Revisiting the Origins of Jesus: Tom Harpur's Pagan Christ Hypothesis

The Pagan Christ idea, according to Tom Harpur, is a controversial theory that suggests Jesus Christ was not a historical figure, but rather a mythical being based on ancient pagan gods and legends. Harpur argues that the story of Jesus, his birth, life, and resurrection, can be traced back to various pagan myths and religious traditions that predate Christianity. According to Harpur, many of the elements of the Christ story, such as the virgin birth, the miraculous healing, and the resurrection, can be found in the myths and legends of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Persia. He points out similarities between the story of Jesus and the myth of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, who was born of a virgin, died and was resurrected. Harpur suggests that early Christians borrowed these pagan myths and incorporated them into their own teachings to make Christianity more appealing and to gain converts. He argues that the story of Jesus is essentially a compilation of various pagan myths that were reshaped and retold in a new religious context.

The author relates how a chance encounter in a magic shop with a woman who taught him exercises to ease his sufferings and manifest his greatest desires gave him a glimpse of the relationship between the brain and the heart, and drove him to explore the neuroscience of compassion and altruism.

Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education CCARE at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But he neglects Ruth s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results--until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him.

He argues that the story of Jesus is essentially a compilation of various pagan myths that were reshaped and retold in a new religious context. Harpur's theory has been met with criticism and controversy, particularly from Christian scholars who argue that it undermines the historical authenticity of Jesus and the uniqueness of his message. They believe that there is substantial evidence to support the existence of a historical Jesus, and that his teachings were distinct from the myths and legends of pagan religions.

Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

When a young Jim Doty walked into the magic shop that day, he never suspected that the next six weeks would affect his life so much. Instead of learning magic tricks, he was trained in meditation, visualization, and focus, all valuable tools that would help him realize his dreams. And yet, it was only when he achieved those dreams that he realized he should have been seeking something else entirely.

In Into the Magic Shop, Doty shares his life story—a journey from an impoverished youngster from a broken home to an accomplished neurosurgeon and businessman—casting it in the light of his two greatest influences: a fascination with the brain and learned techniques for wish-fulfillment from his childhood.

A curious memoir mixing mindfulness, philosophy, science, and tell-all elements, Into the Magic Shop trades on its scientific content in order to push a more spiritual message, which feels a little disingenuous to me. And although there are valuable lessons to be drawn from Doty’s story—particularly ones on humility and determination—I would advise any reader to treat this more as a source of inspiration and less as a scientific text on neuroplasticity.

While Harpur's theory challenges traditional Christian beliefs, it has also sparked a broader discussion about the origins of religious myths and the role they play in shaping human beliefs and cultures. It raises questions about the nature of religious truth and the ways in which religious stories and symbols are deeply intertwined with human history and culture. Despite its controversial nature, the Pagan Christ idea according to Tom Harpur offers an alternative perspective on the origins of the Christ story and invites us to reconsider the ways in which we understand and interpret religious myths and legends. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Harpur's theory, it serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of religious belief and the enduring power of ancient myths and symbols..

Reviews for "The Pagan Christ and the Evolution of Religious Ideas: Tom Harpur's Impact"

1) Mike - 1 star

I found "The Pagan Christ Idea According to Tom Harpur" to be nothing more than a poorly researched and sensationalized book. Harpur's claim that Jesus didn't actually exist and that Christianity is just a rehash of ancient pagan beliefs is absurd. His arguments are weak and filled with cherry-picked historical facts. It is clear that Harpur has an agenda to undermine the Christian faith rather than present a balanced and well-reasoned analysis. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a serious and scholarly exploration of Christianity's origins.

2) Sarah - 2 stars

While I appreciate the attempt to delve into the historical context of Christianity, "The Pagan Christ Idea According to Tom Harpur" falls short in its execution. Harpur seems to cherry-pick evidence to support his claims, often ignoring or downplaying contradictory information. His arguments lack depth and fail to present a cohesive thesis. Additionally, Harpur's writing style is dry and monotonous, making it difficult to engage with the material. Overall, I was left disappointed and unconvinced by this book.

3) Mark - 1 star

I found "The Pagan Christ Idea According to Tom Harpur" to be nothing more than a poorly constructed conspiracy theory masquerading as scholarship. Harpur's attempts to connect Christianity to pagan religions are tenuous at best and often rely on stretching historical evidence to fit his preconceived notions. His lack of expertise in ancient history and theology is evident throughout the book. I would caution readers to approach this work with a critical mindset and seek out more reputable sources for a comprehensive understanding of Christian origins.

Tom Harpur's Pagan Christ Idea: A Threat or an Opportunity for Christianity?