Carpenter argues that Christianity grew out of the older pagan religions and is of one piece with them. Chapter by chapter he traces Christian festivals to solar myths and the zodiac, the Eucharist to totem sacraments, and the saviour-god and virgin-mother to ancient patterns, alongside ritual dancing, initiation rites, sex taboos and the myth of a golden age.
A provocative 1920 work of comparative religion, still read by anyone interested in the pagan background of Christian belief. Download the free EPUB.