Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Price.
Hi Robert, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1954. My family moved to New Jersey in 1965. There I became involved with a very fundamentalist Baptist congregation. My interest in the Bible began there, though by the time I was in college, I was starting to moderate my beliefs in light of my extensive reading. I went on to study New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts (1976-1977). Immediately after, I enrolled in the PhD program at Drew University, back in New Jersey, graduating in 1981. Three years later, while teaching part time at various colleges, I met my brilliant and beautiful wife Carol (now Qarol). We relocated to North Carolina, where I taught Religion and Bible at Mount Olive College. Tiring of this, in 1989 we moved back to New Jersey where I pastored an American Baptist congregation for six years, then led a living room congregation for another six years and worked for the Council for Secular Humanism. I returned to Drew University for a second PhD degree, this time in New Testament. Then we returned to North Carolina where once again I taught part time here and there. Meanwhile I was writing scholarly works of biblical exposition and criticism (now numbering 40 or so, from various publishers). Soon I was hosting my Bible Geek, Human Bible, and other podcasts. I continue to appear as a guest on the shows of others. In addition, I write columns for my Patreon page (called “Zarathustra Speaks)” as well as my Substack.
Back in 1966 I had become an omnivorous reader of science fiction, heroic fantasy, and horror, especially the works of Robert E. Howard (Conan the Barbarian) and H.P. Lovecraft (the Cthulhu Mythos). In 1981 I began to expand my writing from biblical/theological scholarship to literary criticism, especially of Lovecraft’s work. In 1990 I began to be approached by smallish publishers inviting me to compile anthologies in these genres, eventually resulting in forty-something volumes. My own fiction began to flourish as well, though appearing mainly in small-press venues.
My employment opportunities have been limited because of my well-publicized advocacy of the controversial Christ Myth Theory (i.e., an historical Jesus never existed), as well as my political conservative views. The money is tight, but I wouldn’t trade away my freedom of thought and expression for a bigger paycheck!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Academics were never a problem for me, but detaching myself from fundamentalism, then, later, from the pastorate, was far from easy, though quite exciting. Making a decent living remains worrisome, but the independence is well worth it. Still, sometimes I do miss aspects of the ministry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer of both fiction and nonfiction with many publications to my name, and this is very gratifying. I derive great satisfaction from the many emails I receive from those who have been liberated from dogmatic religion by reading my critiques of it. What sets me apart? Probably my love of the Bible and religion, though I am no longer a “believer.” I communicate my love for and fascination with scripture despite rejecting orthodox belief. To use Paul Tillich’s great phrase, I exist “on the boundary.” And loving every minute of it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The many authors, scholars, and friends I have met over the years, the exciting encounters and adventures I have experienced, and, most of all, my wonderful family and friends often make me reflect, “I’m the luckiest guy in the world!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://robertmprice.mindvendor.com
Image Credits
These photos were taken by my wife Qarol.
