Celebrated work of the ancient Egyptians, comprising a collection of prayers and incantations for use of the dead. The authorship was ascribed to the god Thoth. Earlier forms were written in hieroglyphics; under the 21st and 22nd dynasties cursive character was used. Papyri were buried with the dead. The ritual was based on the belief that the souls had to pass through a difficult region called Tuat and that prayers and amulets were necessary. After religion had become more spiritual an ethical element was introduced. Chapter CXXV which belongs to 18th dynasty depicts the soul brought before Osiris for judgment and is remarkable for its lofty moral standard. The cult of Osiris was connected with the Egyptian belief in immortality.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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