How John G Jackson Uncovered the Ancient Roots of Christianity in Christianity Before Christ
Christianity Before Christ John G Jackson Pdf Download
Are you interested in learning about the history and origins of Christianity? Do you want to know how this religion evolved from ancient cultures and traditions? Do you want to read a book that challenges the conventional views and exposes the flaws and fallacies of Christianity?
Christianity Before Christ John G Jackson Pdf Download
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If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should download Christianity Before Christ by John G Jackson. This book is a masterpiece of historical research and critical analysis that reveals the truth about the origins and development of Christianity. In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book is about, who the author is, and why you should read it. We will also provide you with a link to download the PDF version of this book for free.
Introduction
What is Christianity Before Christ?
Christianity Before Christ is a book that was first published in 1985 by John G Jackson. It is a collection of essays that explore the historical and cultural roots of Christianity, as well as its contradictions and problems. The book argues that Christianity is not a unique or original religion, but rather a synthesis of various ancient beliefs and practices that predate the birth of Jesus Christ. The book also exposes the errors and inconsistencies in the Christian scriptures and doctrines, and shows how they have been used to justify oppression and violence throughout history.
Who is John G Jackson?
John G Jackson was an African-American historian, educator, and writer who was born in 1907 and died in 1993. He was a pioneer of Afrocentric scholarship and a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He was also a freethinker and an atheist who challenged the religious dogmas and myths that he saw as harmful to humanity. He wrote several books and articles on topics such as African history, ancient civilizations, comparative religion, philosophy, and sociology. He was also a lecturer and a teacher who inspired many students and scholars with his knowledge and wisdom.
Why is this book important?
This book is important because it offers a different perspective on Christianity that is rarely taught or discussed in mainstream education or media. It shows how Christianity borrowed and adapted many elements from older religions such as Egyptian mythology, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Mithraism, and Greek philosophy. It also shows how Christianity changed and evolved over time due to political and social factors, such as the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment. It also shows how Christianity has been used to oppress and exploit people of different races, genders, classes, and cultures throughout history.
This book is also important because it encourages critical thinking and independent inquiry. It challenges the reader to question the assumptions and beliefs that they have been taught or inherited from their family or society. It invites the reader to examine the evidence and arguments for themselves, and to form their own opinions based on reason and logic. It also provides the reader with resources and references for further reading and research.
Main Body
The origins of Christianity
The Egyptian influence
One of the main sources of inspiration for Christianity was the ancient Egyptian religion. The Egyptians had a complex and sophisticated system of beliefs and practices that involved the worship of many gods and goddesses, the concept of the afterlife, the rituals of mummification and burial, and the use of symbols and hieroglyphs. The Egyptians also had a rich and diverse literature that included myths, legends, hymns, prayers, spells, and moral teachings.
Many of the stories and doctrines of Christianity can be traced back to the Egyptian religion. For example, the story of the virgin birth of Jesus is similar to the story of the virgin birth of Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. The story of the resurrection of Jesus is similar to the story of the resurrection of Osiris, who was killed and revived by his wife Isis. The story of the ascension of Jesus is similar to the story of the ascension of Horus, who became the ruler of heaven after defeating his uncle Set. The concept of the Trinity is similar to the concept of the Triad, which consisted of three deities that formed a family unit, such as Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
The Jewish influence
Another major source of influence for Christianity was Judaism. Judaism was the religion of the ancient Hebrews, who were a nomadic tribe that settled in the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel and Palestine). Judaism was based on the belief in one God (Yahweh) who made a covenant with Abraham, the ancestor of the Hebrews. Judaism also had a sacred scripture (the Torah) that contained the laws and commandments that God gave to Moses, the leader of the Hebrews. Judaism also had a temple (the Temple of Jerusalem) that was the center of worship and sacrifice.
Many of the beliefs and practices of Christianity were derived from Judaism. For example, Christianity adopted the idea of monotheism (the belief in one God) from Judaism. Christianity also adopted the idea of prophecy (the prediction of future events by God's messengers) from Judaism. Christianity also adopted many of the ethical teachings and moral values from Judaism, such as the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and the love of God and neighbor. Christianity also adopted many of the rituals and festivals from Judaism, such as baptism, circumcision, Passover, and Sabbath.
The Roman influence
A third major source of influence for Christianity was Roman culture. Rome was a powerful empire that ruled over most of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE. Rome had a sophisticated and diverse society that included politics, law, art, literature, philosophy, science, and religion. Rome also had a tolerant and pragmatic attitude towards other cultures and religions, as long as they did not threaten its authority or stability.
Many of the aspects and features of Christianity were influenced by Roman culture. For example, Christianity adopted the Latin language as its official language for communication and administration. Christianity also adopted the Roman alphabet as its writing system for its scriptures and documents. Christianity also adopted the Roman calendar as its system for measuring time and organizing events. Christianity also adopted the Roman architecture as its style for building churches and monuments. Christianity also adopted the Roman law as its basis for organizing its hierarchy and governance.
The development of Christianity
The early church fathers
The first centuries after the death of Jesus were marked by a period of growth and diversity for Christianity. The followers of Jesus spread his message across different regions and cultures, such as Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, and Rome. They also faced various challenges and conflicts from both external enemies (such as Jews, Romans, pagans) and internal rivals (such as heretics, schismatics). They also developed various doctrines and practices to define their faith and identity.
One of the main sources for understanding this period are the writings of the early church fathers. These were influential leaders and thinkers who shaped the theology and history of Christianity. Some examples are Clement of Rome (1st century), Ignatius of Antioch (2nd century), Justin Martyr (2nd century), Irenaeus (2nd century), Tertullian (3rd century), Origen (3rd century), Cyprian (3rd century), Athanasius (4th century), Basil (4th century), Gregory (4th century), John Chrysostom (4th century), Augustine (5th century), Jerome (5th century), etc.
The ecumenical councils
One of the main challenges that faced Christianity was how to deal with doctrinal disputes and controversies. There were many different opinions and interpretations about various aspects of Christian faith, such as the nature of God, Jesus Christ, The schisms and reforms
Another major challenge that faced Christianity was how to deal with political and social changes and crises. There were many factors and events that affected the unity and stability of Christianity, such as the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, the rise and spread of Islam, the invasions and migrations of barbarians, the emergence and growth of feudalism, the crusades and wars, the corruption and abuse of power by the clergy, the emergence and growth of nationalism, etc.
One of the main consequences of these factors and events was the division and fragmentation of Christianity into different branches and denominations. Some examples are the Great Schism (1054), which split Christianity into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic; the Protestant Reformation (16th century), which split Christianity into Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, Anabaptist, etc.; the Counter-Reformation (16th-17th century), which was a Catholic response to the Protestant challenge; the Anglican Schism (17th century), which split Anglicanism into High Church and Low Church; the Great Awakening (18th century), which sparked a revival of evangelicalism in America; etc.
The critique of Christianity
The historical errors
One of the main criticisms that has been raised against Christianity is that it is based on historical errors and inaccuracies. There are many examples of contradictions and inconsistencies in the Christian scriptures and traditions that cast doubt on their reliability and validity. Some examples are the discrepancies between the genealogies and birth narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke; the contradictions between the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the four Gospels; the anachronisms and errors in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles of Paul; etc.
There are also many examples of historical evidence that contradict or challenge the Christian claims and doctrines. Some examples are the lack of archaeological or documentary evidence for many of the events and figures in the Bible; the discovery of alternative or competing sources of information, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Library, or the Gnostic Gospels; etc.
The moral contradictions
Another major criticism that has been raised against Christianity is that it is based on moral contradictions and inconsistencies. There are many examples of ethical problems and dilemmas in the Christian scriptures and traditions that raise questions about their morality and justice. Some examples are the endorsement or justification of violence, slavery, sexism, homophobia, racism, genocide, etc. in the Old Testament or the New Testament; the paradox or contradiction between the love and wrath of God; the problem or mystery of evil and suffering in the world; etc.
There are also many examples of moral failures and scandals by Christian leaders and institutions throughout history. Some examples are the persecution or oppression of heretics, pagans, Jews, Muslims, witches, etc. by the church; the involvement or complicity of Christians in wars, crusades, colonialism, slavery, apartheid, etc.; the corruption or abuse of power, money, sex, etc. by the clergy; etc.
The social consequences
A third major criticism that has been raised against Christianity is that it has negative social consequences for humanity. There are many examples of how Christianity has hindered or harmed human progress and development in various fields and domains. Some examples are the suppression or rejection of science, reason, freedom, democracy, human rights, etc. by the church; the promotion or imposition of dogma, superstition, ignorance, fear, guilt, etc. by the church; the exploitation or manipulation of people's emotions, needs, desires, etc. by the church; etc.
There are also many examples of how Christianity has failed or neglected to address or solve some of the most pressing issues and challenges facing humanity today. Some examples are the environmental crisis, the poverty crisis, the health crisis, the education crisis, the peace crisis, etc.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have given you an overview of what Christianity Before Christ by John G Jackson is about, who the author is, and why you should read it. We have also summarized some of the main arguments and evidence that the book presents to show how Christianity originated from ancient cultures and traditions, how it developed over time due to various factors and events, and how it has been criticized for its errors, contradictions, and problems.
Recommendations for further reading
If you are interested in learning more about the history and origins of Christianity, or if you want to read other books that challenge the conventional views and expose the flaws and fallacies of Christianity, we recommend the following books:
The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World by Catherine Nixey
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why by Bart D. Ehrman
The Pagan Christ: Recovering the Lost Light by Tom Harpur
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Christianity Before Christ by John G Jackson:
Q: Where can I download the PDF version of this book for free?
A: You can download the PDF version of this book for free from this link: https://archive.org/details/ChristianityBeforeChristJohnG.Jackson/page/n1/mode/2up
Q: Is this book available in other languages?
A: Yes, this book is available in other languages, such as Spanish, French, German, Arabic, etc. You can find them on various online platforms, such as Amazon, Google Books, etc.
Q: Is this book suitable for children or teenagers?
A: No, this book is not suitable for children or teenagers, as it contains some mature and controversial topics and language that may be inappropriate or offensive for them. This book is intended for adults who are interested in history, religion, philosophy, or sociology.
Q: Is this book biased or objective?
A: This book is not biased or objective, but rather critical and analytical. The author does not claim to have the final or absolute truth, but rather to present his research and arguments based on evidence and logic. The author also acknowledges his sources and references, and invites the reader to verify and evaluate them for themselves.
Q: Is this book relevant or outdated?
A: This book is relevant and not outdated, as it deals with some of the most important and enduring questions and issues that humanity faces. The book also provides a historical and cultural context that helps to understand the origins and development of Christianity, as well as its impact and influence on the world today.
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