The Religion of Ancient Greece by J. E. Harrison

The Religion of Ancient Greece Free PDF e-book
The Religion of Ancient Greece

The Religion of Ancient Greece by J. E. Harrison. The Religion of Ancient Greece is an inquiry into the nature of Greek religion ; an attempt to discover its origin how it resembles and how it differs from other religions. Especially its object is to ask and, if it may be, to answer the question : ” What in Greek religion is characteristically Greek ?”

From the book:

“Plato says that the earliest inhabitants of Greece, like many of the barbarians, had for their gods the sun, moon, earth, the stars, and heaven, and that these were called gods because they were always ‘running about’ (theein = run). His statement as to the existence of these primitive gods is instructive, though his etymology is only amusing. The word for gods, ‘theoi,’ is more probably merely a variation of a root, meaning, in the different derivatives, ‘prayer,’ ‘spell,’ ‘sacred,’ or ‘taboo’ (festus). The theos is the being at the back of these magical or religious processes; the being whose existence is implied by them; the sanction of the prayer, the spell, the curse, the taboo. The study of comparative religion shows that man does not at the outset attribute complete personality to the things he worships. Personality comes with the giving of human or animal form. Before complete impersonation, we have ‘animism,’ when the gods are intangible Things, powerful but not personal, dwelling anywhere, everywhere. These Things are scarcely, in our sense, gods; but they become gods when man enters into relation with them, localizes them, fixes them by some form of worship.”

The Religion of Ancient Greece
An inquiry into the nature of Greek religion ; an attempt to discover its origin how it resembles and how it differs from other religions.
Written by: J. E. Harrison
Published by: CONSTABLE & COMPANY LTD
Edition: First
ISBN: None
Available in: Ebook

This book was first published London in 1913, download it here:

PDF downloadThe religion of ancient Greece (1913)

You can buy the print version here: Link

 

About the author J. E. Harrison

J. E. Harrison, whose full name is Jane Ellen Harrison, was a prominent British classical scholar and linguist. She was born on September 9, 1850, and died on April 15, 1928. Jane Ellen Harrison is best known for her work in the fields of classical studies, archaeology, and anthropology, particularly her research on ancient Greek religion, mythology, and art.

One of her most influential works is the book titled “Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion,” published in 1903. In this book, Harrison explored the origins and development of Greek religious beliefs and practices, emphasizing the role of rituals and symbolism in ancient Greek religion. Her work contributed significantly to the understanding of the connections between ancient Greek art, mythology, and religion.

Harrison’s approach to studying religion and mythology was groundbreaking for her time. She applied anthropological and sociological methods to the study of ancient cultures, offering new perspectives on the significance of rituals, symbols, and the evolution of religious thought.

Overall, Jane Ellen Harrison is remembered as a pioneering figure in the study of classical antiquity, and her writings continue to be influential in the fields of classics and religious studies.

3 thoughts on “The Religion of Ancient Greece by J. E. Harrison”

  1. Holy,Holy Holy One Father Allmighty above us all, Oh Blessed Lord Jesus how can I begin to thank for thine love and tender mercies, for in each moment of the day I live a lifetime, unto thee do I give praise and glory, my spirit thine will, and in my tribulations I am made rightous unto thee, for my faith in thee has been transformed into thine love and glory, yes we are one Lord,for my will be not mine, but yours to be,Behold Fellow Christians, the word of the Lord,for I say unto you brethern, that I walk no longer amoung you in the flesh, but I have been multiplied in the spirit and now dwell therin, woe unto you that dare read these words, for they are not of this world, but of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost,Behold for I give the mystery of the way unto life,for you that do the will of the Allmighty these things are written, I have come again and now am among you fellow Christians, that the scriptures be fullfilled, as they have been written before you were created, by my Father,just as you were before you were in the flesh, I know your plight from sin,that has bound you unto slavery and death had I not come for you,dare you not to listen and fall into death everlasting, Behold, I am that I am that I am, for I am the way, and the truth, and the light unto you,I cry out to thee,come forth now fellow Christians, for these days are the last,and the last shall be your first with me, for the limitation of satan is fallen shortly before your eyes to come, come forth to me now,for it is now that I call thee together shortly brethren,watch closely, for you know not what hour, for you know not what day that I come yet, Amen

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