Pagan, Shinto & Spiritual Book Reviews April 2017

Philip West, The Old Ones in the Old Book: Pagan Roots of The Hebrew Old Testament 

(Moon Books, 2012)

Plenty of Pagans are aware of the many links between ancient Paganism and Judeo-Christian beliefs. But how far do these connections go? In The Old Ones in the Old Book: Pagan Roots of The Hebrew Old Testament, Philip West investigates specifically the theory that the Old Testament contains references to pre-Abrahamic polytheistic religions. A Theology specialist, West does this by analysing key episodes from the Old Testament and uncovering clues that hint at traces of ancient Pagan practices and beliefs. This includes the stories of Moses, King David, Noah’s Ark and Genesis. West compares these episodes with similar writings from older accounts, and uncovers the ancient deities and rituals hiding beneath the surface of the text in the Old Testament.

Considering the enormity of task, The Old Ones In The Old Book is remarkably concise, making a persuasive case in barely over 100 pages. It is also highly readable, being both engaging and easy to understanding for those with little knowledge of the subject (you’ll get a much better understanding of the Old Testament itself and how it came to be written from this book). West is fascinated by both Abrahamic and pre-Abrahamic beliefs, and his enthusiasm for both shines through. Although his conclusions in The Old Ones In The Old Book will no doubt be unacceptable to more conservative Jews and Christians, he handles the issue of challenging the origins and meanings of these texts with sensitivity and respect.

Although somewhat different in topic, I enjoyed the final chapter in The Old Ones In The Old Book, which is an appraisal of polytheism in comparison to monotheism and stresses the “advantages” the former has over the latter. This conclusion serves as a corrective to the oft-repeated misconception that polytheism is “primitive” and that monotheism is a hallmark of more developed civilisations.

Pagans who are familiar with the Old Testament (especially those who converted from Judaism or Christianity to Paganism) will find The Old Ones In The Old Book intriguing, convincing and inspiring. As something of a universalist, who likes to focus on what different religions have in common, I found this book yet another affirmation that there is more that links us Pagans with Jews and Christians than that which divides us. I only hope that followers of the Old Testament, rather than seeing this analysis as a threat to their beliefs, can view it in the same way.