The origins of the Christ myth trace back to ancient paganism. Many aspects of the story and characteristics of Jesus can be seen in pagan deities that predate Christianity. The similarities between these myths and the Christ figure can be attributed to cultural diffusion and syncretism. One central aspect of the Christ myth is the virgin birth. This concept is not unique to Christianity and can be found in several pagan traditions. For example, the Greek god Zeus is said to have impregnated mortal women, resulting in the birth of mythical heroes.
The stories told about Osiris-Dionysus will no doubt sound familiar. He is the Son of God who is born to a virgin on the 25th of December before three shepherds. He is a prophet who offers his followers the chance to be born again through the rites of baptism. He is a wonderworker who raises the dead and miraculously turns water into wine at a marriage ceremony. He is God incarnate who dies at Easter, sometimes through crucifixion, but who resurrects on the third day. He is a savior who offers his followers redemption through partaking in a meal of bread and wine, symbolic of his body and blood. The Jesus story is a synthesis of the Jewish myth of the Messiah Joshua (in Greek Jesus) with these Pagan myths of the dying and resurrecting Godman.
They taught that if you yourself go through the process of initiation symbolized by the Jesus myth, you would die to your old self and resurrect in a new way. According to the original Gnostic Christians, the Jesus story is a perennial myth with the power to impart the mystical experience of Gnosis, which can transform each one of us into a Christ, not merely a history of events that happened to someoneelse two thousand years ago.
For example, the Greek god Zeus is said to have impregnated mortal women, resulting in the birth of mythical heroes. Similarly, the Egyptian god Horus was believed to be born to the goddess Isis, who was impregnated by the god Osiris after his death. These parallels suggest that the idea of a divine birth was already ingrained in religious thought before the advent of Christianity.
Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth
In Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth, John G. Jackson sources the pagan origins of Christian doctrine with particular focus on the creation and atonement myths. Rooted in historical facts, Jackson’s claims are steeped in research and demonstrate how Christianity synthesizes the rituals, beliefs, and characteristics of savior gods from ancient Egyptian, Greek, Aztec, and Hindu origins. Initially published in 1941, this concise introduction remains an insightful contribution to comparative religion studies.
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Another common feature is the resurrection. Many ancient mythologies include stories of gods or heroes dying and being reborn. For instance, the Egyptian god Osiris was killed by his brother Set and later resurrected by his wife Isis. Likewise, the Greek god Dionysus is said to have been torn apart by Titans but was eventually resurrected. The parallels to the resurrection of Jesus highlight the recurrence of this theme in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the motif of a savior figure who sacrifices himself for the salvation of others can be found in various mythologies. The Norse god Odin, for instance, hung himself from the world tree in order to gain knowledge and wisdom to save humanity. In Hinduism, the god Vishnu incarnates as different avatars to protect the world from evil. These tales of self-sacrifice and divine intervention bear resemblance to the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and his role as the savior of humanity. It is important to note that these similarities do not diminish the significance of the Christ figure in Christianity. Rather, they underscore the universality of certain themes and narratives within mythological traditions around the world. The incorporation of pagan elements into Christian doctrine may have been a way to make the new religion more relatable and accessible to people familiar with existing mythologies. In conclusion, the origins of the Christ myth can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions. The concepts of virgin birth, resurrection, and a savior figure sacrificing themselves for the salvation of others can be found in various mythologies that predate Christianity. These similarities highlight the widespread presence and influence of these themes in human storytelling and religious thought..
Reviews for "The Pagan Mythology That Inspired the Christ Story"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Pagah: Origins of the Christ Myth" to be highly confusing and lacking in substance. The author tries to present alternative explanations for the origins of the Christ myth, but fails to provide any compelling evidence or logical arguments. The book is filled with speculations and unsubstantiated claims that make it harder to take it seriously. Additionally, the writing style is convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to understand the author's main points. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
"Pagah: Origins of the Christ Myth" was a disappointing read for me. While the author attempts to explore the origins of the Christ myth from a different perspective, the arguments presented lack depth and solid supporting evidence. I found myself questioning the validity of the author's claims as they were often based on conjecture rather than factual information. Furthermore, the book lacks a clear structure, making it hard to follow the author's train of thought. Overall, I felt that this book failed to deliver a coherent and convincing analysis of the topic it seeks to explore.
3. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I was unimpressed with "Pagah: Origins of the Christ Myth." The book seemed more like a conspiracy theory than an academic exploration of the topic. The author makes bold claims without providing sufficient evidence or references to support them. The reading experience was tedious, as the author repeats the same points over and over without providing any new insight. This book may appeal to those who are already inclined to doubt the origins of the Christ myth, but for someone looking for a well-reasoned and evidence-based examination, this book falls short.
4. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
As someone interested in the origins of religious myths, I was excited to read "Pagah: Origins of the Christ Myth." However, I found the book to be overly speculative and lacking in academic rigor. The author presents various alternative theories without providing substantial evidence to support them, leaving the reader unconvinced. Additionally, the writing style is dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Overall, while the topic is intriguing, the execution of the book left much to be desired. I would recommend seeking out more reputable sources for a well-rounded understanding of the origin of the Christ myth.
5. David - ★☆☆☆☆
"Pagah: Origins of the Christ Myth" was a frustrating read that failed to deliver on its promise. The author presents alternative theories without backing them up with credible sources or logical arguments. The writing style is jumbled and unstructured, making it hard to follow the author's train of thought. Moreover, I found many of the claims made in the book to be far-fetched and lacking in supporting evidence. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would caution others against wasting their time on it.