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The outstanding theological contribution of ancient Egypt is Ma'at, a complex construction which combines order with truth. justice and charity. It is often referred to simplistically as righteousness. Although unacknowledged, it has surreptitiously influenced most of the important Western religious congeries: Christianity, Judaism, Islam and, somewhat surprisingly, Neo-paganism. An examination of Ma'at is most particularly relevant in view of recent suggestions that the story of Jesus is an entirely mythic recapitulation and elaboration of the story of Isis-Osiris-Horus. Irrespective of the hostoricity of Jesus, however, it is clear that Egyptian theology influenced the establishment and development of ethics and morality in the Abrahamic religions, and is also consonant with Wiccan practice.
About the author
Rev. Peirce earned his early degrees in English at Rhode Island College, where he was the first graduate student in Africana studies, focussing on 16th Century Spanish poet Juan Latino. On retiring he earned additional degrees in Film and Media Studies with special interest in British and Interwar films and also completed a doctorate in theology.