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.

Published in 1892, Christianity: A Fiction—The Astronomical and Astrological Origin of All Religions presents Dr. J. H. Mendenhall’s argument that many religious narratives preserve older astronomical and astrological symbolism.

Mendenhall interprets themes such as birth, death, resurrection, the twelve disciples, sacred conflict, and the opposition of light and darkness as celestial allegories connected with the sun, zodiac, seasons, and recurring cycles of nature. He extends the argument beyond Christianity, proposing that multiple religious traditions share a common foundation in humanity’s observation of the heavens.

Why This Work Matters

The book belongs to the radical nineteenth-century literature of comparative religion, freethought, solar mythology, biblical criticism, and astrotheology. It represents an early attempt to read Christian symbolism through astronomy and the zodiac rather than through literal theology.

Collector’s Note

This listing is for the original 1892 volume shown in the photographs. Polemical works challenging religious orthodoxy were often issued in smaller numbers, subjected to heavy use, or omitted from conventional theological collections. The photographs form part of the condition description and should be reviewed carefully.

Looking for a reading copy? The Holographic Pagan Press edition is available here in handmade physical and PDF formats.

Historical Note

This is an openly critical period work and is offered as a document of nineteenth-century religious debate and astrotheological interpretation.

Details

• Author: Dr. J. H. Mendenhall
• Publication year: 1892
• Format: Original physical book
• Subjects: Astrotheology, solar mythology, astrology, comparative religion, freethought, and biblical criticism