Greek Religion by Walter Burkert

Widely considered the essential volume on Greek religion, I knew I had to read this.  Originally published in German in 1977, it still stands as the great work on the subject.

Throughout the book I was repeatedly reminded how many similarities there are between ancient Greek religion and modern day Christianity.  Although nothing is exactly the same, many symbols and rituals betray a hidden connection.

Examples include the use of wine, food and incense during rituals; ritual processions of icons of deities through the streets and communities; ritual cleansing; the sacrifice of animals to suffer for the citizenry, just as Jesus sacrificed himself for humanity; and so many more.

I'm reminded of the quote that all religions are essentially different doorways to the same house.

And just as widely divergent religions tell stories of a worldwide flood over millennia, religions over time have evolved in ways that leave traces of the past in their modern versions.