Acharya S. (D.M. Murdock, 1960–2015): The Modern Voice of Astrotheology
The controversial scholar who argued that Christianity itself was rooted in astrology and myth.
Fast Facts
- Pen Name: Acharya S.
- Full Name: Dorothy Milne Murdock
- Born: March 27, 1960 — Massachusetts, USA
- Died: December 25, 2015 — Connecticut, USA
- Known for: Author, researcher, proponent of astrotheology
- Major Works: The Christ Conspiracy, Suns of God, Christ in Egypt
Life & Background
D.M. Murdock studied Classics, Greek, and archaeology before launching into comparative religion. Under the pen name “Acharya S.,” she published a series of books and essays arguing that the gospel story of Jesus was not unique, but part of a much older tradition of solar and astrological mythology. Her work attracted both devoted followers and fierce critics, making her one of the most debated modern writers on Christianity and astrology.
Astrotheology: The Heart of Her Work
Like Jordan Maxwell, Acharya S. argued that Christianity was an expression of astrotheology — the worship of the sun, moon, and stars as divine symbols. She claimed:
- The story of Jesus’ birth mirrors the sun’s “rebirth” at the winter solstice.
- The twelve disciples reflect the twelve signs of the zodiac.
- The crucifixion and resurrection represent the sun’s death and rebirth in its annual cycle.
- Other world saviors (Horus, Mithras, Krishna) were also solar deities whose myths parallel the gospels.
“Christianity is a rehash of a mythological formula (astrotheology) every bit as old as mankind.”
— Acharya S., The Christ Conspiracy (1999)
The Bible as Cosmic Allegory
Acharya S. saw the Bible not as history but as allegory, a symbolic retelling of the sun’s movement through the heavens. She cited verses like Genesis 1:14 — “Let there be lights in the firmament… for signs and for seasons” — as proof that the stars were central to ancient religion. For her, Christianity was simply the latest expression of humanity’s oldest story: the drama of the sky.
Criticism & Controversy
Her work drew strong criticism from mainstream scholars, who accused her of oversimplifying sources or relying on outdated 19th-century theories. Nonetheless, her writings found a large audience among seekers, skeptics, and alternative historians. Even her critics acknowledged that she popularized astrotheology for a modern generation, sparking renewed debate about the role of astrology in Christianity.
Key Quotes from Acharya S.
“Christianity was not founded as a historical religion but as an astrotheological myth.”
“The Jesus story is solar mythology, a tale told in the stars and retold on earth.”
“In the zodiac, we find the gospel written long before it was ever written down in the New Testament.”
Legacy & Influence
Acharya S. carried forward the astrotheological perspective into the 21st century. Whether one agrees with her or not, she helped revive the conversation about the Bible’s astrological roots. For our Astrology and the Bible series, she represents the bold modern voice: controversial, uncompromising, and dedicated to uncovering the cosmic code behind Christianity.