Scriptures, Myths, and Power: The Bible at Work

Introduction

Authors

  • Burton Mack Claremont Graduate University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/post.v5i1.5

Keywords:

Bible, Scriptures, Mythmaking, Social Formation, Social Interests, Mythic Mentality, Mythic Grammar, Signifyin(g), Cultural Identities, Polycultural America

Abstract

The introduction to Burton Mack's extended conversation with Vincent Wimbush and Institute for Signifying Scripture, Claremont Graduate University. The conversation revolves around the cultural function of the Bible as Christian myth in American society, and the African-American domestication of the Bible as their Scripture. The essay explores the differences between the Bible as myth in the dominant Euro-American tradition, and the Bible as Scripture in African-American experience. Drawing upon the work of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the concept of "signifying" describes a remarkable linguistic style characteristic of African-American mentality and culture.

Author Biography

  • Burton Mack, Claremont Graduate University

    Burton Mack is Emeritus Professor of Early Christianity, Claremont Graduate University

Downloads

Published

2011-08-23

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Articles

License

© Equinox Publishing Ltd.

For information regarding our Open Access policy, click here.

How to Cite

Mack, B. (2011). Scriptures, Myths, and Power: The Bible at Work: Introduction. Postscripts: The Journal of Sacred Texts, Cultural Histories, and Contemporary Contexts, 5(1), 5-15. https://doi.org/10.1558/post.v5i1.5