Freethought Archives > Baron d'Holbach > Christianity Unveiled (1766)

 

Christianity Unveiled;

BEING

AN EXAMINATION

OF

THE PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS

OF THE

Christian Religion

=========

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF BOULANGER,*

BY W. M. JOHNSON.

 =========

London:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY R. CARLILE, 55, FLEET STREET
------
1819
 

 

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

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.
 



CONTENTS.
 
 




A LETTER from the Author to a Friend.


1




 



CHAPTER I.


Of the necessity of an Inquiry respecting Religion, and the Obstacles which are met in pursuing this Inquiry.


9




 



CHAPTER II.


Sketch of the History of the Jews.


14




 



CHAPTER III.


Sketch of the History of the Christian Religion.


17




 



CHAPTER IV.


Of the Christian Mythology, or the Ideas of God and his Conduct, given us by the Christian Religion.


22




 



CHAPTER V.


Of Revelation.


26




 



CHAPTER VI.


Of the Proofs of the Christian Religion, Miracles, Prophecies, and Martyrs.


29




 



CHAPTER VII.


Of the Mysteries of the Christian Religion.


39




 



CHAPTER VIII.


Mysteries and Dogmas of Christianity.


44




 



CHAPTER IX.


Of the Rites and Ceremonies or Theurgy of the Christians.


47




 



CHAPTER X.


Of the inspired Writings of the Christians.


50




 



CHAPTER XI.


Of Christian Morality.


54




 



CHAPTER XII.


Of the Christian Virtues.


60




 



CHAPTER XIII.


Of the Practice and Duties of the Christian Religion.


72




 



CHAPTER XIV.


Of the Political Effects of the Christian Religion.


77




 



CHAPTER XV.


Of the Christian Church or Priesthood.


83




 



CHAPTER XVI.


Conclusions.


93

 

About this version of Christianity Unveiled

*Webmaster's note: Holbach's pseudonym