes with an honest appraisal of what rational people of the twenty-first century might make of these ancient myths. This work of a distinguished scholar of Christian origins makes readily available enormous learning and insight and offers a delightful read.”


—Harold W. Attridge, Yale University





“The often-strange world of ancient biblical myths and narratives is explained here in an academically informed way as narratives of meaning and translated into contemporary contexts. The relevance of these traditions for today is convincingly demonstrated. This is a must-read for all who are interested in these fascinating stories and their relevance for today.”


—Kathy Ehrensperger, Potsdam University