Paganism Surviving in Christianity

Paganism Surviving in Christianity is a book written by Abram Herbert Lewis that explores the influence of pagan beliefs and practices on Christianity. The author argues that despite the efforts of early Christian leaders to distance themselves from pagan traditions, many pagan beliefs and practices have survived and been incorporated into Christian doctrine and worship. The book is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of pagan influence on Christianity. The first chapter examines the origins of Christianity and the ways in which it was influenced by the religions and cultures of the ancient world. The second chapter looks at the role of pagan myths and symbols in Christian art and architecture, while the third chapter discusses the use of magic and divination in Christian ritual.Subsequent chapters explore the influence of pagan festivals and holidays on Christian celebrations, the role of pagan gods and goddesses in Christian theology, and the ways in which pagan beliefs and practices have been preserved in folk traditions and superstitions.Throughout the book, Lewis provides numerous examples of how pagan beliefs and practices have been assimilated into Christianity, and argues that this process has been essential to the survival and evolution of the religion. He also discusses the ways in which modern Christians continue to incorporate pagan elements into their faith, and suggests that this ongoing process of syncretism is a natural and necessary part of religious evolution.Overall, Paganism Surviving in Christianity is a fascinating exploration of the complex and often surprising ways in which different religious traditions can influence and shape one another.1892. Contents: remains of Paganism in Christianity; Pagan methods of interpreting the scriptures; Asiatic Pagan water worship; water worship in northern Europe and Mexico; Greek water worship; Pagan water worship transferred to Christianity; Pagan sun worship; Sunday observance unknown to Christianity before middle of 2nd century; state religion a Pagan institution; control of Christianity by state under Constantine and his successors; Constantine's legislation concerning Pagan Sunday; other forms of Pagan residuum in Christianity and five conclusions, fundamental principles of Protestantism involved in present issues.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.