Books by Brights
Behind the Myths: the Foundations of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Author: John Pickard
ISBN: 978-1-4817-8362-0 (paper-back)
ISBN: 978-1-4817-8363-7 (e-book)
To purchase: use www.Amazon.com (or www.amazon.co.uk, if in the UK) or http://www.authorhouse.com
Description
There has never been a more important time for a study of the social, economic and political origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the three important world religions that share a common root. This book takes as its starting point the idea that gods, angels, miracles and other supernatural phenomena do not exist in the real world and therefore cannot be taken as explanations for the origin and rise of these faiths. It looks instead at the material conditions at appropriate periods in antiquity and the social and economic forces that were at work, to outline the real foundations of these three sets of doctrines. In doing so, it challenges the historicity of key figures like Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. This is a unique book which draws on the research, knowledge and expertise of hundreds of historians, archaeologists and other renowned scholars to create a new synthesis that is both coherent and completely based on material social conditions. It is a book written by an unbeliever for other unbelievers, independent of any supernatural or hidden social drivers. Behind the Myths will be a revelatory read, even to those already atheist or secularist, underpinning their non-religious views and it will provide a valuable resource for all those who might be coming to question the hold that organised religion has had on human society.
About The Author
John Pickard has been a supporter of the Brights for many years. He has worked as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, as a high school teacher of science, and as a political journalist. In his work as a political journalist he wrote many articles, features and magazine contributions on science and materialism. The book, Behind the Myths, is the fruit of many years of literature research and will be an interesting and valuable read to atheists of all persuasions.