For the past eight years, Jack Finegan’s Myth and Mystery has furnished scholars and students with invaluable insights into the world of the Bible.


Culling the primary sources, Finegan examines nine pagan religions in existence during both the Old and New Testament times. Among them are Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Canaanite, Greek, Roman, and Gnostic religions. He carefully documents not only their beliefs, practices, writings, and history, but also their relation to the biblical world.

The ancient religions explored by the author "rest upon theological and mythological ways of thought which, to a greater or lesser degree, they all share," writes Finegan. "In their individual configuration, they are very distinct although in various places and times borrowings, equivalences, and syncretisms will be observed."

According to Robert Hodgson in Critical Review of Books in Religion, "Few scholars today have the expertise or confidence to write about all the major non-biblical religions of the ancient world. Jack Finegan is one of the few who does, and he has earned our thanks for a fine introduction to this subject. Myth and Mystery is a solid textbook for both graduate and undergraduate students, a handy reference tool for teachers, and interesting reading for informed laity."

Finegan has given us some extremely valuable references in the past. These have all been characterized by meticulous scholarship and by a genius for making much arcane lore accessible to the non-specialists. Myth and Mystery may be his most valuable contribution. It is noteworthy in its breadth of topics–from ancient Babylonian and Egyptian religions to Gnosticism and Manichaeism. The author demonstrates an extraordinary grasp of the latest scholarship, is exemplary in his lucid exposition of complex materials, and is quite judicious in his handling of controversial issues. Myth and Mystery should become the outstanding text in its field.–Edwin M. Yamauchi

The author brings to this brilliant study of pagan polytheisms and cults that cluttered the world of the Old and New Testaments the same meticulous scholarship and lucid exposition which characterize his other works. This is an indispensable road map through the bewildering morass of gods, goddesses, spirits, heroes, demons, demiurges, and powers that infested the biblical horizon on all sides.–Paul L. Maier