Bible Myths and their Parallels in other Religions Being a Comparison of the Old and New Testament Myths and Miracles with those of the Heathen Nations ... Considering also their Origin and Meaning

by Thomas William Doane

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Mythology, Christianity

619 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1882

Reviews

[Gerard E. Trigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1882 and revised in 1910, it is still relevant. While there are some are some areas where further data has put some of his statements into question, the majority have only confirmed and strengthened his argument, that while real Jesus may have existed, the stories in the Bible about his life are pure myth, copied from the myths of other religions. Typical of many books written in the nineteenth century it is often wordy, tedious and repetitious. Having said that there are other areas that are clear, concise and poetic prose. Another book that is well worth having, if for no other reason for the references he gives, many of which are neglected by modern scholars. Also, it gives a good history of how long the idea of the mythological nature of the Jesus in the New Testament has been noted and reported on. From the earliest days of Christianity to the present this tome is full of epistles, letters and writings showing how often and by how many early authorities have known that the Gospels were mythological in origin and the true Jesus would not recognize himself in the gospels if he could read them.

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Spirit Of Campbell and Jung

Written a century or more ago, the book is a look at the similarities between religions and mythologies - focusing on the Judeo-Christian comparison to other regions and religious traditions. There’s a lot to unpack here - all of it solidly cited, researched and cross referenced. The premise of the author is that modern Christianity is an amalgam of multiple historical legends with little archaeological or contemporary support. A compelling and interesting read.

[Rita Becht · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inconsistent historical information,
Questionable comparisons.

[Noula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...I got to page 111 and practically skimmed the 600 page book. It was hard to read due to the file format of when it was uploaded. The book talks about stories in the Bible then compares them to myths that are similar. It’s impossible to zoom in to the small fine print. You can make out the words in the document but this one is really old. Written in the late 1800s or something like that from an unpopular writer of that era. This is a book that will challenge your faith. Can you still believe in a God knowing that the story was copied?

There seems to be some sort of pattern that I’ve noticed. Stories copying others and adding to them. For example, Dracula the vampire drinks human blood and then twilight where the vampire drinks animal blood. That is how I see this book from my perspective. It’s one that tells you religion is a story and has been. To take that story and make it a religion took a lot of convincing that it’s my way or the highway.

[Dani Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering the time when it was published (1882) this is probably one of the most comprehensive compilations of parallel beliefs and myths between the ancient pagan religions and the Abrahamic ones (that I have read). Whether it was proven or not, within the limited scope of our knowledge it all made us deeply think about each similarity and how we twist truths and traditions in accordance with our desires to maintain power and influence.

4 stars for the Sun God the OG

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's eye-opening but it's kind of all over the place. I needed a more linear structured presentation of comparative religious stories to be able to connect the dots than what this book provided.