Freethought & Rationalism Archive

FatherMithras · 03-02-2005, 07:34 PM

Greetings, I have been viewing these forums for the past few weeks and simply could not resist joining in all the fun, frusteration, and intellectual stimulation of the iidb forums. I've learned a great deal more about the history of the Biblical peoples and their cultures to expound upon what I'd already researched, and look forward to learning more and helping others do the same.

Back on topic, I have recently begun rereading some of Joseph Cambell's Masks of God series, in which he shows the evolution and psychological underpinnings of world religion. I was interested in learning more about the proto-hebrew story of Eden, in which Eve was considered a Goddess and the Serpent a noble figure, as well as any other seeming evolution in ancient religious beliefs. As my name entails, I have a great interest in the religions modern Xianity has absorbed into its dogma.

I look forward to the future correspondence!

Clivedurdle · 03-04-2005, 07:47 AM

Welcome!

Do you want to expand your thoughts?

FatherMithras · 03-04-2005, 08:12 AM

Has anyone here ever researched the Persian Deity Mithras? I find the stories circulating about him to be rather interesting, since the supposed divine qualities and actions of the christ figure appear to have been borroed heavily from Mithras's only mythology. Of these the wine and bread sacrament, figure as the son of the all powerful omnibenevolent God, death and resurrection, three wise kings visiting the birthsight, and an apocalyptic end of the world almost identical to revelation, among many numerous similarities. How do creationists respond to these claims?

On a side note, I have found several online sources in the past (Which I hope to post soon) that seem to imply much more similarities, including a Trinity view of the God, twelve disciples, a last supper, virgin birth, etc. Are these claims substantiated? I haven't seen them in mainstream mythology books, and have only seen them on certain internet websites that may or may not be credible.

-Father Mithras, Prophet of the Renewed Light of Mithra cult

spin · 03-04-2005, 09:48 AM

There are no primary sources for an analysis of Mithraism, at least in its western manifestation, complete with its Phrygian cap and its table fellowship. All we have are rather esoteric frescoes from Mithraea (and a little statuary) and some vague stuff in ancient literature. There's not really much concrete that can be said. The religion was popular among Roman soldiers for a time and is probably behind Constatine's belief in Sol Invictus, but as to details, you won't find any.

spin

Toto · 03-04-2005, 10:42 AM

Welcome to BCH, Father M.

If you search this forum for threads with Mithras in the title, you will find a lot of prior discussion. One of our moderators, CX, keeps threatening to write the definitive summary of modern Mithras research.

If you search for "Sumerian" you will find some discussion of the earlier myths that appear to have shaped the story of the Garden of Eden.

That should get you started.

03-02-2005, 07:34 PM	#1
FatherMithras Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 3,890	Borrowing mythology Greetings, I have been viewing these forums for the past few weeks and simply could not resist joining in all the fun, frusteration, and intellectual stimulation of the iidb forums. I've learned a great deal more about the history of the Biblical peoples and their cultures to expound upon what I'd already researched, and look forward to learning more and helping others do the same. Back on topic, I have recently begun rereading some of Joseph Cambell's Masks of God series, in which he shows the evolution and psychological underpinnings of world religion. I was interested in learning more about the proto-hebrew story of Eden, in which Eve was considered a Goddess and the Serpent a noble figure, as well as any other seeming evolution in ancient religious beliefs. As my name entails, I have a great interest in the religions modern Xianity has absorbed into its dogma. I look forward to the future correspondence!

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03-04-2005, 07:47 AM	#2
Clivedurdle Contributor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 16,024	Welcome! Do you want to expand your thoughts?

03-04-2005, 08:12 AM	#3
FatherMithras Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 3,890	Has anyone here ever researched the Persian Deity Mithras? I find the stories circulating about him to be rather interesting, since the supposed divine qualities and actions of the christ figure appear to have been borroed heavily from Mithras's only mythology. Of these the wine and bread sacrament, figure as the son of the all powerful omnibenevolent God, death and resurrection, three wise kings visiting the birthsight, and an apocalyptic end of the world almost identical to revelation, among many numerous similarities. How do creationists respond to these claims? On a side note, I have found several online sources in the past (Which I hope to post soon) that seem to imply much more similarities, including a Trinity view of the God, twelve disciples, a last supper, virgin birth, etc. Are these claims substantiated? I haven't seen them in mainstream mythology books, and have only seen them on certain internet websites that may or may not be credible. -Father Mithras, Prophet of the Renewed Light of Mithra cult

03-04-2005, 09:48 AM	#4
spin Contributor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: nowhere Posts: 15,747	There are no primary sources for an analysis of Mithraism, at least in its western manifestation, complete with its Phrygian cap and its table fellowship. All we have are rather esoteric frescoes from Mithraea (and a little statuary) and some vague stuff in ancient literature. There's not really much concrete that can be said. The religion was popular among Roman soldiers for a time and is probably behind Constatine's belief in Sol Invictus, but as to details, you won't find any. spin

03-04-2005, 10:42 AM	#5
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	Welcome to BCH, Father M. If you search this forum for threads with Mithras in the title, you will find a lot of prior discussion. One of our moderators, CX, keeps threatening to write the definitive summary of modern Mithras research. If you search for "Sumerian" you will find some discussion of the earlier myths that appear to have shaped the story of the Garden of Eden. That should get you started.

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