The Influence of Buddhism on Primitive Christianity

The Influence of Buddhism on Primitive Christianity advances the controversial thesis that early Christianity was significantly shaped by Buddhist influence transmitted through Essene communities. Arthur Lillie argues that elements of the New Testament should be understood as parabolic rather than strictly historical narratives and contends that Jesus himself was connected to Essene monasticism. According to the work, Essenism—and consequently primitive Christianity—owed intellectual and spiritual debts to earlier Buddhist missionary activity in the Hellenistic world.

Drawing upon comparative religious analysis, patristic references, and nineteenth-century scholarship, Lillie examines parallels between Buddhist and early Christian teachings, monastic practices, and ethical doctrines. The book situates its argument within broader debates on religious transmission following the conquests of Alexander the Great and reflects contemporary European interest in comparative religion and Oriental studies.

Although highly speculative by modern academic standards, the volume remains historically significant as an example of late nineteenth-century attempts to reinterpret Christian origins through cross-cultural religious comparison.