The Jesus Myth: A Psychologist’s Viewpoint

Scott (Goodbye to God), a psychologist and retired Anglican priest, delivers a thought-provoking treatise that examines the enduring appeal of biblical narratives and advocates for a nonliteral interpretation of the Bible. Each chapter homes in on a core Christian “myth” or belief—including Jesus’s resurrection, Mary’s immaculate conception, and the existence of God—and provides an alternative to its traditional meaning that focuses on what it means to live out Christianity’s precepts. For instance, Scott argues that the true intention of the virgin birth story is to inspire humans to love one another: “It is not for us to believe in the nativity story, but to live it. To bring love to birth in our lives.” Scott elsewhere explains how viewing Christ as the archetypal hero appeals to people’s desire to find figures who embody their moral sensibilities, suggesting that readers would do well to follow Jesus’s example regardless of its basis in historical fact. While those looking for a figurative take on Christian scripture should find Scott’s musings stimulating, those hoping for the promised psychological perspective will be disappointed to find it consists of a handful of nods to psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Still, Scott provides ample material to challenge preconceived beliefs and will likely spark some lively conversation. (Apr.)