Merry Mithras??

[KarenSargent]

My studies have convinced me that Christmas is paganism wrapped up in a Christian bow.

That makes me feel very compromising about participating in the whole season - I don't believe Jesus
is the "reason for the season".

But praise God Jesus IS the creator of the seasons!

Interesting article below:

Born on December 25th
By Linda Casselman

The Christmas season is now upon us wrapping us in its warmth, light, and good cheer. And all who celebrate this glorious holiday eagerly await that most special day, December 25th, the day that Jesus Christ was born - or was he? Scholars tell us that Christ was probably born 4 years before the Common Era and most likely in the Spring time! So just who was born on December 25th then? The ancient god Mithras, that's who!

Read on and discover for yourself the striking similarities between Mithras and Jesus, and the belief systems of Mithraism and Christianity.

Worship of the god Mithras began around 4000 years ago in Persia where he was venerated as the protector of tribal society. Other gods in this ancient pantheon included Ahura-Mazda, the sky god, and Ahriman, the god of darkness. When Zoroaster (Zarathrusta), a prophet from the kingdom of Bactria, implemented a reform of polytheism (628-55 BCE), Mithras lost his place among the gods, lost his powers and attributes; and Ahura-Mazda and Ahriman were pushed to opposite ends of the deistic spectrum where Ahura-Mazda became the symbol of supreme good while Ahriman became the embodiment of ultimate evil. All of the other Persian gods then took on a hierarchical position beneath one of these two gods. This dichotomy of pure good versus pure evil influenced the Jews under Babylonian captivity (597 BCE) - the Babylonians venerated Mithras under the name of Shamash and had refined the theology, mythology, rituals, and doctrines of the Persians embedding them into their own belief system - creating the strong adversity between Yahweh and Ha Shatan which led to the Jehovah-Satan struggle of Christianity.

Under this new theology of Zoroaster, Mithras took his new place in the hierarchy under Ahura-Mazda and became the Judger of Souls. And now we will see how Mithras compares to Jesus Christ.

Like Jesus, Mithras, part of a Holy Trinity, was conceived of Holy seed and born on December 25th into human form of an immaculate virgin mother - Anahita, once worshiped as a fertility goddess. He was born as the divine representation of Ahura-Mazda on earth, to protect his righteous followers from the evil powers of Ahriman, and guide them into Paradise. (Sound familiar?)

 

[PolycarpII]

My studies have convinced me that Christmas is paganism wrapped up in a Christian bow.

That makes me feel very compromising about participating in the whole season - I don't believe Jesus
is the "reason for the season".

But praise God Jesus IS the creator of the seasons!

Interesting article below:

Born on December 25th
By Linda Casselman

The Christmas season is now upon us wrapping us in its warmth, light, and good cheer. And all who celebrate this glorious holiday eagerly await that most special day, December 25th, the day that Jesus Christ was born - or was he? Scholars tell us that Christ was probably born 4 years before the Common Era and most likely in the Spring time! So just who was born on December 25th then? The ancient god Mithras, that's who!

Read on and discover for yourself the striking similarities between Mithras and Jesus, and the belief systems of Mithraism and Christianity.

Worship of the god Mithras began around 4000 years ago in Persia where he was venerated as the protector of tribal society. Other gods in this ancient pantheon included Ahura-Mazda, the sky god, and Ahriman, the god of darkness. When Zoroaster (Zarathrusta), a prophet from the kingdom of Bactria, implemented a reform of polytheism (628-55 BCE), Mithras lost his place among the gods, lost his powers and attributes; and Ahura-Mazda and Ahriman were pushed to opposite ends of the deistic spectrum where Ahura-Mazda became the symbol of supreme good while Ahriman became the embodiment of ultimate evil. All of the other Persian gods then took on a hierarchical position beneath one of these two gods. This dichotomy of pure good versus pure evil influenced the Jews under Babylonian captivity (597 BCE) - the Babylonians venerated Mithras under the name of Shamash and had refined the theology, mythology, rituals, and doctrines of the Persians embedding them into their own belief system - creating the strong adversity between Yahweh and Ha Shatan which led to the Jehovah-Satan struggle of Christianity.

Under this new theology of Zoroaster, Mithras took his new place in the hierarchy under Ahura-Mazda and became the Judger of Souls. And now we will see how Mithras compares to Jesus Christ.

Like Jesus, Mithras, part of a Holy Trinity, was conceived of Holy seed and born on December 25th into human form of an immaculate virgin mother - Anahita, once worshiped as a fertility goddess. He was born as the divine representation of Ahura-Mazda on earth, to protect his righteous followers from the evil powers of Ahriman, and guide them into Paradise. (Sound familiar?)

This is a common thing. The Christmas celebration is a collection of many different observances. Christmas had its origins in Pagan holidays. But the Church adapted these things to teach a spiritual lesson. Many pagans kept these holidays even though they were christian. The Church started celebrations at this time so the people could keep their celebrations, and so that they would have a Christian twist to it. The festivals and celebrations help to sanctify the year and they help us to connect better with God. It is said that what God has made clean it is clean indeed and when Christianity takes certain practices and celebrations and attaches important Christian messages and teachings to it, it then ceases to be a pagan holiday, even though it was originally that, and it becomes a Christian Holiday. Jesus is the reason for this season, beacuse it is he who helps us to sanctify it, and instead of remembering Mithras, etc., we remember Christ born in a stable at Bethlehem. If it was once pagan, but Christian teaching has been in fused with it to such as extent that no one remembers that it is pagan, is it still pagan? Many people love the Celtic Cross which is pagan and not Christian, but through infiltration and identification the Celtic cross has become just another form of cross. Christmas is Christian no matter what certain "Christian" groups say, and it is a holy a pious practice to celebrate it. When we receive gifts we remember the Magi, when we see the Tree we remember eternal life in Christ, and when Christmas day comes we don't remember Mithras, the Oak and Holly kings, we remember a Child born in a stable at Bethlehem who is the manifestation of God on earth and the perfect satisfaction for our sins. If you think this is pagan...o well.

 

[PolycarpII]

My studies have convinced me that Christmas is paganism wrapped up in a Christian bow.

That makes me feel very compromising about participating in the whole season - I don't believe Jesus
is the "reason for the season".

But praise God Jesus IS the creator of the seasons!

Interesting article below:

Born on December 25th
By Linda Casselman

The Christmas season is now upon us wrapping us in its warmth, light, and good cheer. And all who celebrate this glorious holiday eagerly await that most special day, December 25th, the day that Jesus Christ was born - or was he? Scholars tell us that Christ was probably born 4 years before the Common Era and most likely in the Spring time! So just who was born on December 25th then? The ancient god Mithras, that's who!

Read on and discover for yourself the striking similarities between Mithras and Jesus, and the belief systems of Mithraism and Christianity.

Worship of the god Mithras began around 4000 years ago in Persia where he was venerated as the protector of tribal society. Other gods in this ancient pantheon included Ahura-Mazda, the sky god, and Ahriman, the god of darkness. When Zoroaster (Zarathrusta), a prophet from the kingdom of Bactria, implemented a reform of polytheism (628-55 BCE), Mithras lost his place among the gods, lost his powers and attributes; and Ahura-Mazda and Ahriman were pushed to opposite ends of the deistic spectrum where Ahura-Mazda became the symbol of supreme good while Ahriman became the embodiment of ultimate evil. All of the other Persian gods then took on a hierarchical position beneath one of these two gods. This dichotomy of pure good versus pure evil influenced the Jews under Babylonian captivity (597 BCE) - the Babylonians venerated Mithras under the name of Shamash and had refined the theology, mythology, rituals, and doctrines of the Persians embedding them into their own belief system - creating the strong adversity between Yahweh and Ha Shatan which led to the Jehovah-Satan struggle of Christianity.

Under this new theology of Zoroaster, Mithras took his new place in the hierarchy under Ahura-Mazda and became the Judger of Souls. And now we will see how Mithras compares to Jesus Christ.

Like Jesus, Mithras, part of a Holy Trinity, was conceived of Holy seed and born on December 25th into human form of an immaculate virgin mother - Anahita, once worshiped as a fertility goddess. He was born as the divine representation of Ahura-Mazda on earth, to protect his righteous followers from the evil powers of Ahriman, and guide them into Paradise. (Sound familiar?)

Be very careful in what you read. Their are many deceivers who prowl around the world masking as "scholars". Mithras was never part of a Trinity, I know this because I know about Zoroastrianism. Mithras was created by Ahura Mazda. In THe Mithraic cult in Rome Mithras was the primary deity, Ahura Mazda WAS NOT WORSHIPPED by them. Alot of scholars think that Mithraism in Rome may not have even originally come from Persia. Anahita was a virgin who conceived, but not Miraculously, Zoroaster spilt his seed in a pool that was miraculously preserved and when Anahita got in the pool was impregnated with that preserved seed. She gave birth to Mithra who was, at most, a higher Angelic being. His salvation of the world came through the slaying of a bull (Taurus) and he would eventually become the Sun god.
What this "scholar" does not tell you is that the cult of Mithras like the Orphic cult, the cult of Osiris, etc. Are nature cults, they are cults that symbolized the change of seasons and the coming of the harvest, but receiving their sacraments you were able to participate in those natural cycles. Mithras represents the Sun god, born near yule to represent the rebirth of the Sun as it continues to grow and his slaying of the bull represents his powers over chaos and his establishment of order.
When these pagans converted to Christianity certain ideas entered into Christianity, but with the union of these ideas and the One God these teachings became transcendant. No Longer do we focus on nature and the Changing seasons, but on the movement from lost to saved. Instead of saving us from the Chaos and disorder of the universe Christ saves us through his death and resurrection. That is what makes Christianity true is that it is centered on the One God, but is a conglomeration of many different ideologies. God longs for all men, not just Jews, but Jews and Gentiles. It makes sense that certain pagan ideas would be fused with Christianity, that is why Christianity is all embracing, it does not embrace one culture, but can embrace all.
The Trinity is not a pagan idea it come from Philosophy and even Philo the Jew explained the God as trinity is perfectly possible.

Please do not give up Christmas because there are some pagan practices. It is not the ceremony that makes it pagan, but the doctrine behind. Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on an old pagan holiday, but it is not pagan it is Christian.

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

By Linda Casselman

The Christmas season is now upon us wrapping us in its warmth, light, and good cheer. And all who celebrate this glorious holiday eagerly await that most special day, December 25th, the day that Jesus Christ was born - or was he? Scholars tell us that Christ was probably born 4 years before the Common Era and most likely in the Spring time! So just who was born on December 25th then? The ancient god Mithras, that's who!

Read on and discover for yourself the striking similarities between Mithras and Jesus, and the belief systems of Mithraism and Christianity.

Mithraism did not have any written literature set like the Bible or Hebrew Scriptures. Mithraism was a mystery religion which was popularly practiced in the Roman empire sometime between the 1st century BC and the 3rd/4th centuries AD. It was practiced in secrecy, like other mystery religions, and so very little is known about its practice, beliefs and even its origins. So if Ms. Casselman knows something about Mithraism that today's scholars do not, she should document such sources.

What is certain is Mithraism practitioners adapted a lot of Christianity, not the other way around. Early Christian apologists such as Tertullian and Justin Martyr saw right through Mithras claims of prophecy for Scripture. So they rightly dismissed Mithraism as clumsily copying Christian concepts and prophecies.
Here is a quote from Justin Martyr where he touches upon two prophecies, one from Daniel and the other from Isaiah:

'And when those who record the mysteries of Mithras say that he was begotten of a rock, and call the place where those who believe in him are initiated a cave, do I not perceive here that the utterance of Daniel, that a stone without hands was cut out of a great mountain, has been imitated by them, and that they have attempted likewise to imitate the whole of Isaiah's words? For they contrived that the words of righteousness be quoted also by them."

LDG

 

[Peter]

For years I struggled with similar feelings and reactions as the OP. I could not reconcile the Christ of Christmas with the commercial culture of the US.

When I became Orthodox, I was blown away by the discipline of being able to focus on the Nativity of Christ. The fasting, the added prayers, the 3 1/2 hour Christmas Eve service all changed my attitude towards Christmas. It also helps that within the Orthodox faith, Christmas is truly secondary to Pascha (Easter to Western Christians). I have begun to see the truth in the quote "Advent is a little Lent."

When you combine the 12 days of Christmas (The Feast of The Nativity) with Theophany (the celebration of Christ blessing water through His baptism) Christ has ones full and undivided attention.

There will always be those who wish to discredit Christ's Body and its ability to redeem all things to Himself. She has with stood 2000 years of attacks from foes much stronger than any one here, and will continue to march forward "and the gates of hell will not be able to stand up against her."

The Reader Peter

 

[Peter]

Forgot one...

Mother in law = woman hitler

 

[davidoffinland]

From Finland.

R C Sproul has an excellant audio about the history of Christmas. It is 28 minutes long. Hope you can listen to it from: http://www.ligonier.org/rym.php

This is a message for 12.25.2006 called "God In Soace and Time". The audios change every day so if you want to listen to it on another day you have to scroll down on the list of audios for 12.25.2006 message.

Enjoy.
In Him, david.

 

[plmarquette]

Jesus was actually born in July or August ... perhaps the church wanted to "lighten up " the season of death and darkness ... St. Nicolas ( catholic bishop ) gave alms to the poor ( matthew 25.32-42 ) ...

the church was trying to slowly move people away from the "old gods" by planting a christian holy day atop of an old pagan day ... hence christmas and all-holy-evening (halloween) , all saints and all souls day ...

yes many holidays and heathen days share the same date ... to sanctify a heathen place you burn it with fire or plant a church atop of it ....

the problem is neither the day , nor the reason for celebration , but rather what you do on that day ...
outside of the church house , and every other day inbetween .... Galatians 6.7 , proverbs 6.18-24

 

[Rion]

I believe that it aligns with Saturnis or some such Roman Holiday. Yes, it was placed to eventually replace the pagan holiday, but prior to this Christian holidays were celebrated on Roman holidays so that they weren't noticed (and fed to the kitties.) When they came into power, rather than try to force people to adopt other holidays, they used the same times for the various celebrations.