The Influence of Buddhism on Primitive Christianity

"The Influence of Buddhism on Primitive Christianity" by Arthur Lillie is a historical exploration that highlights the potential connections between Buddhism and the origins of Christianity. Lillie's work looks at similarities in the ethical and spiritual teachings of early Christianity and Buddhism, suggesting that the New Testament may contain parables influenced by Buddhist thought. The book compares the historical contexts of both religions and discusses the possibility of Buddhist missionaries affecting the development of early Christian beliefs. It suggests that both religions arose in opposition to older belief systems and invites us to think about how sharing ideas between cultures may have shaped religious development.