William Robertson Smith Quotes
But, strictly speaking, this mythology was no essential part of ancient religion, for it had no sacred sanction and no binding force on the worshippers.
The dissolution of the nation destroys the national religion, and dethrones the national deity.
That the God-man died for his people, and that His death is their life, is an idea which was in some degree foreshadowed by the older mystical sacrifices.
In better times the religion of the tribe or state has nothing in common with the private and foreign superstitions or magical rites that savage terror may dictate to the individual.
The god, it would appear, was frequently thought of as the physical progenitor or first father of his people.
