The Religious Thought of the Greeks, from Homer to the Triumph of Christianity

A sweeping survey of ancient belief, this work follows the evolution of Greek religious ideas from the epic visions of Homer and Hesiod through the mystic currents of Orphism, Pythagorean rites, and the poetic insights of the sixth‑century masters. By tracing how the Greeks pictured their gods, defined human obligations, and linked morality to the divine, the lectures reveal a world where philosophy and worship were inseparable, and where thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle reshaped the old myths into systematic thought.

The narrative then widens its lens to the cultural crossroads of the Roman era, examining the impact of Eastern cults and the rise of Christianity as the final chapter of this intellectual journey. With careful attention to key figures—from the early poets to Origen and Plotinus—the book paints a picture of a tradition in constant dialogue, showing how ancient concepts of the sacred set the stage for later theological developments.