Deceptions & Myths of the Bible

by Lloyd M. Graham

Book Overview

Lloyd M. Graham is out to show that the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments as we know them, are not "holy" nor are they the "word of God" revealed. The stories of the Bible were set down by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517278340
• ISBN13: 9780517278345
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Random House Value Publishing
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Deceptions and Myths of the Bible

I read this book about 10 years ago, and actually want to re-read it and independently verify much of what is written there piece by piece. I don't think Christians should ignore this book, and should probably spend some time and some cyberspace critiquing and discussing its flaws, merits, and any misinformation. I get the feeling a lot of people have read it. Though I did like the book and found it to be thought-provoking, the main thing that makes me feel uncomfortable is that there is no biographical information on the author. I have searched web pages and news groups, but all I can find is more than a few quotes from this book, and others seeking information about the author him(her?)self, and the general reliability of his information. Obviously "Lloyd M. Graham" could be a pen name. However, the copyright is under simply "Lloyd Graham." Also disconcerting is the total lack of a bibliography. For a book which is written with a scholarly approach, there is little scholarly research cited! Other than the Bible, only a few other books are mentioned as sources, and only as footnotes at least in the edition I have.Graham spends a lot of time outlining what can easily be described as New Age cosmology. The zodiacal precession theory he uses is reminiscent of what Anthony Burgess used as the foundation for his book "The Wanting Seed" (also recommended). One way to make this palatable is to view the astrological beliefs as what the [i]ancients[/i] believed, not necessarily the author, thus giving the Bible an entirely different spin than what we're used to. Someone familiar with Gnosticism would probably be more at home with this work.It should, hopefully, be obvious that much of what he writes, especially concerning our solar system is just plain wrong, and is reminiscent of Carl Sagan's synopsis of Velikovsky's "Worlds in Collision". Still, how much would the ancients have known about what we know now? Again, the book is more readable if you imagine yourself living 3000 years ago or more. I don't see how anybody can realistically deny the influence of astrology in ancient religions, and be so stubborn as to deny a carry over of this symbolism into the Bible. Also, it seems that much of what Graham postulated is being increasingly supported or at least argued by modern biblical scholars, at least that's the impression I get.Graham's overall tone is angry, hostile, and contemptuous of whoever reads his book. He spends a huge chunk of his book towards the end with a scathing attack on the Roman Catholic Church, which seemed to me to be off-topic given the main subject matter.I have read some other New Age material, and Graham's book is far better than the usual pseudo-mystical fare. There is much meat; good argumentation (though little documentation), typical New Age word games (though interesting), a lot of stuff about the Bible itself and history that one may not be familiar with, and it gives the reader much to think about which is

A Cattle Prod

This exposition by Mr. Graham is exasperating and invaluable. Like other reviewers, I desired footnotes and references not so much to back up the author's point of view, but to use as a guide to my own research. Noting that there would be no footnotes or bibliography, I took the book as a wonderful anti-religious screed that certainly breaks down in many places but is invaluable as an ignitor of new thought-sparks in any open-minded person. I have referred to Mr. Graham's book over the years as a source for inspiration! There are few books about the Bible that will suggest better to the reader that perhaps the Emperor Jehovah is wearing no clothes. If you are not satisfied with the confusing hotch-potch that is the Western Holy Book, join Mr. Graham for a non-stop rant. In addition: Much of the criticism of this book involves the lack of documentation, footnotes and bibliography. Would those who complain of these flaws also note that their Bible equally lacks original documentation, footnotes and bibliography? Graham attacks this book on its own terms. His intention is not to present another reverent scholarly text on the group of writings known as the Bible. Yes, this is a screed, but it is a brilliant screed. Graham's hermeneutics are original and do not indulge in the incestuous patter of which you may be accustomed. Do not mistake Graham's presentation of the mindset of the writers of the Bible as his own. Do not confuse his exploration of the confusion of the Bible as his own confusion. This book may be as important to your spiritual liberty as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was to the freedom of the American Colonials. Let the man speak for himself: "There is nothing 'holy' about the Bible, nor is it 'the word of God.' It was not written by God-inspired saints, but by power-seeking priests. Who but priests consider sin the paramount issue? Who but priests write volumes of religious rites and rituals? No one, but for these priestly scribes sin and rituals were imperatives: their purpose was to found on them an awesome religion. By this intellectual tyranny they sought to gain control, and they achieved it. By 400 B.C. they were the masters of ancient Israel. For so great a project they needed a theme, a framework, and this they found in the Creation lore of more knowledgeable races. This they commandeered and perverted - the natural to the supernatural, and truth to error. The Bible is, we assert, but priest-perverted cosmology." [Lloyd M. Graham, Deceptions and Myths Of The Bible, p. 1] "The Bible is not 'the word of God,' but stolen from pagan sources. Its Eden, Adam and Eve were taken from the Babylonian account; its Flood or Deluge is but an epitome of some four hundred flood accounts; its Ark and Ararat have their equivalents in a score of Deluge myths; even the names of Noah's sons are copies, so also Isaac's sacrifice, Solomon's judgement, and Samson's pillar act; its Moses is fashioned after the Syrian Mises; its laws after Hammu

Good

This is a good work, and ranks up there with Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism to question the abuses of power that the Church has and continues to do, all in the name of infallibility. The Bible, as many Christians seem to forget wasn't written by God, it was written by man. Lloyd Graham helps to expose the lies that we are brainwashed into believing as the truth.-Mick in Arizona

a "must read" for every seeker of the truth

Lloyd Graham, whoever he is, has made me a non-beliver! After reading "The History of the World", I started seeking information of the historical validity of Christ, and have came to the conclusion, as Mr. Graham demonstrates, there just isnt any. I would like to see more from this author, but, there may be no need for it!

One of the best books on biblical criticism

All metaphysical philosophers and intrested people should read this book. The author has a profound understanding of comparitive religion. He shows that all religions teach the same thing, but that christianity only took out parts of the ancient pagan teachings to fit its own agendas. Graham is an excellent writer and a true skeptic. He examines both sides of the evidence, and comes to accurate conclusions. One of the most intresting parts of the book, is that he shows that the devil is the shadow side of god. He brilliantly shows how the christian churches did not find an original religion, but that their religion is nothing more than a rehash of ancient pagan religions. He also slams science in the process, showing that many so called scientific discoveries were known long ago. Graham is a brilliant thinker and writer as well as a careful researcher. If you want to know what a true skeptic is like, read this book. Graham spares nothing from skepticism, and in the process proves himself to be a genuine truth seeker and wise man. An excellent, brilliant book.