Foreword by Patrick D. Miller In this remarkable; acclaimed history of the development of monotheism; Mark S. Smith explains how Israel's religion evolved from a cult of Yahweh as a primary deity among many to a fully defined monotheistic faith with Yahweh as sole god. Repudiating the traditional view that Israel was fundamentally different in culture and religion from its Canaanite neighbors; this provocative book argues that Israelite religion developed; at least in part; from the religion of Canaan. Drawing on epigraphic and archaeological sources; Smith cogently demonstrates that Israelite religion was not an outright rejection of foreign; pagan gods but; rather; was the result of the progressive establishment of a distinctly separate Israelite identity. This thoroughly revised second edition ofThe Early History of God includes a substantial new preface by the author and a foreword by Patrick D. Miller.
#1467385 in Books Grove Press 2008-04-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .69 x 5.47l; .57 #File Name: 080214361X304 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Laughable; Lighthearted Lincoln LogsBy Franklin the MouseIf Lincoln could have transported himself to present-day America; I wonder what he'd think of all the fuss? No one knows but Andrew Ferguson's book surely shows that plenty of scholars; publicists; Lincoln buffs and haters are more than willing to give it a shot. The conservative author can't help but inject snarky; funny remarks about practically every facet of the people who inhabit the Lincoln universe. From his amusing family trip through Indiana; Illinois and Kentucky in an attempt to retrace Lincoln's life; to interviewing memorabilia collectors; impersonators... excuse me... "reenactors"; visiting a bevy of memorials and enduring a business workshop that uses the 16th President as the template to empower middle managers in corporate America; you'll never find a dull moment between these pages. I didn't realize the extent that Lincoln permeated our country's commercial and cultural identity. This was very much an eye-opener. The book is an educational; fun read much in the vein of a Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods) work. Mr. Ferguson has written a great; entertaining book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Andrew Ferguson does a masterful job of showing how the ...By David J KaufmanAndrew Ferguson does a masterful job of showing how the legacy of Pres. Lincoln continues in the present day in diverse ways. The highlight of this book; at least for me; is the story of the Holocaust survivor's visit to Springfield. It's hard to read that story and not tear up.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Land of Lincoln: A great book by Andrew FergusonBy Shirley A. RaymondI am a Lincoln fan as my husband was a Lincoln Presenter. I thought everyone loved Lincoln and the first chapter of this book about did me in. It really made me wonder if I wanted to read the book. After I got through that; it was a great story of a family about reliving the vacation the father had taken as a child. He thought his children; oops; I'm giving away too much of the story. You'll love this book and will enjoy the places they visit. It's a good read!
