Originally Posted by LeeBuhrul

most of this book has little to do with opinion... it's really a historical overview of biblical writings placed in context...

makes you look at the bible from a very different angle... which is why i don't expect many christians will have courage to read it

Originally Posted by badger3k

They argue (IIRC - it's been a bit and I've read other works since then...) that the character of Jesus was mythical and based upon pagan deities. They start off with some assumptions (esp on an early origin of gnostic beliefs) and take it from there. I think they relate the story of Jesus as allegory from a Jewish-Pagan mystery religion that got subverted by those who believed that the myths were literally true.

I may have to read it again. I remember thinking that they had some interesting points and arguments, but it all seemed to be based upon some dubious assumptions that I do not think they provided enough evidence for. Still, it certainly encourages asking questions (at least for me) and stimulated again my interest in mythology.

Originally Posted by GakuseiDon

Is that the same kind of courage required to read Freke and Gandy's "Jesus Mysteries"?

Here is the Editorial Review for "Secret Origins":

• Clearly written and easily understandable by the lay reader.
• Thoroughly researched: author's points are backed by references in the writings of acknowledged scholars.
• Special features of the book: lavishly illustrated with multiple images in each illustration that show at a glance the mythic themes paralleling the bible.

This book demonstrates that the stories and themes of the Bible were part of the great mythic systems of the ancient world by using comparative mythology, tell tale verses in the Bible and archaeology. The abstract God of modern monotheistic Judaism, Christianity and Islam is a comparatively recent creation.

In later times the myth of a messianic deliverer was combined with that of the pagan god-man who suffered a horrible, excruciating death but was physically resurrected to produce the Christ myth.

Originally Posted by jonesg

Is this supposed to be new stuff, I've been reading this for yrs.
Based partly in fact, its put together to form a conspiracy.
Like the davinci code duz.

Originally Posted by jonesg

Is this supposed to be new stuff, I've been reading this for yrs.
Based partly in fact, its put together to form a conspiracy.
Like the davinci code duz.

Originally Posted by The Great Speaker

I have courage enough to read it.

I just hope I have enough money to. :rolling:

Originally Posted by LeeBuhrul

I wonder how many christians have the courage to read it through?

Originally Posted by Roger Pearse

Some books do require courage to read all the way through: the sort of courage that can defeat the "I'm sooo bored I'm afraid that I'm going to rupture something the next time I yawn" feeling.

All the best,

Roger Pearse

Originally Posted by LeeBuhrul

I'll even pay for the postage...