Christianity: A Fiction — The Astronomical and Astrological Origin of All Religions — Dr. J. H. Mendenhall (1892)

A provocative nineteenth-century work of astrotheology, solar mythology, and religious criticism, newly returned to print by Holographic Pagan Press.

Originally published in 1892, Christianity: A Fiction presents Dr. J. H. Mendenhall’s argument that the narratives and symbols of religion preserve far older astronomical and astrological meanings. Reading sacred history through the movements of the sun, zodiac, seasons, and recurring cycles of nature, Mendenhall interprets familiar religious themes as celestial allegory rather than literal history.

The work belongs to the radical nineteenth-century literature of comparative religion, freethought, biblical criticism, solar mythology, and astrotheology. Its full subtitle—The Astronomical and Astrological Origin of All Religions—states its thesis with unusual directness and makes the book an important period document in the history of astronomical interpretations of religion.

This Holographic Pagan Press edition preserves the character of the original while presenting the work in a newly prepared, large-format reading edition. The handmade physical edition features dark brown cardstock, black binding tape, and a silver-gray cover treatment based on the ornamentation of the original 1892 binding.

This is a newly prepared Holographic Pagan Press edition and not an original antique copy.

An original 1892 copy is also available here.

Title: Christianity: A Fiction
Subtitle: The Astronomical and Astrological Origin of All Religions
Author: Dr. J. H. Mendenhall
Original publication: 1892
Length: 61 pages
Formats: Handmade physical book or digital PDF
Physical dimensions: 8.5" × 11"
Cover: Dark brown cardstock with black binding tape
Interior: Black-and-white
Edition publisher: Odd Enough Books / Holographic Pagan Press
Condition: Newly produced

Historical Note

Mendenhall’s arguments reflect the religious criticism, comparative mythology, and astrotheological theories of the late nineteenth century and are presented here as a primary document in the history of alternative interpretations of religion.