From Achilles to Christ

"The heart of Christianity is a myth which is also a fact." — C. S. Lewis

In From Achilles to Christ, Louis Markos introduces readers to the great narratives of classical mythology from a Christian perspective. From the battles of Achilles and the adventures of Odysseus to the feats of Hercules and the trials of Aeneas, Markos shows how the characters, themes and symbols within these myths both foreshadow and find their fulfillment in the story of Jesus Christ—the "myth made fact." Along the way, he dispels misplaced fears about the dangers of reading classical literature, and offers a Christian approach to the interpretation and appropriation of these great literary works.

This engaging and eminently readable book is an excellent resource for Christian students, teachers and readers of classical literature.

Features & Benefits:

• Offers a Christian defense, interpretation and appropriation of classical literature
• Dispels misplaced fears about the dangers of reading classical literature
• Highlights and evaluates the key classical authors, works, characters and themes
• Features a wealth of historical and literary information regarding classical thought and literature
• Provides an excellent resource for Christian students and teachers of classical literature

"From the earliest centuries of the church and throughout the Middle Ages, Christian thinkers pored over not only the Old testament but Greek and Roman literature in search of foreshadowings of Christ. Christian readings of the classics fell out of favor in the modern world, but with From Achilles to Christ Louis Markos revives this venerable tradition. Professor Markos knows the difference between the Greeks and the gospel, but his illuminating interpretations of selected classics show that God did not leave the Athenians without a witness and capture the thrilling breadth of the evangelical proclamation that Jesus came 'in the fullness of the times.' "
—Peter J. Leithart, author and Senior Fellow at New St. Andrews College (Moscow, Idaho)