The ancient Israelites believed things that the writers of the Bible wanted them to forget: myths and legends from a pre-biblical world that the new monotheist order needed to bury, hide, or reinterpret. Ancient Israel was rich in such literary traditions before the Bible reached the final form that we have today. These traditions were not lost but continued, passed down through the ages. Many managed to reach us in post-biblical sources: rabbinic literature, Jewish Hellenistic writings, the writings of the Dead Sea sect, the Aramaic, Greek, Latin, and other ancient translations of the Bible, and even outside the ancient Jewish world in Christian and Islamic texts. The Bible itself sometimes alludes to these traditions, often in surprising contexts. Written in clear and accessible language, this volume presents thirty such traditions. It voyages behind the veil of the written Bible to reconstruct what was told and retold among the ancient Israelites, even if it is “not what the Bible tells us.”

"Published by the University of Nebraska Press as a Jewish Publication Society book."

Compares early Christian beliefs about God with the religious beliefs of others in the Roman Empire and traces the development of Christian theology

Minter explores what happens when good desires become false gods, robbing people of an intimate relationship with the heavenly Father. (Christian)

We often think of idols as ancient graven images or golden calves, but God's people still battle idolatry every day. Our idols look more familiar-money, fame, power, work, ministry, and people. We serve these gods above the one true God and miss the unrivaled joy of following and knowing Jesus Christ. In this 8-session revised and expanded study from Kelly Minter, learn to identify the gods you may be unknowingly serving and the lies they tell you. As you dethrone your modern-day idols, you'll be set free for the more abundant life Jesus gives. You'll discover Jesus can do what no other god can. ALSO AVAILABLE No Other Gods leader kit includes resources for leading an 8-session group study: one Bible study book, two DVDs, and extra leader resources. DIGITAL RESOURCES E-book, video and audio teaching sessions, and promotional materials available at www.LifeWay.com/NoOtherGods Book jacket.

From the social philosopher and New York Times–bestselling author of The Sane Society: An analysis of the Old Testament as a revolutionary humanist work. The Old Testament is one of the most carefully studied books in the world’s history. It is also one of the most misunderstood. This founding text of the world’s three largest religions is also, Erich Fromm argues, an impressive radical humanist text. He sees the stories of mankind’s transition from divided clans to united brotherhood as a tribute to the human power to overcome. Filled with hopeful symbolism, You Shall Be As Gods shows how the Old Testament and its tradition is an inspiring ode to human potential. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Erich Fromm including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s estate.