A Short Introduction to Ancient Religions

by John Lord

The first inquiry we naturally make is in regard to the various religious systems which were accepted by the ancient nations, since religion, in some form or other, is the most universal of institutions, and has had the earliest and the greatest influence on the condition and life of peoples—that is to say, on their civilizations—in every period of the world. And, necessarily, considering what is the object in religion, when we undertake to examine any particular form of it which has obtained among any people or at any period of time, we must ask, How far did its priests and sages teach exalted ideas of Deity, of the soul, and of immortality? How far did they arrive at lofty and immutable principles of morality? How far did religion, such as was taught, practically affect the lives of those who professed it, and lead them to just and reasonable treatment of one another, or to holy contemplation, or noble deeds, or sublime repose in anticipation of a higher and endless life? And how did the various religions compare with what we believe to be the true religion—Christianity—in its pure and ennobling truths, its inspiring promises, and its quiet influence in changing and developing character?

29 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2016

About the author

John Lord was an American historian and lecturer. He graduated from Dartmouth and the Andover Theological Seminary.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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Reviews

[Lucy Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does what it promises, giving a brief and clear guide to the religions of the ancient Near East - Babylon, Egypt etc. However, it is a product of its time. The author died in 1894, and this book is part of a series: Beacon Lights of History (14 volumes; 1883–96) "This covers the old pagan civilisations through to modern Europe and America in his time." (Wikipedia) Lord finds polytheism (many gods) "repulsive". He theorises that civilisations originally thought of gods as personifications of light, fire etc, and their associated animals were symbols only. However, they all slid into polytheism, idolatry and horrible practices like animal and human sacrifice. However, he suggests that the truth about the Unknown God, the Father of All was known to an inner circle of educated and philosophical priests. Other authors seem to have picked up this idea. Fascinating both as a history of the area, and as a reflection on the late 19th century.