Originally posted by Charles YTK
Sacred Traditions Must be rooted in the Tanakh otherwise they are fruitless. Paul says all "OLD TESTAMENT" scripture is good for reproof and for the establishment of dactrine. All the traditions of the church of the Gentiles is from the third and fouth centuries and must be approached very carefully, because the Romans and the Greeks brought with them many of their own traditions and gave them new christian meaning.
Long before the birth of Jesus the cult of Mithrias was well established. Within this cult which was the leading religion of Rome, you find these common items being practiced,
A virgin birth of Mithra
The perpetual virginity of the mother of Mithra
Killing and resurrection
eating the flesh and blood of Mithra, by substitution of bread and wine.
a Birthdate on December 25th, (Actually the 4th day after the winter soltice)
The priests of Mithra would shave a bald spot on top of their head to represent the disc of the sun. These preists were called Tunsure.
The high priest was called the Pontif Maximus. sp?
and many more.
This is not an attack against Roman Catholicism. It is historical information which should at least touch off some bells and wistles. Since none of these traditions have a root in the Tanakh, and are not taught by Yeshua, we should at least be wary of their origins, especially when they appear in christomdom 300 years after Yeshua and come out of the people who were predominately Mitrians.
Charles YTK