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Myths of Christianity: A Five Thousand Year Journey to Find the Son of God
YOU NEVER LEARNED THIS IN SUNDAY SCHOOL!
Millions of readers worldwide were shocked by the controversial claims of novels like the Da Vinci Code and Zealot. Now, this entertaining, thought-provoking and meticulously researched narrative by a believer in Jesus uncovers the origins of long-held Christian traditions.
Two thousand five hundred years ago - more than two centuries has passed since Jerusalem was sacked and the temple destroyed by the Babylonians. The mighty nation of Israel is shattered and the Jewish people scattered across the continent. Now under Persian rule, Ezra, the "Father of Judaism," leads the Jews back to their homeland to rebuild Jerusalem and the holy temple. But unlike Moses, Ezra is not acting under divine, prophetic authority - Ezra was sent by the King of Persia to teach the Israelites the laws of God; not the Hebrew laws of old, but the laws of the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism.
Ezra's "reformed" teachings on God, the Devil, angels, resurrection and the coming of an apocalyptic savior will forever change Jewish tradition and create a cultural expectation that will eventually shape the legendary status of a lowly carpenter and forever alter how the west will see the world.
In clear, straightforward terms, Jedediah McClure sifts through centuries of myths and traditions and assembles extensively researched scholarship into an engaging and relatable account of Christianity’s origins. McClure examines the development of core Christian doctrines through the lens of the chaotic era in which this religion took root: an era dominated by foreign occupation and pagan influence, overshadowed by the destruction of Jerusalem and with it Jewish nationalism and inundated in apocalyptic fanaticism. Countless prophets, preachers and charlatans alike trekked across the empire performing "miracles" and spreading their own versions of the Word of God. This was an age of confusion and competition - where rival Christian leaders competed with each other for followers; where access to authentic "gospel" texts were in limited supply while countless contradictory "gospels" vied for legitimacy; and where long-standing local traditions from region to region altered the manner in which Christianity was practiced.
Myths of Christianity provides a fresh, non-divisive perspective on the origins of the world's greatest religion even as it affirms the transformative power of Christian principles. The result is a thought-provoking, elegantly written narrative that makes complex, intertwined, and nuanced historical, cultural, and religious paradigms understandable, enlightening and even fun and entertaining.
Please take a moment and preview the first chapter. For more information find us at Amazon.com: http://geni.us/MofC
Millions of readers worldwide were shocked by the controversial claims of novels like the Da Vinci Code and Zealot. Now, this entertaining, thought-provoking and meticulously researched narrative by a believer in Jesus uncovers the origins of long-held Christian traditions.
Two thousand five hundred years ago - more than two centuries has passed since Jerusalem was sacked and the temple destroyed by the Babylonians. The mighty nation of Israel is shattered and the Jewish people scattered across the continent. Now under Persian rule, Ezra, the "Father of Judaism," leads the Jews back to their homeland to rebuild Jerusalem and the holy temple. But unlike Moses, Ezra is not acting under divine, prophetic authority - Ezra was sent by the King of Persia to teach the Israelites the laws of God; not the Hebrew laws of old, but the laws of the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism.
Ezra's "reformed" teachings on God, the Devil, angels, resurrection and the coming of an apocalyptic savior will forever change Jewish tradition and create a cultural expectation that will eventually shape the legendary status of a lowly carpenter and forever alter how the west will see the world.
In clear, straightforward terms, Jedediah McClure sifts through centuries of myths and traditions and assembles extensively researched scholarship into an engaging and relatable account of Christianity’s origins. McClure examines the development of core Christian doctrines through the lens of the chaotic era in which this religion took root: an era dominated by foreign occupation and pagan influence, overshadowed by the destruction of Jerusalem and with it Jewish nationalism and inundated in apocalyptic fanaticism. Countless prophets, preachers and charlatans alike trekked across the empire performing "miracles" and spreading their own versions of the Word of God. This was an age of confusion and competition - where rival Christian leaders competed with each other for followers; where access to authentic "gospel" texts were in limited supply while countless contradictory "gospels" vied for legitimacy; and where long-standing local traditions from region to region altered the manner in which Christianity was practiced.
Myths of Christianity provides a fresh, non-divisive perspective on the origins of the world's greatest religion even as it affirms the transformative power of Christian principles. The result is a thought-provoking, elegantly written narrative that makes complex, intertwined, and nuanced historical, cultural, and religious paradigms understandable, enlightening and even fun and entertaining.
Please take a moment and preview the first chapter. For more information find us at Amazon.com: http://geni.us/MofC
- GenresSpirituality
434 pages, ebook
First published June 29, 2014
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 28, 2015
a well-researched and engaging examination of the many ancient cultural threads in the tapestry of Christianity
Its website calls this book "both devout and subversive." I'd say that is just about right.
LIKES
**the elucidation of how time, place, and important people influenced both the written history and oral traditions of Christianity
**the amazing images of historical texts and artifacts -- this truly enhanced my understanding of the topic
**the startlingly insightful parallels between modern events and biblical times
DISLIKES
**sometimes the description of those modern events interrupts the narrative rather abruptly
**as a reader, i don't like my beliefs being challenged. it makes me feel unsettled and uncomfortable! on the other hand, i found myself re-thinking what i "know" about this topic and considerably broadening my views. so i disliked the discomfort but appreciated the outcome.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this ebook from the author. I can honestly say that all opinions expressed here are my own. I can also honestly say that the author is one of the smartest people I know, so if you're interested in this topic, you should definitely pick this book up!
Its website calls this book "both devout and subversive." I'd say that is just about right.
LIKES
**the elucidation of how time, place, and important people influenced both the written history and oral traditions of Christianity
**the amazing images of historical texts and artifacts -- this truly enhanced my understanding of the topic
**the startlingly insightful parallels between modern events and biblical times
DISLIKES
**sometimes the description of those modern events interrupts the narrative rather abruptly
**as a reader, i don't like my beliefs being challenged. it makes me feel unsettled and uncomfortable! on the other hand, i found myself re-thinking what i "know" about this topic and considerably broadening my views. so i disliked the discomfort but appreciated the outcome.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this ebook from the author. I can honestly say that all opinions expressed here are my own. I can also honestly say that the author is one of the smartest people I know, so if you're interested in this topic, you should definitely pick this book up!
October 1, 2016
Myths of Christianity by Jedediah McClure, takes you on a comprehensive historic journey into the Christian faith with the accuracy and detail of a college level text book, coupled with the personal accounts associated with a great autobiography.
Mr. McClure’s scholarly background and detailed study are clearly apparent from the onset. However, this is done in such an intellectually attainable way, as to never distance or bore the reader. He covers in detail the origins of the most popular ideas surrounding religion, from angels & demons, heaven & hell, Easter & Christmas, to most importantly the origins of the doctrine itself. He offers a meticulous account of the religious history without taking sides, never trying to argue for or against a specific denomination in the Christian faith. This deliberately allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, with the comfortable knowledge that they have all the appropriate information to do so. I particularly liked the fact that Mr. McClure took the time to define religious nomenclature terms throughout the text, so as to not to break your reading stride. Stopping to Google unfamiliar terms can be exhaustive and disconcerting while enjoying a great book, often breaking your reading cadence.
This subject matter is vast and complex by its very nature. However, this well organized work, allows the reader to digest the information in manageable portions. He explains things consistently well, often drawing parallels between modern day politics and pop culture. From famous martial artists, to infamous corporate giants, these analogies cement complex ideas for the general reader.
The reality is this book as takeaways for everyone. The religious fundamentalist or extremist will benefit from the accuracy and unfiltered information, hopefully refocusing on the common themes throughout all faiths, which is love, connectedness, compassion, tolerance, etc. The everyday believer will enjoy the myths, stories and concrete knowledge surrounding the faith that they espouse to believe in. Even the Atheist will walk away with an increased historically knowledge, appreciating the hard facts without the emotional faith supporting interpretations that often taint religious literature.
I enthusiastically recommend this work to anyone wanting an unbiased, comprehensive, and easily readable history into the Christian faith and its vast intricacies.
Mr. McClure’s scholarly background and detailed study are clearly apparent from the onset. However, this is done in such an intellectually attainable way, as to never distance or bore the reader. He covers in detail the origins of the most popular ideas surrounding religion, from angels & demons, heaven & hell, Easter & Christmas, to most importantly the origins of the doctrine itself. He offers a meticulous account of the religious history without taking sides, never trying to argue for or against a specific denomination in the Christian faith. This deliberately allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, with the comfortable knowledge that they have all the appropriate information to do so. I particularly liked the fact that Mr. McClure took the time to define religious nomenclature terms throughout the text, so as to not to break your reading stride. Stopping to Google unfamiliar terms can be exhaustive and disconcerting while enjoying a great book, often breaking your reading cadence.
This subject matter is vast and complex by its very nature. However, this well organized work, allows the reader to digest the information in manageable portions. He explains things consistently well, often drawing parallels between modern day politics and pop culture. From famous martial artists, to infamous corporate giants, these analogies cement complex ideas for the general reader.
The reality is this book as takeaways for everyone. The religious fundamentalist or extremist will benefit from the accuracy and unfiltered information, hopefully refocusing on the common themes throughout all faiths, which is love, connectedness, compassion, tolerance, etc. The everyday believer will enjoy the myths, stories and concrete knowledge surrounding the faith that they espouse to believe in. Even the Atheist will walk away with an increased historically knowledge, appreciating the hard facts without the emotional faith supporting interpretations that often taint religious literature.
I enthusiastically recommend this work to anyone wanting an unbiased, comprehensive, and easily readable history into the Christian faith and its vast intricacies.
January 10, 2015
The Myths of Christianity by Jeddiah McClure is well written, entertaining, and insightful, taking the reader on “a five thousand year journey to find the Son of God.”
McClure provides numerous examples of how our concepts about Jesus evolved, heavily influenced by ancient myths, noting that the beliefs that modern Christians have accepted as gospel were shaped by “countless pagan beliefs, symbols and stories” that conformed to the times. I was surprised to learn, for example, that the Persians had one of the most enduring influences on the laws, religion and culture of the Jewish people; and that these would form the roots of primitive Christianity’s belief in a spiritual Savior, resurrection, Satan, final judgment, and the afterlife.
To keep his analysis accessible to the lay reader, McClure uses modern examples to illustrate how the followers of Christ changed the teachings of Jesus over the centuries in the same way disciples of Bruce Lee modified their master’s teachings after Lee’s death to serve their own agendas. McClure says that authors of the Bible borrowed ideas from other religious sources, just as J. K. Rowling, the author of the popular Harry Potter series of books, drew from other literary sources, including the novel “Jane Eyre.”
This book is must reading in this age of religious intolerance, where acts of violence are perpetrated against those whose spiritual practices differ from ours. To paraphrase the author’s concluding, and perhaps most important, message: Jesus taught that the two most important spiritual laws are to love God and to love one another.
McClure provides numerous examples of how our concepts about Jesus evolved, heavily influenced by ancient myths, noting that the beliefs that modern Christians have accepted as gospel were shaped by “countless pagan beliefs, symbols and stories” that conformed to the times. I was surprised to learn, for example, that the Persians had one of the most enduring influences on the laws, religion and culture of the Jewish people; and that these would form the roots of primitive Christianity’s belief in a spiritual Savior, resurrection, Satan, final judgment, and the afterlife.
To keep his analysis accessible to the lay reader, McClure uses modern examples to illustrate how the followers of Christ changed the teachings of Jesus over the centuries in the same way disciples of Bruce Lee modified their master’s teachings after Lee’s death to serve their own agendas. McClure says that authors of the Bible borrowed ideas from other religious sources, just as J. K. Rowling, the author of the popular Harry Potter series of books, drew from other literary sources, including the novel “Jane Eyre.”
This book is must reading in this age of religious intolerance, where acts of violence are perpetrated against those whose spiritual practices differ from ours. To paraphrase the author’s concluding, and perhaps most important, message: Jesus taught that the two most important spiritual laws are to love God and to love one another.
November 11, 2016
I started “Myths of Christianity: A Five Thousand Year Journey to Find the Son of God”
worried that it would be an attack on all my Christian beliefs. Instead, it was a thorough look at the evolution of those beliefs and how they have changed over time. Yes, many of our Christian positions were “agreed upon” by church officials well after the life of Christ to prevent dissension in the church and conform to “expected” norms of how God works. This evolution is explained in great detail. But this only serves to show that we are trying to explain something (God’s role in our lives) that is fundamentally beyond our comprehension. The book simply exposes that some of our “truths” were not really the teachings of Christ. I did not realize, for example, that there is no mention of Satan in the Old Testament and Satan was seen as an angel doing God’s bidding in the New Testament. At that time, it was believed that one God controlled all things, good and bad, the devil came much later. Similarly, there is no mention of Christ’s actual birthday in the Bible and that it was traditionally celebrated in the spring but moved to December 25th to replace the pagan celebration of the winter solstice thereby appeasing new pagan converts to the religion.
In the end, this unabashed look into our Christian traditions simply served to reinforce that Christianity is not about the “details” but about His true message; “Love God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Christ taught a very simple religion based on these two very simple rules.
I highly recommend this book for those searching to make sense of Christianity. It is not about being able to site certain Bible passages or about being Catholic or Protestant that make you a Christian. It is about loving God and your neighbors, end of sentence.
worried that it would be an attack on all my Christian beliefs. Instead, it was a thorough look at the evolution of those beliefs and how they have changed over time. Yes, many of our Christian positions were “agreed upon” by church officials well after the life of Christ to prevent dissension in the church and conform to “expected” norms of how God works. This evolution is explained in great detail. But this only serves to show that we are trying to explain something (God’s role in our lives) that is fundamentally beyond our comprehension. The book simply exposes that some of our “truths” were not really the teachings of Christ. I did not realize, for example, that there is no mention of Satan in the Old Testament and Satan was seen as an angel doing God’s bidding in the New Testament. At that time, it was believed that one God controlled all things, good and bad, the devil came much later. Similarly, there is no mention of Christ’s actual birthday in the Bible and that it was traditionally celebrated in the spring but moved to December 25th to replace the pagan celebration of the winter solstice thereby appeasing new pagan converts to the religion.
In the end, this unabashed look into our Christian traditions simply served to reinforce that Christianity is not about the “details” but about His true message; “Love God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Christ taught a very simple religion based on these two very simple rules.
I highly recommend this book for those searching to make sense of Christianity. It is not about being able to site certain Bible passages or about being Catholic or Protestant that make you a Christian. It is about loving God and your neighbors, end of sentence.
October 8, 2015
Jedediah McClure has taken a scrutinizing eye to the early history of Christianity, and the cultural influences that may have determined various doctrines. He is quite thorough, and this book will challenge you. But it is worth it.
One of my favorite things about this book were the brilliant analogies McClure brings to the table. Two favorites stand out. The first was the "Bruce Lee Paradox". The Bruce Lee paradox comes from considering how Bruce Lee legitimately rocked the martial arts world and changed it forever...but there were only ever three teachers he licensed for Jeet Kun Do. And before he died, he dismantled all Jeet Kun Do schools. Yet, after he died, dozens of schools popped up, all claiming direct despondency, or in some cases the instructors would actually claim that they taught Bruce Lee. Of the three original instructors, they had disagreements as to how Jeet Kun Do should be taught. Yet it is undeniable that Bruce Lee had a profound effect on the Martial Arts world. Likewise, the early Church was full of unlicensed teachers all claiming to have come directly from apostles, and among the original apostles James, Peter, and Paul (who wasn't actually an original apostle), there were disagreements.
Another analogy I loved was his comparison of Biblical interpretation to the two methods of Constitutional interpretation: interpreting it as a living document that changes with new modern understandings, or Originalism, which believes that we should determine what the original writers wanted and never, ever change from there. We see this same disagreement in Biblical interpretation, and yet it really doesn't make sense when you understand the history of how the Biblical canon came together.
One of my favorite things about this book were the brilliant analogies McClure brings to the table. Two favorites stand out. The first was the "Bruce Lee Paradox". The Bruce Lee paradox comes from considering how Bruce Lee legitimately rocked the martial arts world and changed it forever...but there were only ever three teachers he licensed for Jeet Kun Do. And before he died, he dismantled all Jeet Kun Do schools. Yet, after he died, dozens of schools popped up, all claiming direct despondency, or in some cases the instructors would actually claim that they taught Bruce Lee. Of the three original instructors, they had disagreements as to how Jeet Kun Do should be taught. Yet it is undeniable that Bruce Lee had a profound effect on the Martial Arts world. Likewise, the early Church was full of unlicensed teachers all claiming to have come directly from apostles, and among the original apostles James, Peter, and Paul (who wasn't actually an original apostle), there were disagreements.
Another analogy I loved was his comparison of Biblical interpretation to the two methods of Constitutional interpretation: interpreting it as a living document that changes with new modern understandings, or Originalism, which believes that we should determine what the original writers wanted and never, ever change from there. We see this same disagreement in Biblical interpretation, and yet it really doesn't make sense when you understand the history of how the Biblical canon came together.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews