The History Of Religions and their Gods!

In this episode, we discuss the six criteria used by MacDonald to identify memesis in ancient literature, the art of memesis that either transvalues or emulates Homeric models in the gosples and other Christian literature.

Did Jewish, Latin and Greek writers of the first century use characters, plots and landscapes from Homeric Epics to transvalue the antiquated ethics and theology of Homer? It appears that they most certainly did, according to Dennis MacDonald. This episode talks about how to find myth markers in pros, why they used it and how the ancient wold learned it.

Not only did the author for Mark borrow heavily from the Septuagint and the Jewish Roman War by Josephus to hand craft stories for his Jesus, but he also borrowed from Homer's Bibles, the Odyssey and the Illiad to make comparisons between the ancient Greek heroes Odysseus and Hector to his Jesus and to demonstrate that Homer's ideas were old and outdated, thus, Jesus was the update merging two culturally classic works into one; the Greek Septuagint and the Odyssey. The source material in this series is Denis MacDonald's Homer in Mark

The season finale for 2022! We wrap up the year with Christian Apologetics making the claim that in Paul's 7 authentic letters he refers to a historical Jesus, having a mother and a father, a brother named James, was killed by the Jews and that there were 500 eye witnesses to his resurrection. Based on the book by Richard Carrier, "On the Historicity of Jesus"

In this episode with cover more of the arguments for the historical Jesus claim in Paul's letters: Being born of a woman, Being born of the seed of David in the lilliness of men, Pontius Pilate sending Jesus to the cross and Paul blaming the Jews for Jesus being killed.

In this episode we continue to examine the arguments that Paul speaks of a historical Jesus in his letters. But when closely examined, it appears that he does not. In Part 1 (Was Paul's Jesus a Space Alien) we discussed his silence about anything earthbound about Jesus and countered to Apologetic excuse that he only dealt with church issues and doctrine. In this episode, we tackle the argument about Jesus was born in the flesh by the seed or sperm of King David. The source for this episode is from Richard Carrier's "On the Historicity of Jesus" and more!

In this episode I attempt to tackle the arguments for a historical Jesus in the Pauline letters. As it stands, Paul's 7 authentic letters are completely devoid of any mentioning of an earthbound Jesus whatsoever. However, there are a few Christian arguments that make the claim that Paul never mentions Jesus's life is because it was already common knowledge and that there was no need to tell his congregations anything about him. But to me, this seems odd and out of place. We will also determine if Paul wrote prior the the gosples which puts the order of the New Testament books in conflict. The sourse material for this episode is provided by Richard Carrier's "On the Historicity of Jesus".

In this episode I breakdown the events that led up to the destruction of the holy city and its temple while making some comparisons to New Testament stories that might be about the war and the people involved

In this episode we will review the epistle of Hebrews that appears to be written as late a 68 during the Jewish-Roman War. How did these early Chrostians understand Jesus and in what capacity? Was he a divine human killed by the Romans at the fault of the Jewish elite or was he thought of as a celestial being who has no beginning and has no end that must die and rise in heaven in order to defeat Satan? (Credit given to Richard Carrier and his book, On the Historicity of Jesus - for further reading)

This is a super important episode as it takes a look at the earliest works of Christian literature starting with Paul with a comparison to what was happening in Rome as well as Judea. I think that this episode will help. Us understand exactly what Paul was responding to and when.

A continuation into the study of Mark's documentary on the Jewish-Roman War of 66-70CE.

This is a review of the Gospel by Mark in comparison to Josephus' Wars of the Jews. We look for parallels and similarities between the two in order to see what this author's agenda was, his audience and what he had hoped to achieve.

This episode is a continuation of finding the paralles between Mark's documentary on the Jewish Wars and the actual events that tool place between 66 and 70 CE (Source Ref: Kimondo's "Gosple of Mark and the War")

In this episode I will begin a series that demonstrates the connections between Mark's gosple and Josephus' Wars of the Jews. This episode will also demonstrate that the Romans did not invent the gosples or Christianity, rather, a concerned Jewish Christian that wanted to change the future for all people after years of death and destruction. Loosely based on Komondo's version.

This episode reflects on the relationship between the Vatican, its Popes and Nazi Germany. Could the Vatican have done something to stop or atleast slow down the deportations and the murders of millions of Jews?

This episode surveys Christian history between the first crusade of 1095 to the Salem Witch Trials in the 16th century. We will look at Papal involvement from expulsion of Jews and heretics to being forced into ghettos as well. There is a lot of history to talk about during these years, and I hope that I did it a little bit of justice. Many sources for this episode came from 6 Million Crucifixions by Gabriel Wilenski. The image is Papa Emeritus IV from the band Ghost.

A continuation of the book I Enoch, 4th book, Dream Visions. This is a close look at how early Jews wrote about second temple Judaism and the hellenizers who opporated it

This is a deep look into the Book of Parables. Especially the infamous "Son of Man" verse that every Christian believes is a prophecy about Jesus Christ as seen in the gosple account. But what if that wasn't the case? This episode may challenge they way you view the origins of Christianity

This is a historical review of the first book of Enoch I, The Watchers. What was the message that this author wanted to communicate to his audience and more so, when did he write this work and why? Let's read the story together and figure it out.

This episode seeks to understand the origins of the Jewish God, Yahweh. How does a low-level national deity become king, reigning over all other gods and deities. What events helped promote him to a supreme universal deity and why was this God so obsessed (jealous) with (of) Canaan? These are the questions that we try to answer while using new discoveries and the Bible itself. Artwork provided by Mary_lifreu on IG called, "Read between the lines".

Title is self evident for the content of this episode, but the topic was inspired by every single discussion that I have ever had with a Muslim and how they defend their holy book through scientific claims that we weren't aware of yet. It's a good show, give it a listen. Artwork provided by Mary_lifreu on IG go check her out!

In this episode, I review all the arguments for the dating of the Hebrew Bible and its sources. I hold the position that it is of extremely late dating, sometime after the Alexandrian period between 312 and 150 BCE and some literature as late as 50 BCE, whereas other scholarships like to settle on the Persian period, 539 to 350 BCE. I lay out all the arguments so that you can decide on your own. Artwork provided by Mary_lifreu on IG entitled "You can't hold me."

This episode explores the roots of the second largest religion in the world with followers worldwide, the Abrahamic religion called Islam. We find that the religion's founder, Mohammed may have incorporated Pagan stories, festivals and traditions into Islam perhaps on purpose or accidentally. Either way, we review all the sources. We also take a close look at the Kaba, the holiest temple of God to 2 billion Muslims and its origins. Enjoy! Art provided by Mary_lifreu on IG called "A mindless choice)

In this episode, we continue to talk about the arguments that turned into outright wars between one sect of Christianity and others. We also consider the Arias Conflict and the bloody war that ensued between two Catholic leaders and how that affected the religion. We often forget that before Christians were killing Pagan and Jews, they were killing each other over doctrine

This episode is the continuation from episode 4, "Deconstructing the Messiahs". We end that episode questioning the historicity of the Biblical Jesus found in the New Testament, but now we take another look at other similar salvation cults that were alive and striving before Paul's time, that are also only features of the Mediterranean world, and no where else! It's very plausible that Jesus was developed after the concepts of the Egyptian Osiris and others. We also consider all the reasons why Jews now, as well as 2000 years ago, reject the Christian Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. (Ref. Source: Carrier/ Jesus from outer space/ Talmud/ Hebrew Bible texts). Music bumper is from Ghost, Little Sunshine. Artwork by Mary Lifrue on IG mary_lifreu called "Not by my will, but yours will be done"

This is the conclusion of Deconstructing the Messiahs. A deep look at the earliest movements of Christianity to becoming the largest religion in the world and the fallout. Once again, a huge thanks to Cameron Reilly and his "Marketing the Messiah". Please visit his Twitter page and find his books as well as his podcasts and give him some support.

This is an episode that I have been dying to talk about and record for months now. It takes a very close look at what early Christians were doing in the first century and how they were reacting to other messianic groups with leaders and followers from the time of Paul to our first gosples. Please join me in this 2 part special and a huge shout out to the author, director, actor and Podcaster, Cameron Reilly and his "Marketing the Messiah". This is my twist on his already amazing film. Learn more about his projects, newest books and Enjoy! https://cameronreilly.com/about Artwork provided by Maria_Lifrue on Instagram. She calls this piece, "Peddlers of the Truth""

In this episode we take a look at all those verses that were mistranslated by Christian scribes from Hebrew to Greek and how those errors changed biblical stories as well as the entire Christian narrative. Additionally, we will discuss the reasons why Jews reject the Christian Jesus as the prophesied Jewish Messiah. The artwork for this episode is by Mary Marcus, an artist who you can see her other works on IG @mary_lifreu

In this episode we study the development of the earliest form of the New Testament along with those involved, when and why. This is a continuation and conclusion of Bart Ehrman's Lost Christianities. This book is a "must read" for deeper understanding. The artwork for this episode is by Mary Marcus, an artist who you can see her other works on IG @mary_lifreu

In this episode, we take a look at how early church fathers: Ignatius, Origen, Eusebius, and Turtullian imagined and defined Jesus to the point of inventing the "Trinity." This is the road to Nicea to determine if Christians were polytheistic or monotheistic (Ref. Source: Ehrman's Lost Christianities and Essay "History of Religions. Artwork provided by bo_bradshaw on Instagram of Cardinal Copia of the band Ghost.

In this episode we examine the beginnings of internal struggles and conflicts that Proto Orthodoxy experienced in its growth to power. (Ref. Sourse: Ehrman's Lost Christianities) Image is from the artist Jader Vission

This is the last episode in this mini series borrowed heavily from Bart Ehrman's Lost Christianities where we reviewed many popular Christian sects that didn't quite have the same ideas as the Proto Orthodox victors. We also take a pretty good look at why one became so powerful while the others were suppressed, including one of the most popular Pagan religions that grew contemporarily with Christianity, Mithrasism. (Source Ref: Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman) Artwork provided by @dastroud33 on Instagram

In this episode we focus on two primary sects of Christianity that were at opposition to eachother as well as a major obstacle for the Christian Church in Rome. This was a race to create the first New Testament (Source Rec: Bart Ehrman's Lost Christianities) Artwork provided by @jagarts40 on Instagram

In this 1 hour episode we continue reviewing those once lost but now found Christian Gospels that tell a very different story about the religion during its infancy. Did Jesus have nipples? Was he circumcised, Was he ever Jewish? Well, I guess it all depends on who you ask. Enjoy! Reach me at: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss more lost treasures only to be found recently and they help us understand the Christian movement from forgery to supremacy (Ref. Source: Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman)

In this episode we are going take a look at what other literature early Christian communities were reading and was sacred that were not part of the cannon and deemed as heretical by the early church fathers of the second and third centuries. Why were these Gospels, Acts and Apocalypses lost, burned or hidden from their proto orthodox Christian enemies and what measures did this victorious group of Christians take in order to ensure their supremacy? (Based on Bart Ehrman's "Lost Christianities")

I thought that it would be fun as well as interesting to take a deep study in what Christians like to refer to as Hell and how does their version compare to other religions that also employed the hell concept for crowd control. Then for a bonus track we will look at early Christian beliefs in resurrection and reincarnation and how it both hindered but helped the Christian cause.

In this episode we continue to look at those extrabiblical sources for a historical Christ figure. Now we will delve into the works of Suetonius, Pliny and Tacitus to see what they say about Jesus, Christian persecution and a crucifixion and in contrast to the brewing messianic movement.

In this episode we take a deep study into those two small paragraphs found in Josephus's Antiquities. The statements that Christians believe are in fact evidence for a historical Jesus as a messiah.

This episode is a review of the 27th and final book of the New Testament "Revelation" in order to best understand the author's intentions behind the mark of the beast and how it applies to history. This book should not be used to avoid getting the vaccine.

In this episode we compare all four crucifixion narratives as told be each author in the New Testament with highlights on the odd, strange and peculiar. Then we will also review the virgin birth narrative and the ancient source texts that was used.

In this episode we look back at some of the oldest Babylonian texts that helps us understand the origins of the Lilith Myth as well as her association with the Christian Myth, Lucifer. Understanding their origins and witnessing the evolution of their characters over time, we can see how we understand them today.

After spending several episodes analyzing New Testament scripture we conclude this season with taking a look at what extrabiblical evidence there is for a historical Christ from contemporary writers. Then in second half of the show we put Christian Apologist, Lee Strobel on the stand to see how his arguments hold up to what we have already surveyed to this point. He is the "Go-To" guy when Christians want to turn their friends to Christianity. (Ref. Sourse: The Case for Christ)

In this episode we review the Book of Acts in the Christian Bible that follows the four canonical gospels as a continuation of the story. Then we end with understanding what other savior cults were like in the area during the time the Gosples were being written and how they compare to one another as well as their differences. Ref. Sourses: (Wikipedia-Acts/ Carrier-On the Historicity of Jesus/ Jesus from outer space)

In this episode we take a look at the final gosple known to us as the gospel of John who writes in the early to mid-secound century. Was this author a fan of Gnostisism and how does his gosple differ from the synoptics? (Ref. Source: Carrier/ On the Historicity of Jesus/ Skeptical Ghost Heathen/ An essay on the history of Religions and Their Gods)

In this episode we delve into the last two synoptic gospels, Matthew and Luke to see how they update, change and even move around Mark's composition to suit their own narratives. Even fix what they don't like. We will also pay close attention to where these two authors find their source material for their stories about their Jesuses. These authors, like Mark, were very creative. (Source Ref: Carrier, MacDonald, Broadie, NT Wright, On the Historicity of Jesus/ An essay on the history of Religions)

Is this episode we now dig deeper into the first gospel writer named Mark to see how he employed myth writing skills into his narratives for his Jesus to communicate a particular story to a particular audience of his time. (Ref. Source: Carrier/ On the Historicity of Jesus, Proving History, Dennis MacDonald, The History of Religions and Their Gods)

In this episode we look into the structure of writing a myth, how characters were invented, scenes created and why. We then take a close look at the first Christian Gospel assigned the name, "Mark" who writes in the late 70's to see how he employs some of these structures in his narrative about Jesus. But will also look at this author's writing style and the brilliance behind it. Multiple layers with several double meanings, many literal, some philosophical and others just mythical. (Ref. Sourse: Carrier/ OTHOJ & The History of Religions and Their Gods)

In today's episode we finalize our study on the works and letters from Paul to see if he understood a celestial messiah latter to be named Jesus or an earthly historical Jesus with family and disciples. We take a look at every argument on both sides then make our own decision. Then the conclusion of the episode is to take a brief look at a early first century tale called, "The Life of Adam and Eve" that tells a story about Adam's burial in outer space. A common belief among first century Christians (Ref. Source: Carrier/OTHOJ)

In this episode we continue to explore the earliest Christian writings dated around the 40's and 50's to see what they say about a cosmic Christ verses a historical Jesus. We also review the arguments made between christian apologist and truth seekers to see how they conclude. Then we will look at how the earliest writings compare in contrast to the Gospels written three decades later. (Ref. Source: Carrier/ On the Historicity of Jesus)

In this episode as a follow up to exploring what the Apostle Paul said about a historical or celestial being in episode 8, we now look into the epistles of James, Peter, John, Jude and the Book of Hebrews, especially to see what they say for a historical Jesus verses a celestial one. (Ref. Source: On the Historicity of Jesus/ Carrier/ Available on Amazon.com)

In this episode we survey mystery cults and early messianic belief in the 40's, 50's and 60's. We also examine the letters from Paul that he wrote to church leaders and congregations to see how he describes his messiah in comparison to the dozens of other messianic mystery cults in the same region. The scope of this episode is to determine the legitimacy of the gosples written 25 to 30 years later and their claim of a historical Jesus, killed by the Romans at the fault of the Jews or the "Wicked Generation". (Source Ref: Carrier/ On the Historicity of Jesus)

In this episode we will step back to what the earliest Christians thought about the heavens and the Messiah. We will also examine their earliest influences from Hesiod to the Babylonian Zodiac. This episode will be way less heavy compared to the last 4, so please enjoy and don't forget to share.

This is the conclusion to the mini series about the works of Josephus and how the Gosples wrote stories for their Jesus based upon the events during Titus' military campaign in Jerusalem. This series was based on the book "Caesars Messiah" by Joseph Atwill but with correction and explanations. Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected]

In this episode we continue to make comparisons to historical events told through the works of Josephus' Wars of the Jews and the many narratives told to us in the Gospels. We will talk about the "Son of Mary", The Demoniac of Gadara, and the Apostles, Simon and John. Feel free to reach out to me any time: [email protected]

This episode is a continuation from part 1 where we compare the works of Josephus' Jewish Wars and the canonical gospels. This is a key episode to understanding the possible motives that hide behind the world's largest and most powerful religion. Christianity

In this episode we analyze the works of Josephus, the Jewish-Romano historian who recorded the events of the war between the Jewish rebellion and the Roman Empire between 66-73 CE that led to the destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem. We also incorporate what some conspiracy theorists claim such as Joseph Atwill. In this podcast I correct his mistakes. Feel free to email me at: [email protected]

In this episode we explore the most widely accepted Messianic scriptures that Christians believe prophecize the coming of Jesus. We will consider when the verses were written, why and what was happening in the world at the time then connect the dots.

In this episode we explore the temple cult in the first century of the common era and the political group that controlled it for 200 years. What were their practices and their involvement in the Jewish rebellion that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Email me at: [email protected]

In this episode we take a look at the verses found in the apocalyptic book of Daniel that Christians describe as foreseeing the coming of Christ and his Crucifixion along with the destruction of the temple. Sorry ahead of time that I mispronounce Antiochus' name a few times 🙄

In this episode we take a deeper look into Antiochus IV and his impact on second temple Judaism in the 160's leading to the Maccabean Revolt

In this episode we study early second temple Judaism and its Hellenistic influence along with the battle for wealth over Torah observance. We also take a small journey to look at the Tower of Babylon as told through the eyes of Genesis. I hope that you enjoy and share!

In this episode we journey through time through the eyes of the "Father of History", Herodotus in the mid 4th century BCE to see what he has to say about Jews and their practices in Judah. We then analyze all literature and archaeological discoveries that tell us about the origins of the Yahweh Cult and transition from the Ba'al Cult. Then we will end with the Babylonian Captivity in 597 BCE and the Cyrus Decree

In this episode we discuss the transition from polytheism to monotheism and the quest to take control of the temple

In this episode we take a look at how some earlier ideas may have helped influence character development for Jesus in the first century CE. Additionally, we will observe what we really know about King Solomon's temple and the Temple Mount

In this episode we survey the city-state Gods and how they merged over time sharing common attributes. Then we take a look at what the Bible tells us about those gods that either merged or became eliminated altogether and what became of them. Lastly, we have to look at the political mud slinging that took pace, especially on those who wouldn't give those other gods and laws up. Enjoy!

In this episode we conclude our findings about who the Canaanites really may have been in comparison to what claims are made in the Bible. We review the political climate between 4000 BCE and 700 BCE and a potential opportunity for several groups or tribes to make their move for the territory and control of the current temple of Ba'al

I seriously need to find a better narrator because I suck lol.. In this episode we discuss the early dating of the Sphinx to that of the Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, review an ancient Mesopotamian story, "Epic of Gilgamesh" and how it influenced some popular mythological tales and then the biblical stories leading up to the destruction of Canaanite city states and Jericho compared to real historical events why we should question those narratives told in the Bible

In this episode we talk about the art of story telling across multiple cultures, and we look inside popular Babylonian and Sumerian poems as well as their gods to see how they were shared throughout the Middle East and may have influenced popular religions today.

In this episode we take a look at the impact on early civilizations as a result of the Agricultural Revolution and how ancient spirits transformed into gods of kingdoms.

In this episode we study the world of ancient humans from 40,000 years ago to 15,000 years ago and the journey made to the Americas and the impact that had on the echo system. We also get a glimpse at what early man was worshiping during this time as well.

In this episode we review our ancient ancestors from 40,000 to 30,000 years ago with a closer look at what they might have worshipped. We also get to see what kind of people they were, how they interacted with one another and the advantages that they had over thier Neanderthal brothers. Sources: Sapiens by Harari

In this episode we discuss the evolution of cognitive thinking and the rewiring of the human brain 70,000 years ago. How did this evolutionary adjustment help massive groups of people to work together for a common goal. Much of this content is borrowed from Yuval Noah Harari and his book, "Sapiens". A must read! Feel free to reach out any time at [email protected]

In this episode we will discuss the evolution of the genus, Homo Sapiens and the disappearance of our ancient cousins.

This is the Trailer episode for the History of Religions and what it will cover. We will look at the earliest ceremonial burials with concerns of the after life, the development of massive kingdoms, and what pre-Istaelite cults believed in and more!

In this episode we review the origins of man, our ancient ancestors and why Christianity accepts a young earth proposition. (Please note that this is my first podcast ever and it does get better by episode 12 😂) Sources: Sapiens by Harari