Edward Carpenter

Pagan and Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning Edward Carpenter

The subject of religious origins is complex and yields many aspects for consideration. In 1920, when Pagan & Christian Creeds was first published, few realized that Christianity had sprung from the same root as Paganism and shared by far most of its doctrines and rites. In this classic study are considered three paths in the evolution of religion: the connection of religious rites and observations with the sun and other astronomical bodies, leading to the invention of remote deities in heaven; the second involving religion with the earth, nature, and seasonal changes; the third linking religion with the human body, aspects of fertility and undying life. So too covered is the process which divinities and demons were created and rites for their propitiation and placation established. Carpenter was not shy from applying a queer lens to religious history. Contemporary readers seeking answers to the question of what caused the appearance of faith and the phenomenon of religion will find this book invaluable study.