It is interesting how religion takes their core element and adds generations of interpretations, like an oyster adds, polishes and adds layers to create the pearl. Does it create clarity, or only warmth? Light, or heat?

One of my favorite books is The Five Stages of Greek Religion, by Gilbert Murray. It gives a good description of the organic origins of Christianity;

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/30250/30250-h/30250-h.htm