The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Kersey Graves challenges orthodox Christian dogma by comparing Jesus to sixteen ancient deities, arguing that shared myths of virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection stem from common pagan origins rather than divine revelation. This 1875 work invites readers to view religious history through a lens of comparative mythology and scientific skepticism.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors,' Kersey Graves presents a radical comparative analysis asserting that the life and doctrines of Jesus Christ are not unique but are direct adaptations of earlier pagan myths. Drawing heavily on the works of Sir Godfrey Higgins, Graves argues that core Christian tenets—including the virgin birth, miracles, prophecies, and the Trinity—have clear precedents in the stories of gods like Osiris, Krishna, Mithra, and Quetzalcoatl. The author contends that ancient societies deified exceptional men who were born during specific astronomical cycles, a practice explaining the recurring narrative of divine saviors descending to earth to combat evil and die for humanity. Graves systematically examines rival claims, messianic prophecies, and the origins of sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist, concluding that these rituals and beliefs are of 'heathen origin.' He critiques the Christian Bible as a product of its time, filled with scientific errors and superstitious elements that hinder moral and intellectual progress. The book argues that nations without bibles, such as ancient India and Egypt, achieved higher states of civilization and morality than Christian societies, suggesting that arts and sciences, not religious texts, are the true drivers of human advancement. By listing sixteen specific saviors from various cultures who share identical life cycles with Jesus, Graves aims to dismantle the belief in the divine incarnation of Christ, proposing instead that he was a human figure elevated to godhood by a superstitious populace. The text serves as a polemic against religious dogma, urging readers to embrace reason, science, and historical inquiry over blind faith. Graves further posits that ancient religions universally believed a devil or evil principle entered the world, necessitating a Savior to combat it. He illustrates how figures like Osiris and Krishna were believed to descend to destroy the devil's works, a narrative parallel to Christ's mission. Additionally, Graves explains that the concept of a virgin-born god originated from the belief that a deity must be born of a woman to effectively save humanity, a tradition found in India, Egypt, and Persia long before Christianity. Ultimately, the work challenges the infallibility of Christian teachings, suggesting they are merely continuations of ancient Eastern philosophies and myths.

LLM editorial rating

3.8/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Mythology