Christianity and paganism are two vastly different religious beliefs that have shaped the course of human history. While there are some similarities between the two, it is incorrect to say that Christianity is reminiscent of paganism. Christianity emerged in the 1st century AD and is based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. The central belief of Christianity is the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ, and followers strive to live according to his teachings. Paganism, on the other hand, refers to a broad range of ancient polytheistic religious beliefs that existed before the spread of Christianity.
Paganism, on the other hand, refers to a broad range of ancient polytheistic religious beliefs that existed before the spread of Christianity. Pagans worshipped many gods and goddesses, and their religious practices varied greatly depending on the cultures and civilizations in which they existed. Pagan religions often involved rituals, sacrifices, and a strong connection to nature.
History of the Cosmos
Deep in the heart of LaVell Edwards Stadium, a metal door creaks and a thin line of light widens into a bright rectangle on the gray concrete. The shape remains only for an instant, as it is filled, bottom to top, with a familiar feline outline. Then the door slams behind a blur of fur hurtling into the midst of a few football fans. It’s Cosmo, stealthily leaping from his lair, somehow striking a mid-air spread-eagle pose for an instant, then landing with a thump near a surprised toddler, eliciting an awe-filled scream and a few tears. Cosmo pauses, shrugs apologetically, then runs toward the south end zone and the roar of the crowd.
Surprising, humorous, or inspiring, Cosmo’s big entrances have always been a part of his mascot repertoire. But today there is no parachute drop, fire truck, limousine, or helicopter. Cosmo keeps it simple, hoisting the B flag (the Y and U follow close behind) and leading the football team from a dark portal onto the sunlit stadium turf.
Cosmo made his first appearance at a football pep rally as the Cougars prepared to compete for the Old Wagon Wheel with the Utah State Agricultural School Farmers. The Brigham Young Universe on Oct. 15, 1953, reported on the mascot’s campus debut: “Zooming down from outer space onto the Brigham Young University campus, comes the newest member of the Y yell team—COSMO, the Cougar.”
The paper explained that “Cosmo is a member of the student body dressed in a suit, resembling a Cougar” and clarified his role, “He will do acrobatics, lead yells, climb goal posts, or anything else his Cougar spirit bids him.”
Cosmo poses with the pep squad. Photo courtesy of James Daly.
Cosmo was imagined and named by the late H. Dwayne Stevenson (BA ’57), head of pep activities at the time. “The name Cosmo—he plucked that out of the sky,” says Stevenson’s then-roommate, B. Udell Winkler (’56). “He thought of it being kind of far out, kind of beyond our reach, something special.”
Indeed, Cosmo has become a special part of the BYU community. If you ask last year’s mascot if there’s anything cooler than Cosmo, Stephen C. Jones (Cosmo 2008–10) says, “No. Nothing. Jimmer’s close, but he’s a close second. If you think about it, all of the athletes will come and go, but Cosmo’s still there.” But then Jones pauses to ponder. “Hmm. Maybe I wouldn’t put Jimmer second . . . I think Jimmer’s tied. Yeah, he just tied it up.”
Once, while Andrew C. Syndergaard (Cosmo 2005–09) visited with some basketball fans at the Marriott Center, a large group of kids came over to him all at once. When he looked over to see the source, he realized Santa Claus was there in another section. “How cool is it when you’re loved so much that kids leave Santa to come say hi to you?” he says.
Cosmo and the BYU cheerleaders have sported a variety of looks in the 59 years since his debut. Photo courtesy of Clive Moon.
Doing “anything . . . his Cougar spirit bids him,” Cosmo has remained true blue for nearly six decades. But, over time that simple guiding principle has been expanded, using wisdom gained from decades of Cougar-and-fan interactions. Today, a longer list of dos and don’ts guides the mascot day-to-day; this article shares and illuminates a variety of excerpts from Cosmo’s Code of Conduct.
“Cosmo should be a representation, as far as athletics is concerned, of sportsmanship, fan interaction, and just being friendly,” says David J. Eberhard, BYU athletics marketing coordinator. “Sports are a metaphor for life; they’re not life. They’re there for us to learn from. So hopefully Cosmo will lead by example.”
Today Cosmo has become an enduring, vibrant symbol of athletic prowess and sportsmanship. Back in the stadium, football fans looking down from the uppermost seats of the stadium catch a glimpse of BYU’s mascot—far away enough he might be considered a “micro-Cosmo.”
Perched on his blue wooden platform in the south end zone, Cosmo crouches down on all fours, extends his right arm, right leg, and head—skillfully mirroring the pose of the bronze cougar at the stadium entrance. A moment, frozen in time, captures a mascot with staying power.
While there might be some similarities between Christianity and certain aspects of paganism, it is important to note the stark differences between them. The main contrast lies in the belief in one God versus many gods and the central focus on Jesus Christ in Christianity. Paganism, by its nature, is diverse and lacks the cohesive structure and core beliefs of Christianity. It is also worth mentioning that Christianity did incorporate some elements from pagan religions in its early history. This was partly done to aid in the conversion of pagans to Christianity, as it allowed them to incorporate familiar rituals and practices into their newly adopted faith. However, as Christianity grew and evolved, it developed its own distinct identity. In conclusion, while there may be minor similarities and influences between Christianity and paganism, it is inaccurate to say that Christianity is reminiscent of paganism. The core beliefs, practices, and historical developments of these two religions differ greatly. Christianity is a monotheistic faith centered around Jesus Christ, whereas paganism encompasses diverse polytheistic beliefs..
Reviews for "The Role of Women in Paganism and Early Christianity"
1. John - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I found the article "Is Christianity Reminiscent of Paganism" to be thought-provoking, but ultimately unconvincing. While the author makes some interesting connections between certain Christian practices and pagan rituals, they fail to provide any substantial evidence to support their claims. The comparisons feel forced and cherry-picked, and the article lacks a comprehensive analysis of the historical and cultural context of both Christianity and paganism. Overall, I believe the author's argument is weak and lacks the necessary scholarly rigor.
2. Sarah - ⭐️ - I was disappointed with the article "Is Christianity Reminiscent of Paganism." The author's argument is based on unsubstantiated claims and a narrow understanding of both Christianity and paganism. The comparisons drawn between the two are superficial at best and fail to acknowledge the fundamental differences in belief systems and practices. Furthermore, the author's tone is dismissive and condescending towards Christianity, which undermines the credibility of their argument. I would not recommend wasting your time on this poorly researched and biased article.
3. Michael - ⭐️⭐️ - As someone with a background in theology, I found the article "Is Christianity Reminiscent of Paganism" to be frustratingly oversimplified. The author attempts to draw parallels between certain Christian traditions and pagan rituals, but fails to acknowledge the theological underpinnings that differentiate the two. Christianity has its roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ, while paganism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. The article's reductionist approach does a disservice to the complex and nuanced nature of both Christianity and paganism. Overall, I was disappointed with this oversimplified analysis.