Publisher's Synopsis
The Pagan Background of Early Christianity is a book by W.R. Halliday that explores the influence of pagan beliefs and practices on the development of Christianity in its early stages. The author examines the similarities and differences between pagan religions and Christianity, and argues that many of the elements of Christian theology and ritual can be traced back to earlier pagan traditions. Halliday discusses the role of mystery religions, the cult of the emperor, and the influence of Greek philosophy on Christian thought. He also explores the ways in which Christianity adapted pagan practices and beliefs in order to appeal to a wider audience, and how this process helped to shape the religion we know today. This book provides a fascinating insight into the early history of Christianity, and the complex relationship between pagan and Christian beliefs.1925. A series of ten lectures delivered on behalf of the Liverpool Board of Biblical Studies. The author's aim in this collection is to paint a picture of the general character of pagan society and pagan thought during the early centuries of the Christian era. Includes the following lectures: introductory; administration, municipalities, guilds; communications; society and social ethics; eastern and western elements in Greco-Roman civilization; decline of rationalism; union with God and the immortality of the soul; mystery religions; Mithraism; similarity of Christian and pagan ritual.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
