Socialist mysticism and cosmic consciousness

Pagan and Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning

Name: Pagan and Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning
Author: Edward Carpenter

Edward Carpenter1920

Intermediatecomplete

Comparative study examining the pagan origins of Christian beliefs and rituals. Carpenter traces Christian doctrines back to earlier nature religions, sun worship, and mystery cults, arguing that Christianity preserved and transformed ancient pagan symbolism. Explores themes of death and resurrection, virgin birth, and sacramental meals across cultures.

Also known asCarpenter's Creeds

This edition1920

EditionFirst edition

Comparative ReligionComparative MythologyCross-CulturalMystery religionsritual documentationAnthropological approach to religionTotemismsolar mythology

Contents27 chapters

01Pagan & Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning
02CONTENTS
03PAGAN AND CHRISTIAN CREEDS: THEIR ORIGIN AND MEANING
04I. INTRODUCTORY
05II. SOLAR MYTHS AND CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS
06III. THE SYMBOLISM OF THE ZODIAC
07IV. TOTEM-SACRAMENTS AND EUCHARISTS
08V. FOOD AND VEGETATION MAGIC
09VI. MAGICIANS, KINGS AND GODS
10VII. RITES OF EXPIATION AND REDEMPTION
11VIII. PAGAN INITIATIONS AND THE SECOND BIRTH
12IX. MYTH OF THE GOLDEN AGE
13X. THE SAVIOUR-GOD AND THE VIRGIN-MOTHER
14XI. RITUAL DANCING
15XII. THE SEX-TABOO
16XIII. THE GENESIS OF CHRISTIANITY
17XIV. THE MEANING OF IT ALL
18XV. THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES
19XVI. THE EXODUS OF CHRISTIANITY
20XVII. CONCLUSION
21APPENDIX
22THE TEACHING OF THE UPANISHADS
23I. REST
24II. THE NATURE OF THE SELF
25THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
26"Cover"
27The Project Gutenberg eBook of Pagan and Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning, by Edward Carpenter