Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism: With an Essay on Baal Worship, on the Assyrian Sacred Grove and Other Allied Symbols by John Newton

The relationship between Christian symbols and those of ancient religions is storied and complex; in this illustrated work, surgeon and mythologist Thomas Inman discusses many examples.

This competent and extensively illustrated analysis was born of the authors' interest in archaeology and advancements in the understanding of ancient cultures. Though a hobbyist antiquarian, Inman managed to amass a wealth of reliable information from associates working on excavations and in academia. With the relics and written resources available, the author compiled a long list of succinct examples of religious objects and imagery, which were then sketched in detail, allowing the author to publish this narrative.

Through the use of images, we can see how symbols that emerged in antiquity were carried over to Christianity, becoming powerful emblems of the faith. How Gods and Goddesses are depicted in the religions of antiquity both Western and Eastern invites striking parallels with Christian symbols and artworks. Certain shapes and icons that appear in churches share much in appearance with those used in various ancient traditions, as Inman demonstrates with fascinating comparative insight.