smaneck
Baha'i
What does the Roman mystery cult associated with Mithra have to do with the question of whether Zoroastrianism is pagan? Mithra is a pre-Zoroastrian Persian diety, but the Roman cult has very little connection with him. In Iran Mithra was the god of covenants. Later he comes to be associated with the sun which is probably why his 'birth' is said to have occurred on the winter solstice (between Dec. 20-25.) The association of Mithra with the slaying of the bull appears to be a purely Roman invention, but your video seems unaware that the bull is associated with Mithra himself, and therefore seen a self-sacrifice. But again, this peculiar to the Roman mystery cult. The worship of Mithra does not disappear with the rise of Zoroastrianism in Iran but now he is seen as more of archangel.
As for a virgin birth, since Mithra is seen as a god or an angel, and not a man, being born of a virgin would make no sense. However, virgin births do play a roll in Zoroastrianism. It was prophesied that there would be three Sayoshants or Benefactors each of whom would be born of a virgin who would be miraculously impregnated with the seed of Zoroaster. It does seem to be the case that the Roman cult might have garbled this prophecy and applied it to Mithra, but as I said Mithra is actually pre-Zoroastrian. I believe the story of the Magi (Zoroastrian priests, not kings) bringing gifts to the Christ-child, is I believe an attempt to tie in Zoroastrian prophecies to Christianity.
Upvote
0
