Biblical Religion THE GREAT LIE by Michael Kalopoulos (ISBN - 1-4010-9955-6)
The subject matter of the book is comparative mythology. Author has researched ancient myths of different people. He points out with extensive examples that Biblical texts are strikingly similar to the parallel tales of Greek Mediterranean mythology. According to him, the comparative study between Mediterranean mythologies and the Hebrew texts of the Bible has exposed a Lie that has managed to survive to our days disguised as an object of religious veneration. The analysis consists of cross examination of evidence from Archeology, Mythology and Theological texts and tries to provide rational interpretation of the biblical texts and particularly the peculiar behaviour and ‘powers’ of the biblical heroes.
The book consists of six chapters. In the first chapter titled ‘The Dawn of Creation’ it has been shown that the similarity between Hermetic text (written in Egyptian temples in Egyptian hieroglyphs) and the corresponding biblical text (biblical Genesis) is striking. The author also illustrates the similarity between Hesio (Greek epic poet) and the biblical text. The second chapter deals with the character Abraham, “God’s friend” and the third deals with “Issac”. Joseph, Moses, Exodus are covered in fourth and fifth chapters. The final sixth chapter concentrates on arriving at truth on the basis of available evidence. The book makes an interesting reading and will certainly upgrade knowledge and critical abilities of the readers. The description of the clash of civilizations and ideologies helps in understanding human history in a different perspective.
Michael Kalopoulos emphasizes that such researches are essential to scrutinize and judge the religion and the heroes because they are considered to be universal models of virtue. He further adds that since the Bible has regulated our lives and our societies for generations, we should question the actions of the biblical ‘heroes’. He clarifies that his main concern is the actions, moral and ideologies described in the Bible and promoted by the biblical texts. He emphatically says that we do not have only duties towards our objects of veneration, but the right of criticism and reappraisal as well. The truth should never have anything to fear from any question.