Interesting information on the "Christianity is a copy of Pagan Myths" Theory, page 1

If such things are "superficial" and you see "no resemblence," then you are not looking with unclouded eyes, Nygdan.

There is controversy about the meaning of the passages in the bible that purport that Mary was a "virgin."

Some have argued that the Virgin Birth is a Christian borrowing from paganism. The impregnation of mortal women by gods is common in pagan mythology, but Christian apologists have replied that the obvious sex of the pagan myths is missing in the Gospels:

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
However, because the Jewish God does not take human form in Judaism, he could not impregnate Mary in a physical way, and the absence of sex from the conception of Jesus does not disprove borrowing from paganism. However, the onus is on the proponents to prove borrowing, and the fact remains that the parallels are not virginal conceptions.

Furthermore, a pagan myth of virgin birth may also underlie the disputed verses from Isaiah:

It all boils down to this: the distinctive Hebrew word for 'virgin' is betulah, whereas `almah means a 'young woman' who may be a virgin, but is not necessarily so. The aim of this note is rather to call attention to a source that has not yet been brought into the discussion. From Ugarit of around 1400 B.C. comes a text celebrating the marriage of the male and female lunar deities. It is there predicted that the goddess will bear a son ... The terminology is remarkably close to that in Isaiah 7:14. However, the Ugaritic statement that the bride will bear a son is fortunately given in parallelistic form; in 77:7 she is called by the exact etymological counterpart of Hebrew `almah 'young woman'; in 77:5 she is called by the exact etymological counterpart of Hebrew betulah 'virgin'. Therefore, the New Testament rendering of `almah as 'virgin' for Isaiah 7:14 rests on the older Jewish interpretation, which in turn is now borne out for precisely this annunciation formula by a text that is not only pre-Isaianic but is pre-Mosaic in the form that we now have it on a clay tablet. (Feinberg, BibSac, July 62; the citation to Gordon is: C. H. Gordon, "`Almah in Isaiah 7:14", Journal of Bible and Religion, XXI, 2 (April, 1953), p. 106.)

I mean to speak strictly about biblical events, and not such things as extra-biblical traditions, primarily because I believe that Jesus Christ as a historical figure did not exist as Christianity depicts the alleged person.

At the time of Christ's advent, there were temples without number that were dedicated to gods like Apollo or Dionysius among the Greeks, Hercules among the Romans, Mithra among the Persians, Adonis and Attis in Syria and Phrygia, Osiris, Isis and Horus in Egypt, Baal and Astarte among the Babylonians and Carthaginians, and so on.

These deities were all sun-gods.

Edward Carpenter says that of all, or nearly all, of them it was believed that:

1. They were born on or very near Christmas Day.

2. They were born of a Virgin Mother.

3. Their birth took place in a cave or underground chamber.

4. They struggled and toiled for the good of mankind.
5. They were known by such names as Mediator, Healer, Light-Bringer, Saviour and Deliverer.

6. The Powers of Darkness, however, conquered them.

7. They descended into Hell or the Underworld.

8. They rose again from the dead and became the pioneers of mankind to the Heavenly World.

9. They founded Communions of Saints and Churches to which disciples were received by baptism.

10. They were commemorated by Eucharistic meals.

It is very easy to show that all that the Christian church teaches today and that forms an essential part of Christianity, did NOT come from Jesus. The doctrines that are declared as "necessary to salvation" were brought into the religion of Jesus by monks and priests some three hundred years after the time of Christ. These dogmas were not invented by the clergy, but were ready-made essentials of Paganism, the various ramifications of which cult spread from Persia to Britain.

One of the most popular cults at that time was MITHRAISM. This creed originated in Persia and flourished there for about six hundred years. It reached Rome at about 70 B.C., and spread throughout the Roman Empire, extending even to Great Britain where remains of Mithraic monuments were found at York, Chester, and other places.

We read in Robertson's "PAGAN CHRISTS" (p. 338) that Mithra was believed to be a great Mediator between God and Man. His birth took place in a cave on December 25th. He was born of a virgin. He travelled far and wide. He had twelve disciples. He died in the service of humanity. He was buried, but rose again from the tomb. His resurrection was celebrated with great rejoicing. His great festivals were the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox - Christmas and Easter. He was called SAVIOUR, and sometimes figured as a LAMB. People were initiated into his cult through BAPTISM. Sacramental feasts were held in his remembrance.

A short account of the pagan "sons of God" will not be out of place here.

BACCHUS, sometimes referred to as Dionysius, was born on the 25th December. His mother was a virgin called Demeter. The world was enveloped in evil, so the God of gods was beseeched to redeem mankind. The prayer was accepted by Jupiter who declared that his son would redeem the world from its misery. He promised a LIBERATOR to the earth, and Bacchus came as a Saviour. He was called the ONLY Begotten Son.

Dr. Frazer in his book "The Golden Bough" (Chapter 4, p. 229) records Bacchus as saying: "It is I who guide you; it is I who protect you, and who save you; I who am the Alpha and Omega." Bacchus was also a great traveller and brought the gift of wine to mankind. This brings to mind the miracle of Christ when he converted water into wine at the marriage feast.

Attis, the Phrygian god, was born of a virgin named Nana. He was bled to death at the foot of a pine-tree. His blood renewed the fertility of the earth and thus brought a new life to humanity. He also rose from the dead. In celebrating his death and resurrection, his image was fastened to a pine-tree on March 24th, and the day was called the "Day of Blood", since on that day the deity was bled to death. The image was then laid in a tomb with wailing and mourning, but the coming night changed sorrow to joy. The tomb was found to be empty on the next day, when the festival of the resurrection was celebrated. These mysteries seem to have included a sacramental meal and a baptism of blood.

Adonis, the Syrian god, was also born of a virgin. He was killed, and rose again in the spring. Every year the maidens wept for Adonis (Ezekiel, 8: 14) and then rejoiced over his resurrection.

Quetzalcoatle, the Mexican Saviour, was born of a virgin, Chimalman, who had received the message informing her that she was to become the mother of a son without any association with man, but through a heavenly messenger. Soon after the departure of the messenger, she conceived and bore a son - QUETZALCOATLE - a word that means "our beloved Son." This offspring of the Heavenly Spirit fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was also crucified, at which time the sun was darkened and withheld its light. Prescott says in his book1 that his second coming was looked forward to so eagerly that when Cortez appeared, the Mexicans hailed him as the returning God.

There are also many similar stories of Horus, Osiris, Apollo, Attis and Bel. Thus the passion story of the Lord of Christianity was almost identical with many previous stories of similar nature. The passion play of Bel, the Babylonian Sun-God, was in existence centuries before the birth of Jesus. It was a mystery play acted every year in the beginning of spring. The main features of the play have been deciphered from some tablets discovered from Babylonian ruins. The tablets disclose very remarkable facts which must be disturbing to thousands of honest minds in Christendom.

The story of Bel and the story of Jesus are one and the same, and this not only deprives the evangelical records of the claims to be genuine, but it convicts them of complete plagiarism!

In the list below, sixteen saviour-gods are given - from amongst many - who were all believed by their followers to have died for the sins of the world, together with their countries of origin and approximate dates:

(1)
Osiris
(Egypt)
1700 B.C.

(2)
Bēl
(Babylon)
1200 B.C.

(3)
Attis
(Phrygia)
1170 B.C.

(4)
Thammuz
(Syria)
1160 B.C.

(5)
Dionysius
(Greece)
1100 B.C.

(6)
Krishna
(India)
1000 B.C.

(7)
Hesus
(Europe)
834 B.C.

(8)
Indra
(Tibet)
725 B.C.

(9)
Bali
(Asia)
725 B.C.

(10)
Iao
(Nepal)
622 B.C.

(11)
Alcestis
(Pherae)
600 B.C.

(12)
Quetzalcoatle
(Mexico)
587 B.C.

(13)
Wittoba
(Travancore)
552 B.C.

(14)
Prometheus
(Greece)
547 B.C.

(15)
Quirinus
(Rome)
506 B.C.

(16)
Mithra
(Persia)
400 B.C.

Zip

Here, maybe I can provide some more examples of similarities that aren't as "superficial."

CONSENSUS OF BUDDHIST BELIEF REGARDING BUDDHA
CONSENSUS OF CHRISTIAN BELIEF REGARDING JESUS

1. Buddha was born of the virgin Maya, who conceived him without carnal intercourse.
1. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary who conceived him without carnal intercourse.

2. The incarnation of Buddha is recorded to have been brought about by the descent of the divine power called the “Holy Ghost” upon Virgin Maya.
2. The incarnation of Jesus is recorded to have been brought about by the descent of the divine power called the “Holy Ghost” upon the Virgin Mary.

3. When Buddha descended from the regions of the souls, and entered the body of the Virgin Maya, her womb assumed the appearance of clear, transparent crystal, in which Buddha appeared beautiful as a flower.
3. When Jesus descended from his heavenly seat, and entered the body of the Virgin Mary, her womb assumed the appearance of clear, transparent crystal, in which Jesus appeared beautiful as a flower.

4. The birth of Buddha was announced in the heavens by an asterim which was seen rising on the horizon. It is called the “Messianic Star”.
4. The birth of Jesus was announced in the heavens by “his star”, which was seen rising on the horizon. It might properly be called the “Messianic Star”.

5. “The son of the Virgin Maya, on whom, according to the tradition, the ‘Holy Ghost’ had descended, was said to have been born on Christmas day.”
5. The Son of the Virgin Mary, on whom, according to the tradition, the “Holy Ghost” had descended, was said to have been born on Christmas day.

6. Demonstrations of celestial delight were manifest at the birth of Buddha. The Devas in heaven and earth sang praises to the “Blessed One”, and said: “To-day, Bodhisatwa is born on earth, to give joy and peace to men and Devas, to shed light in the dark places, and to give sight to the blind.”
6. Demonstrations of celestial delight were manifest at the birth of Jesus. The angels in heaven and earth sang praises to the “Blessed One”, saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

7. “Buddha was visited by wise men who recognized in this marvellous infant all the characters of the divinity, and he has scarcely seen the day before he was hailed God of God.”
7. Jesus was visited by wise men who recognized in this marvellous infant all the characters of the divinity, and he had scarcely seen the day before he was hailed God of Gods.

8. The infant Buddha was presented with “costly jewels and precious substances.”
8. The infant Jesus was presented with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

9. When Buddha was an infant, just born, he spoke to his mother, and said: “I am the greatest among men.”
9. When Jesus was an infant in his cradle, he spoke to his mother, and said: “I am Jesus, the Son of God.”

10. Buddha was a “dangerous child.” His life was threatened by King Bimbasara, who was advised to destroy the child, as he was liable to overthrow him.
10. Jesus was a “dangerous child.” His life was threatened by King Herod, who attempted to destroy the child, as he was liable to overthrow him.

11. When sent to school, the young Buddha surprised his masters. Without having ever studied, he completely worsted all his competitors, not only in writing, but in arithmetic, mathematics, metaphysics, astrology, geometry, etc.
11. When sent to school, Jesus surprised his master, Zaccheus, who, turning to Joseph, said: “Thou hast brought a boy to me to be taught, who is more learned than any master.”

12. “When twelve years old, the child Buddha is presented in the temple. He explains and asks learned questions; he excels all those who enter into competition with him.”
12. “And when he was twelve years old, they brought him to (the temple at) Jerusalem … While in the temple among the doctors and elders, and learned men of Israel, he proposed several questions of learning, and also gave them answers.”

13. Buddha entered a temple, on which occasion forthwith all the statues rose and threw themselves at his feet, in act of worship.
13. “And as Jesus was going in by the ensigns, who carried the standards, the tops of them bowed down and worshipped Jesus.”

14. When Buddha was about to go forth “to adopt a religious life”, Mara appeared before him, to tempt him.
14. When Jesus was about “beginning to preach”, the devil appeared before him, to tempt him.

15. Mara said unto Buddha: “Go not forth to adopt a religious life, and in seven days thou shalt become an emperor of the world.”
15. The devil said to Jesus: “if thou wilt fall down and worship me, I will give thee all the kingdoms of the world.”

16. Buddha would not heed the words of the Evil One, and said to him: “Get thee away from me.”
16. Jesus would not heed the words of the Evil One, and said to him: “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

17. After Mara had left Buddha, “the skies rained flowers, and delicious odours pervaded the air.”
17. After the devil had left Jesus, “angels came and ministered unto him.”

18. Buddha fasted for a long period.
18. Jesus fasted for forty days and nights.

19. On one occasion towards the end of his life on earth, Gautama Buddha is reported to have been transfigured.
19. On one occasion during his career on earth, Jesus is reported to have been transfigured.

20. “Buddha performed great miracles for the good of mankind, and the legends concerning him are full of the greatest prodigies and wonders.”
20. Jesus performed great miracles for the good of mankind and the legends concerning him are full of the greatest prodigies and wonders.

21. When Buddha died and was buried, “the coverings of the body unrolled themselves, and the lid of his coffin was opened by supernatural power.”
21. When Jesus died and was buried, the coverings of his body were unrolled from off him, and his tomb was opened by supernatural powers.

22. Buddha ascended bodily to the celestial regions, when his mission on earth was fulfilled.
22. Jesus ascended bodily to the celestial regions, when his mission on earth was fulfilled.

23. Buddha is to come upon the earth again in the latter days, his mission being to restore the world to order and happiness.
23. Jesus is to come upon the earth again in the latter days, his mission being to restore the world to order and happiness.

24. Buddha is Alpha and Omega, without beginning or end, “the Supreme Being, the Eternal One.”
24. Jesus is Alpha and Omega, without beginning or end, the Supreme Being, the Eternal One.

25. Buddha is represented as saying: “Let all the sins that were committed in this world fall on me, that the world may be delivered.”
25. Jesus is represented as the Saviour of mankind, and all sins that are committed in this world may fall on him, that the world may be delivered.

26. Buddha came, not to destroy, but to fulfil, the law. He delighted in “representing himself as a mere link in a long chain of enlightened teachers.”
26. Jesus said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.”

27. Those who became disciples of Buddha were told that they must “renounce the world”, give up all their riches, and avow poverty.
27. Those who became disciples of Jesus were told that they must renounce the world, give up all their riches, and avow poverty.

28. It is recorded in the “Sacred Canon” of the Buddhists that the multitudes “required a sign” from Buddha “that they might believe.”
28. It is recorded in the “Sacred Canon” of the Christians that the multitudes required a sign from Jesus that they might believe.

29. Buddha’s aim was to establish a “Religious Kingdom”, a “Kingdom of Heaven.”
29. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

30. Buddha said: “Though the heavens were to fall to earth, and the great world be swallowed up and pass away: Though Mount Sumera were to crack to pieces, and the great ocean be dried up, yet, Ananda, be assured, the words of Buddha are true.”
30. Jesus said: “Verily I say unto you … heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

31. Buddha knew the thoughts of others: “By directing his mind to the thoughts of others, he can know the thoughts of all beings.”
31. Jesus knew the thoughts of others. By directing his mind to the thoughts of others, he knew the thoughts of all beings.

32. In the SOMADEVA a story is related of a Buddhist ascetic whose eye offended him; he therefore plucked it out, and cast it away.
32. It is related in the New Testament that Jesus said: “If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee.”

33. When Buddha was about to become an ascetic, and when riding on the horse “Kantako” his path was strewn with flowers, thrown there by Devas.
33. When Jesus was entering Jerusalem, riding on an ass, his path was strewn with palm branches, thrown there by the multitude.

Admittedly, some of these similarities are deeper than others, but taken as a whole, this is a freakin' exact parallel.

...And that's just ONE guy. Check out Bel:

The following is taken from the January 1922 issue of the QUEST, which describes the tablets belonging to the cuneiform documents which were discovered by certain German excavators in the years 1903 and 1904 at Kalah-Shargat, the site of the ancient city of Assour. They belonged to the library of Ashurbanipal, formed somewhere about the ninth century.

THE BABYLONIAN PASSION PLAY
THE CHRISTIAN PASSION STORY

Bel is taken prisoner.
Jesus is taken prisoner.

Bel is tried in the House on the Mount (the Hall of Justice).
Jesus is tried in the House of the High Priest and the Hall of Pilate.

Bel is smitten (wounded).
Jesus is scourged.

Bel is led away to the Mount.
Jesus is led away to crucifixion on Golgotha.

Together with Bel a malefactor is led away and put to death. Another, who is also charged as a malefactor, is let go, thus not taken away with Bel.
Together with Jesus, two malefactors are led away and put to death. Another (Barabbas) is released to the people, and thus not taken away with Jesus.

After Bel had gone to the Mount, the city breaks out into tumult, and fighting takes place in it.
After the death of Jesus, the veil in the temple is rent (Synopt.), the earth quakes, the rocks are rent asunder, the graves are opened, and the dead come forth into the holy city. (Matthew).

Bel’s clothes are carried away.
Jesus’s robe is divided among the soldiers (Synopt., John, cf. Ps. 22 : 18).

A woman wipes away the heart’s blood of Bel flowing from a drawn-out weapon (spear?).
The lance-thrust in Jesus’s side and outflow of water and blood (John). Mary Magdalene and two other women busy themselves with the (washing, and) embalming of the body (Mark, Luke).

Bel goes down into the Mount away from sun and light, disappears from life, and is held fast in the Mount as in a prison.

Jesus, in the grave, in the rock tomb (Synopt.) goes down into the realm of the dead (1 Pet. 3 : 19; Matt. 12 : 40; Acts 2 : 24; Rom. 10 : 7, “descent into hell” dogma).

Guards watch Bel imprisoned in the stronghold of the Mount.
Guards are set over the tomb of Jesus. (Matthew).

A goddess sits with Bel; she comes to tend him.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sit before the tomb. (Matthew, Mark).

They seek for Bel where he is held fast. In particular a weeping woman seeks for him at the “Gate of Burial.” When he is being carried away, the same lamented: “O, my brother! O, my brother!”
Women, in particular Mary Magdalene, came to the tomb to seek Jesus where he is behind the door of the tomb. Mary stands weeping before the empty tomb because they have taken her Lord away (John).

I think the similarities between Bel and Christ are not as strong as Mithra, Krishna, or Buddha, but hey, they're there too.

Siddhartha Gautama walked the Earth in 563 B.C.E.

Zip

[edit on 6/27/2005 by Zipdot]