Robert M. Price Book order

In this fourth volume of Robert M. Price’s celebrated Holy Fable series, he turns his critical lens away from the Bible and toward a broader range of scriptural works that were written, or rediscovered, in modern times. Employing the same sympathetic but eagle-eyed treatment that defined past volumes, he offers in-depth analysis of the Joseph Smith–penned Book of Mormon; the long-sealed Gospel according to Thomas; the New Age Jesus of the Aquarian Gospel; the H. P. Lovecraft–invented Necronomicon; and the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. With his trademark scholarship and wit, he demonstrates how and why this eclectic mix of contemporary scriptural work provides genuine spiritual inspiration to a colorful variety of religious groups and seekers today. 

Exploring unconventional religious themes, this collection features original stories that blend horror with heretical interpretations. Notable entries include "The Savage Sword of Jehu" and "The Son of Jehovah versus the Cyclops," alongside "The Parchment Chase," which offers a Lovecraftian twist on academia. Price's expertise in religious studies enriches the narratives with authentic-sounding blasphemies and forbidden texts. The anthology also includes politically incorrect tales and previously published works in secular and humor magazines, showcasing a unique fusion of genres.

Robert M. Price, a former Evangelical Christian, examines the confusing intersection of Christianity and superstition by asking questions. Is "practicing the presence of God" actually a variety of paranoia? Is having a "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" really akin to a child playing with an imaginary friend? At what point does a religious belief become an obsessive neurosis? Price finds that the source of superstition in Christianity is the objectification of the transcendent. As a result, he argues, many of the most destructive superstitions within Christianity are inessential accretions to the faith, interfering with life-transforming piety to the glad benefit of many of Christianity's adherents. Christians who believe that an unexamined faith is not worth having will profit from struggling with Jesus Christ Superstition.

This introduction and commentary on the New Testament offers a radical perspective through the lens of "Higher Criticism," blending scholarly insights from diverse viewpoints. The author employs humor to engage readers while exploring critical themes and interpretations, making complex theological discussions accessible and enjoyable. This unique approach invites both novices and seasoned scholars to reconsider traditional understandings of the New Testament texts.

Christians consider their religion virtually synonymous with morality, believing there can be no moral standard without a God to guarantee it, no moral behavior without belief in God and knowledge of his commandments. Disbelievers are objects of their suspicion, tarred withlabels like "relativist" and "nihilist." But buried under the benign and placid surface of their own theology lies a ticking moral time bomb, and most of them have never realized the sinister implicationsof what they purport to believe. Having his loins girt with a lifelong regard for rational truth, wearing the breastplate of formerfundamentalism and the helmet of biblical scholarship, wielding a penof secular wit and wisdom sharper than any spiritual sword, Robert M. Price does some bomb squad investigation around the deadly and hidden charge lurking under the moral foundations of Christianity.

Exploring the concept of "inclusive language" Bibles, this work critiques how traditional scriptures fail to resonate with Liberal Christians' values. It poses provocative questions about the extent of necessary rewrites to align the Bible with leftist sensibilities, ultimately presenting a satirical vision of what such a transformed text might resemble. The book challenges readers to consider the implications of altering sacred texts to fit contemporary ideologies.

Set in a war-torn world, this narrative explores the struggle against dark, sinister entities and colossal titans that spread chaos and destruction. The story delves into the enduring nature of conflict, tracing its roots from human civilization back to ancient battles fought by Elder terrors. It paints a vivid picture of a universe where madness and death are the consequences of these age-old confrontations, highlighting the relentless cycle of war throughout history.

The book presents a compelling argument that the Book of Mormon is a product of Joseph Smith's 19th-century authorship rather than an ancient text. Robert M. Price explores the concept of pseudepigraphy, drawing parallels between the Book of Mormon and biblical texts. He encourages readers to appreciate the complex editing and reinterpretation processes involved in the creation of the Book of Mormon, while also offering critical analyses of specific passages. Price advocates for a positive theological perspective on this literary approach within Latter-day Saint Christianity.

The narrative explores the transformation of Paul from a bystander at Stephen's martyrdom to a pivotal figure in Christianity, often perceived as its second founder. It challenges traditional Sunday school portrayals, presenting Paul as a complex and controversial disciple, described by Tertullian as an ascetic and linked to heretical movements. The book delves into scholarly debates regarding the authenticity of the epistles attributed to him, suggesting they may have been written later and raises the provocative theory that Simon Magus could be Paul's true identity, offering a fresh perspective on this enigmatic figure.