Speaking of the evolution of superstitions, we have this from Earl Doherty's The Jesus Puzzle.
This explains the multiplicity of xtian sects in antiquity. The multiplicity of xtian sects today is best explained by the greed of the clergy.
Quote:Christianity was born in a thousand places, in the broad fertile soil
of Hellenistic Judaism. It sprang up in many independent communities and sects, expressing
itself in a great variety of doctrines. We see this variety in everything from Paul to the writings
of the so-called community of John, from the unique Epistle to the Hebrews to non-canonical
documents like the Odes of Solomon and a profusion of gnostic texts.
Pg. 49
This explains the multiplicity of xtian sects in antiquity. The multiplicity of xtian sects today is best explained by the greed of the clergy.
