Have you ever read something that makes you rethink what you’ve always assumed was true? That’s exactly what happened when you cracked open Dangerous Myths of the Western World by Richard Malmed. This book doesn’t just poke holes in centuries-old religious stories — it dives headfirst into them with research, historical comparisons, and a voice that pulls no punches. Malmed takes on sacred cows like the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and even the foundations of Christian power structures, all while challenging the reader to question what’s been handed down as “truth.”
It’s bold. It’s thought-provoking. And honestly? It’s kind of refreshing. Malmed’s writing is like having a passionate, really well-read friend break down the origins of beliefs that have shaped Western culture — for better or worse. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, skeptical, or just curious, the book grabs your attention. Especially when it hits this twist:
“Since Mary Magdalene is present at Lazarus’ rising from the dead, Jesus’ crucifixion and at his tomb when the body is discovered missing, it is obvious that Mary Magdalene was an important character in Jesus’ life and probably his wife.”
— Dangerous Myths of the Western World, Mary Magdalene, p.16
Rewriting What You Thought
What makes Dangerous Myths of the Western World stand out is its fearless dive into some of Christianity’s most foundational characters and stories — and the way those stories have shaped the treatment of women, sexuality, and power in the West. It’s not just a breakdown of religious myths; it’s an investigation into how those myths were crafted, by whom, and for what purpose. Malmed explores how characters like the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene were reduced to simplistic roles — the virgin or the whore — and how that dichotomy has subtly kept generations of women boxed into passive or shameful identities.
The book doesn’t stop there. It goes after the institution of the church itself — particularly after Constantine’s rise — showing how state and religion merged into one massive engine of control. Malmed points out how the church adopted Roman military structure, used fear-based doctrines, and even resurrected pagan-style idolatry (hello, relics) all while claiming divine moral authority. From papal politics to the virgin birth debate, it’s clear he’s done his homework, and he’s not sugarcoating a thing.
Malmed also connects the dots between early Christian leaders like Paul and the longstanding misogyny baked into church doctrine. If you’ve ever wondered why women were kept out of power for so long, he shows how church-approved interpretations of scripture actively worked to make sure it stayed that way. This isn’t just about theology — it’s about history, sociology, and how those stories still echo today.
The Wilderness is His Backyard
Meet The Man Behind This Book
Richard Malmed isn’t just some random guy with opinions. He’s an attorney and longtime writer who’s known for challenging the status quo, and he brings that same courtroom energy into every chapter of this book. With years of legal research under his belt, Malmed treats historical and religious texts like testimony — pulling apart inconsistencies, examining the timeline, and pointing out what doesn’t hold up. He doesn’t tell you what to think, but he sure gives you a ton to think about.
Malmed has written and spoken on religion, history, and law, always with a critical, evidence-based approach. This book is the latest in his quest to uncover how ancient narratives still shape our modern world — and how we might begin to rewrite the future by examining the past.
If you’re into digging deep, questioning the norms, or just want a book that challenges your brain in the best way, Dangerous Myths of the Western World is a must-read. The book invites you to see history — and maybe even yourself — with new eyes.
Dangerous Myths of the Western World
Grab your copy and challenge everything.