Chapter I: The Approach 1

Chapter II.--THE CENTRAL MYTH 24

§ 1. The Ground of Conflict 24
§ 2. The Sacrificial Rite 31
§ 3. Contingent Elements 39
§ 4. The Mock-King Ritual 50
§ 5. Doctrinal Additions 53
§ 6. Minor Ritual and Myth Elements 57
§ 7. The Cross 61
§ 8. The Suffering Messiah 64
§ 9. The Rock Tomb 67
§ 10. The Resurrection 70

Chapter III.--ROOTS OF THE MYTH 72

§ 1. Historical Data 72
§ 2. Prototypes 91
§ 3. The Mystery-Drama 96

Chapter IV.--EVOLUTION OF THE CULT 107

§ 1. The Primary Impulsion 107
§ 2. The Silence of Josephus 121
§ 3. The Myth of the Twelve Apostles 126
§ 4. The Process of Propaganda 135
§ 5. Real Determinants 148

Chapter V.--ORGANIZATION AND ECONOMICS 157

§ 1. The Economic Side 157
§ 2. Organization 162

Chapter VI.--EARLY BOOK-MAKING 170

§ 1. The "Didachê" 170
§ 2. The Apocalypse 173
§ 3. Epistles 176

Chapter VII.--GOSPEL-MAKING 182

§ 1. Tradition 182
§ 2. Schmiedel's Tests 188
§ 3. Tendential Tests 192
§ 4. Historic Summary 202

Chapter VIII.--SUPPLEMENTARY MYTH 207

§ 1. Myths of Healing 207
§ 2. Birth Myths 209
§ 3. Minor Myths 217