Did you know that Jesus was thought to have been born in a cave by early Christians, just like the Pagan God Mithras who the Romans worshiped before conquering Israel ?
But it's true, Virginia, nothing about our modern celebration of Christmas is biblical, and the total commercialization of Christmas has kicked it loose from any recognizable religious origins of any variety.
Below is link to a page with many of the details, but to sum it up, both Jesus and Mithras were born in a rock cave, were crucified on a cross and were put in a stone tomb. I wonder why Christianity hasn't kept these same older Christian ideas of Jesus being born in a cave alive ?
Below are some of the details from that page :
"...there is shown at Bethlehem the cave where He was born and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling-clothes. And this sight is greatly talked of in surrounding places, even among the enemies of the faith, it being said that in this cave was born that Jesus who is worshipped and reverenced by the Christians."
check the link above for much, much more ....
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Many of the supposed parallels between Christianity and Mithraism are based on outdated scholarship that relies heavily on the assumption that the Roman cult was a natural extension of the ancient Persian religion rather than an entirely new late first-century system.
In an effort to merge the two, people lacking in research will often attempt to point out parallels between the beliefs and practices of Christians to those of the Roman cult of Mithras.
The most common claims tossed around are generally:
Mithras preceded Christianity by roughly 600 years.
Mithras was born on December 25.
He was considered a great teacher and had twelve disciples.
Mithras also performed miracles.
Mithras was called “the good shepherd,” “the way, the truth and the light,” “redeemer,” “savior,” and “messiah.”
He was identified with the lion and the lamb.
He was buried in a tomb and after three days he rose again and his resurrection was celebrated every year.
Mithraism had a Eucharist or “Lord’s Supper” that involved consecrated bread and wine.
Their initiation ceremonies included a baptism to remove sins.
Mithras preceded Christianity by roughly 600 years.
Mithras was born on December 25.
He was considered a great teacher and had twelve disciples.
Mithras also performed miracles.
Mithras was called “the good shepherd,” “the way, the truth and the light,” “redeemer,” “savior,” and “messiah.”
He was identified with the lion and the lamb.
He was buried in a tomb and after three days he rose again and his resurrection was celebrated every year.
Mithraism had a Eucharist or “Lord’s Supper” that involved consecrated bread and wine.
Their initiation ceremonies included a baptism to remove sins.
Follow the jump for the answers to this torrid tale.