Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

Ladd's commentaries on the mythological aspects of Judaism and Christianity are illuminated by his depth of scriptural knowledge and thorough researches. This eclectic work examines extant writings of a variety of ancient civilizations to shed light upon the myths and stories of the Hebrews. Ladd looks into the ancient Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Greeks and even the Hindus of the East to arrive at his conclusions. The author's desire is to uncover how Judaism and later on Christianity began, in the context of the religious and cultural events which preceded their establishment. Spending years amid volumes of disparate and obscure sources, Ladd sought to condense and combine their insights into this single book, that curious readers may discover such history with relative ease. Individual monuments and stone tablets, plus surviving examples of writing upon papyrus, are among the original sources Ladd consults. The Bible, from the life of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt onwards, is examined at length. The author disagreed with the conventional explanations, whether regarding the life of certain figures, or the authorship and origins of various texts. Thus, much of this work seeks to validate and support the author's assertions to the farthest extent possible.

In his groundbreaking book, 'Bible Myths and their Parallels in other Religions,' T. W. Doane delves into the historical and cultural context of biblical stories, drawing parallels between Christian myths and those found in other religions. Doane's meticulous research and comparative analysis shed light on the universal themes and motifs that transcend various faith traditions, challenging readers to reexamine their beliefs and perspectives on religion. Written in a clear and informative style, this book serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in exploring the interconnectedness of religious narratives and the implications for modern religious practices. T. W. Doane, a scholar of comparative religion and mythology, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his study of biblical myths. His academic background and research in religious studies equipped him with the tools needed to undertake such a comprehensive comparative analysis, bridging the gap between different belief systems and uncovering the underlying similarities that unite them. I highly recommend 'Bible Myths and their Parallels in other Religions' to readers seeking a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical influences shaping religious narratives. Doane's insightful exploration of common mythic themes offers a fresh perspective on the intersections of faith traditions, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in religious studies and mythology.

There has never been a more important time for a study of the social, economic, and political origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three important world religions that share a common root. This book adopts a Marxist, that is a materialist, view of human development, so it takes as its starting point the idea that gods, angels, miracles, and other supernatural phenomena do not exist in the real world and therefore cannot be taken as explanations for the origin and rise of these faiths. It looks instead at the material conditions at appropriate periods in antiquity and the social and economic forces that were at work, to outline the real foundations of these three doctrines. In doing so, it challenges the historicity of key figures like Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. This is a unique book that draws on the research, knowledge, and expertise of hundreds of historians, archaeologists, and scholars to create a new synthesis that is both coherent and completely based on a materialist world outlook. It is a book written by an unbeliever for other unbelievers as a contribution to a discussion among atheists and secularists as to the real origins of the so-called Abramic faiths. It will be a revelatory read, even to those already firmly of an atheist or secularist persuasion, underpinning their nonreligious views, and it will provide a valuable resource for all those who might be coming to question the hold that organized religion has had on human society.