Christianity Unveiled: Being An Examination of The Principles and Effects of The Christian Religion - Tapa blanda

“Let us tear aside the veil with which it envelopes itself. Let us penetrate back to its source. Let us pursue it in its course, we shall find that, founded on imposture, ignorance, and credulity, it can never be useful but to men who wish to deceive their fellow-creatures. We shall find, that it will never cease to generate the greatest evils among mankind, and that instead of producing the felicity it promises, it is formed to cover the earth with outrages, and deluge it in blood; that it will plunge the human race in delirium and vice, and blind their eyes to their truest interests and their plainest duties.” -The Author

“In this philosophic age, when nature, reason, and the rights of man have resumed their empire; when the genius of a great, generous, and brave people is giving the last blow to superstition and despotism, the publication of a work which has greatly contributed to these glorious events, must be highly acceptable, not only to the literary world, but even to the community at large, who eagerly seek after instruction, the moment they believe it necessary for their happiness.

“This publication bears a conspicuous rank among those works whose free and independent sentiments have introduced a happy change in the public mind, and concurred with the writings of Rousseau, Mably, Raynal, and Voltaire, in bringing forward the French Revolution: a revolution which will probably prove the harbinger of the complete triumph of reason. Persecutions and wars will then cease for ever throughout the civilized world.

“In offering this translation to the public, I pay a tribute that every member of society owes to his fellow-citizens, that of endeavouring to acquaint them with their true rights and duties, and, consequently, the means most conducive to their happiness.” -W. M. Johnson, New York, 1804.

CONTENTS

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE

LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR TO A FRIEND

CHRISTIANITY UNVEILED

CHAP. I.—INTRODUCTION

CHAP. II.—SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS

CHAP. III.—SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION

CHAP. IV.—OF THE CHRISTIAN MYTHOLOGY

CHAP. V.—OF REVELATION

CHAP. VI.—OF THE PROOFS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION

CHAP. VII.—OF THE MYSTERIES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION

CHAP. VIII.—MYSTERIES AND DOGMAS OF CHRISTIANITY

CHAP. IX.—OF THE RITES AND MYSTERIOUS CEREMONIES

CHAP. X.—OF THE INSPIRED WRITINGS OF THE CHRISTIANS