The Virgin Goddess

[jeffrey]

I am just about finishing up with the following book: The Virgin Goddess: Studies in Pagan and Christian Roots of Mariology by Stephen Benko. Its a fairly dense academic book on the subject but, at this point, I'm heartily recommending it. Though there are some bits of theory I would quibble with (such as his rationalistic interpretations of the function of myth, and possibly inflating the roll of mystery religions amongst the common people of the time) it has been quite interesting in tracing pagan influences on the development of Mariology.

peace
-j

[mamalaiste]

Jeffrey, I would love to hear more from you about this book. It sounds like it would be a wonderful learning resource, maybe?

Could you write us a little report-thingy (as opposed to a *real* book report as required by college professors?)

Unfortunately, I just placed my quarterly allotted book order from Amazon, plus a couple of extra books from other sources, so not sure when I would be able to invest in it.

[jeffrey]

I will do so once I'm finished with it. Another book, alas, just had to take its place so I can get the review out for the next issue of the JWMT, but once I'm done with that I'll be getting right back to TVG. I'm about 2/3rds done with it, so it shouldn't take too long once I get back to it.

I would note, though, that books from this publisher, Brill, are outrageously expensive. I was only able to afford this and one on the influence of occultism on western epistemology because I was at conference and books are usually discounted there (as they don't want to have to pack them up and ship them home again). I think this would normally run $45.

[mamalaiste]

crap! that's more than my budget allows............maybe I'll be checking ebay or half.com to see if it accidently appears.

[jeffrey]

Take a look at addall.com, it searches all the on-line book sellers and orders them by price for you.

Addall is my friend.

[mamalaiste]

oh yeah! I had forgotten about that one!

[Catherine]

This sounds interesting. I look forward to hearing more about the book.

I've always seen a strong connection between Mary and Juno. The symbolism is almost identical.

[jeffrey]

Apparently, not all that accidental, via the Magna Mater.

[Catherine]

Oh, definitely not an accident. IMO.