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Mithraism was a mystery religion that arose in the Mediterranean world at the same time as Christianity. Temples to the god Mithra, who was thought to have sprung from the rock, were built underground, in imitation of caves. See David Ulansey, “Solving the Mithraic Mysteries,” BAR 20:05.
See J. Edward Barrett, “Can Scholars Take the Virgin Birth Seriously?” BR 04:05.
On the hypothesized Gospel of Q, see Stephen J. Patterson, “Q—The Lost Gospel,” BR 09:05, and “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Q,” BR 11:05.
See, for example, John G. Gager, “Paul’s Contradictions: Can They Be Resolved?” BR 14:06, and the response by Ben Witherington, “Laying Down the Law,” BR 15:02.
The ancient Near Eastern texts commonly referred to as Wisdom literature by modern scholars are concerned with formulating rules for a good life on the basis of experience. The literary genre runs from counsels and proverbs to speculations on the problem of undeserved suffering and the meaning of life. Although the intellectual outlook of the ancient Near Eastern sages is religious throughout, Wisdom literature transcends the cultural differences in cult and belief.
See Sidnie White Crawford, “The Fluid Bible,” BR 15:03; and Phyllis Trible, “Bringing Miriam Out of the Shadows,” BR 05:01.
During the seventh to fifth centuries B.C., Greek vases were generally decorated with black figures on a lighter background. During the Attic period (fifth to fourth century B.C.), however, the natural red terra-cotta of the vase was left exposed for the figures, and the background was painted black.
