Speaking of Gods in Figure and Narrative [Hardcover]

Speaking of Gods analyzes the figurative-narrative creation of gods, their heavenly abodes, and behaviors, reaching back to the beginning of history in Sumer, Babylon, Egypt, Persia and Greece, and continuing through the figures and narratives of a biblical tradition that includes the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Qur'an.Introduction: The Mirror of Heaven In the Beginning: Time and the Figurative Forms of Creation End-Times and Doom-Eagerness The Power and the Glory: Divine Combatants, Heavenly Hosts, and Holy War All in the Family: The Secret Sex Lives of Gods Fathers and Sons: Violence and Sacrifice Look Who's Talkingand Writing: The Language of Heaven The Great Figures Life and Death: Dualism and Divine Judgment The Ways of God to Men: Belief, Preordination, Predestination, Rewards and Punishments, Spiritual Economics Prophecy and Plot: The Making of the Hero and the Villain Prayer, Praise, and the War Plot Holy Madness Reflections

A brilliant strategy - to read the narratives of the gods as linguistic embodiments of limit-questions. This is a remarkable book. The author coaxes insight and mystery from a wide range of classical scriptures and contemporary literature - all the while engaging opposing as well as supportive arguments for her claims. Graced with elegant writing and touched with irony and occasional humor, this book can elicit wonder as well as appreciation. - Mary Gerhart, Professor of Religious Studies Emerita, Hobart and William Smith College