The Christian Mythology


Read by Louise J. Belle

(4 stars; 2 reviews)

"Knowledge is power, but ignorance is the mother of devotion."
Christianity, like all other religions, came not into the world full-grown, but from the simple conceptions of its early followers became gradually elaborated by the introduction of pagan forms and customs until it supplanted its early rivals and gave its adherents a compact and solid theology not very different from that of its predecessors….
Probably the true source of that human characteristic which is defined as the religious instinct and which is supposed to be an elevating and moral agent, is to be found in the superstition which originated in fear of the unknown….
In our perusal of the subject, we shall first consider the life of Jesus as taught by the Christian church; secondly, the dogmas affecting the source of his power and the results of his influence; and, thirdly, the rites and ceremonies with which his worship is performed.
[from the Preface]

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Preface 7:38 Read by Louise J. Belle
The Virgin Birth 24:23 Read by Louise J. Belle
Pagan Parallels 24:56 Read by Louise J. Belle
Spurious Relics 7:22 Read by Louise J. Belle
Trial and Execution Myths 15:56 Read by Louise J. Belle
Distorted ''Prophecies'' 7:23 Read by Louise J. Belle
The Resurrection 24:51 Read by Louise J. Belle
Miracles 21:32 Read by Louise J. Belle
Atonement and Salvation by Faith 13:32 Read by Louise J. Belle
The Trinity -- Mariolatry 20:47 Read by Louise J. Belle
Saints -- Good and Evil Spirits 35:39 Read by Louise J. Belle
Religious Holidays and Rites 22:28 Read by Louise J. Belle
The Eucharist 9:41 Read by Louise J. Belle
Spread of Christianity 23:32 Read by Louise J. Belle

Reviews

ennoyae


(4 stars)

Written in plain English, this intriguing diatribe against Christianity is eloquent and fun. The reader's voice is sonorous and soothing. Her pacing is ideal for digesting the content. As for the writer's ideas, the arguments are varied. Sometimes they reward reflection and sometimes they don't. Before criticising Christian practice she starts with questioning bits of the Bible about Jesus' life, including even the crucifixion. Some attacks are based on the author's preconceived ideas. For example telepathy was a popular belief in her time. She obviously shares it and mentions it along with hypnosis to explain miracles away. Beliefs in other religions are adduced to show that Christian ones are not original. However, the idea of Buddha as judge of the dead and many such glaring absurdities draw the author's claims generally into question. In short, listen to this for great entertainment and some food for thought but with a grain of salt.