Isis ,Mary & Moses: Ancient Egyptian Roots of Judeo Christian Religions

For millennia, Egypt was not only the land of the pharaohs, temples, and pyramids—it was also a crucible of ideas that deeply shaped Western religion. In this richly illustrated talk, Egyptologist Laura Ranieri Roy takes you on a journey through time, revealing how ancient Egyptian beliefs, Judao Christian traditions, and the rise of Christianity intertwined on the banks of the Nile.

For thousands of years, Egypt’s temples and spiritual traditions shaped how people imagined gods, the afterlife, and divine kingship. Discover how Isis and Horus inspired images of Mary and the Christ child, how concepts of resurrection and judgment influenced the Bible, and how early Christianity took root in Egypt through Alexandria’s scholars and the first desert monks. Also - did the monotheism of Moses take root in Akhenaten?

We’ll also journey through the legends of the Holy Family’s travels in Egypt, visiting sites where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus were said to have lived, worshipped, and found refuge. From the resurrection of Osiris to the flowering of Christian monasteries, this presentation brings to life Egypt’s extraordinary role in shaping the great faiths of the Western world.

By the end of this 90-minute session, participants will:

1. Understand Egypt’s role in the formation of Judeo-Christian traditions, including the spread of early Christianity, monasticism, and the Holy Family’s journey through the land.
2. Recognize the parallels and crossovers between Egyptian religious concepts and biblical narratives, from Osiris and Jesus to Isis and Mary.

Gain insight into how ancient Egyptian ideas of resurrection, judgment, and divine kingship influenced Christianity and Western spirituality as a whole.