Christianity, the world's largest religion, has been a subject of various discussions and debates over its origin and influences. One such debate focuses on whether Christianity is inspired by paganism. **The main idea here is that although there are certain similarities and influences, the core teachings and beliefs of Christianity are fundamentally different from paganism.** It is important to acknowledge that there are indeed certain shared elements between Christianity and paganism. For instance, both religions share a belief in the existence of a higher power or gods. However, **the main point to consider is that Christianity's belief in one eternal God sets it apart from the polytheistic nature of paganism.
Medieval esoteric doctrines and alchemy viewed all of nature as trinitarian, possessing body, mind, and spirit (salt, sulfur and mercury), which was related directly to the Triune nature of God. Even specific mystical sects like Mithraism or the many forms of Gnosticism are tied closely to the development of Christianity.
However, melodramatic pagans will lament that this is when Europe have up its European soul and adopted a Jewish or desert religion which put the continent on a totally different and out-of-touch cultural direction. Atheist and spiritual R dditor Stephen Jay Gould put this in words in the modern era, calling science and religion non-overlapping magesteria, declaring in a laughable attempt at big-braned centrism that nothing in material reality is relevant to religion and nothing in religion is relevant to material reality.
However, **the main point to consider is that Christianity's belief in one eternal God sets it apart from the polytheistic nature of paganism.** Furthermore, customs and traditions in Christianity, such as the celebration of Christmas and Easter, have been claimed to have pagan roots. However, **these claims often overlook the transformation and reinterpretation of these festivals within the Christian context.
'Based' Paganism vs. Christianity
I’ve been meaning to write about Paganism recently. I will frame it as a response to an email I received within the past day or so:
Hey Luke,
First off, I would like to thank you for all your efforts in making everything you know accessible to everyone. You have exposed me to some of the most thought-provoking people on the internet and Varg is one of them. I was wondering if you can write an article or make a video on what you think about Varg’s Paganism in relation to you choosing Orthodox Christianity. I know that you briefly talked about it in one of your livestreams, however, I would like to better understand why you don’t practice Paganism yourself. My background is Serbian and most Serbians follow the Serbian Orthodox Church, but after watching Varg’s videos, I’m conflicted. I agree with a lot of what Varg says about Christianity, but my father long ago told me to follow the Serbian Orthodox Church if I were to become religious. I’m sure that many people feel the same way after watching Varg’s videos, and your thoughts on it would greatly help people like me make up their minds.
Best,
redacted
I will sum up my answer to this email in bullet points, then explain what I mean.
- Modern “paganism” is not a real thing and has nothing to do with paganism in history.
- The most direct cultural link between modern man and antiquity is the orthodox Christian Church.
- Truth matters—“Picking” a religion on personal preferences is brain-dead and self-refuting.
** Christmas, for example, was introduced as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, overshadowing any preexisting pagan associations. Additionally, **the core tenets of Christianity, such as the divinity of Jesus Christ and the concept of salvation through faith, are unique to the religion and differentiate it from paganism.** These foundational beliefs serve as the basis of Christian theology and have no direct counterparts in pagan belief systems. Moreover, **the ethical teachings and moral codes outlined in Christian scriptures, such as the Ten Commandments, differ significantly from the moral codes of paganism, which often varied across different cultures and civilizations.** The emphasis on love, forgiveness, and the concept of grace exemplify distinct Christian values and principles. It is worth noting that throughout history, there may have been instances of pagan practices being absorbed or assimilated into Christianity, especially during periods of cultural exchange and conversion. However, **the overall message and teachings of Christianity remain distinct and independent from paganism.** The focus on monotheism, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of a personal relationship with God all set Christianity apart from its pagan predecessors. In conclusion, while it is valid to recognize certain influences and similarities between Christianity and paganism, it is crucial to highlight that Christianity's core beliefs and teachings are fundamentally different. Pagan practices and concepts may have been adapted and transformed within the Christian context over time, but **the essence of Christianity lies in its unique theological framework and the teachings of Jesus Christ.**.
Reviews for "The Impact of Pagan Philosophy on Christian Theology"
1. Emma - 1 star
I found "Is Christianity Inspired by Paganism" to be a highly misleading and inaccurate read. The author seemed to have a clear agenda to discredit Christianity without providing any solid evidence to support their claims. The arguments put forward were weak and lacked historical context. It felt like a desperate attempt to undermine the faith rather than a well-researched analysis. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an objective and balanced examination of the topic.
2. John - 2 stars
While "Is Christianity Inspired by Paganism" raises some interesting questions, it fails to provide a convincing case for its central thesis. The author cherry-picks examples and relies on speculative interpretations rather than presenting solid evidence. The book often lacks clarity and fails to connect the dots in a coherent manner. It feels more like a conspiracy theory than a scholarly exploration. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of depth and intellectual rigor in this work.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was intrigued by the subject matter of "Is Christianity Inspired by Paganism," but the execution left much to be desired. The book presents a one-sided argument and discounts any counter-evidence or alternative theories. While some connections between Christianity and paganism are interesting, the author takes them as evidence of a direct influence rather than possible cultural parallels. The text lacks nuance and fails to consider the complexities of religious evolution throughout history. I would have appreciated a more balanced perspective and a deeper dive into the historical context.
4. Mark - 1 star
"Is Christianity Inspired by Paganism" was a disappointing read that relied heavily on subjective interpretation rather than sound scholarship. The author seemed to have a predetermined conclusion and cherry-picked examples to fit their narrative. The arguments presented lacked concrete evidence and often relied on speculation. The writing was also poor, filled with sweeping generalizations and vague statements. It would have been more beneficial to engage with a range of scholarly opinions rather than dismissing them outright. Overall, this book fails to provide a compelling case and is not worth the time for anyone seeking a serious exploration of the topic.
5. Laura - 2 stars
As someone fascinated by the interplay between different religious traditions, I was intrigued by the premise of "Is Christianity Inspired by Paganism." However, the book was a letdown. It quickly devolved into a series of sweeping claims and unsubstantiated connections, lacking any solid evidence. While there may be instances of cultural exchange between Christianity and paganism, this book fails to delve into them satisfactorily. The lack of depth and scholarly rigor makes it difficult to take the author's arguments seriously. I would recommend seeking a more thorough and balanced analysis of this topic elsewhere.