American author THOMAS WILLIAM DOANE (1852-1885)

Is considered one of the most significant contributors to the Free Thought movement, which held the view that belief should be based on the epistemology of scientific and logical laws, rather than on faith. In support of this philosophy, Doane undertook extensive research delving into the parallels between Christianity and preexisting religions from around the world, ultimately meaning to show the difference between eternal truths, both spiritual and scientific, and fable. Here, in a work first published in 1882, he takes a methodical stroll through each of the most popular Biblical myths from both the Old and New Testaments, including the Flood, the Exodus, Samson, the Star of Bethlehem, baptism, and the temptation of Christ. By providing copious evidence of the preexistence of the morals and indeed, associated details of each, as well as thorough bibliographic information, the fruit of Doane's labor is a fascinating survey of world religions and a compelling critique of the originality of Christian dogma.

Now available free from the Project Gutenberg at 

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/31885/31885-h/31885-h.htm#Pg i