Mother of the Gods: From Cybele to the Virgin Mary

A thorough and engaging look at Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, and how her cult and mythology influenced Greek and Roman culture, as well as early forms of Gnosticism, and asceticism in the early church. Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in New Testament studies; especially as they relate to the churches of Asia Minor. Helps shed important light on the "false teaching" addressed by the apostle Paul in his first letter to Timothy--possibly an early form of Gnostic asceticism influenced by prevalent goddess mythology. Of all the books I've read on this subject, this was by far the most informative and enjoyable.