In the beginning, it wasn’t the word; it was forethought. And with forethought recognized, soon after came response and communication. But man, by his nature, was not content with isolation and ignorance; he sought an understanding of what he was, and his relationship to the world in which he was a part of.
Then man spoke to his tribe and shared his thoughts, and other men agreed with his interpretations of existence, so religion formed through this small congregation. Then some members of this tribe started creating symbols, and the symbols represented a whole new language, where the interpreter had now a visual perspective to his older oral-only stories, and so word was born.
However, somewhere in human history, man took these symbols that represented a language to his understanding, and tried to create a historical account with it, thus recreating the symbolic language into literal, historical fact (which was not factual at all). So when man had seen the power these words had upon the hearts and minds of his congregation, he came to another realization, that if he could manipulate this construct of language (both the oral and the written) with interpretations that suit his own personal desires and ideal, then the power of these words would be his in controlling the other members of his tribe, who may not have recognized the power of these words as he had.
Christianity is not a theological tradition emanating from a single teacher over 2,000 years ago. Its influences are derived and in many cases outright taken from older religious traditions, whose stories was an expression of the human race’s limited understanding of its relationship in the universe. In most of these fables, the protagonist or savior is represented by the sun, where one receives their energy source and light; thus its relationship to the word “enlightenment.” In all of these “solar myths” appears similarities to their stories such as virgin births, beloved apostles, and crucifixions, among others.
Here are some common elements to various “Solar Gods” and the Christian myth. Horus/Osiris of Egypt: His earthly father was Seb (translation: Joseph). Horus was born of the virgin Isis – Meri on the Egyptian calendar’s equivalent to December 25th (in relation to the Winter Solstice) in a cave/manger, which was attended by three wise men. A star in the East announced his birth. Horus was baptized by “Anup the Baptizer” (translation: John the Baptist). He had 12 disciples, and was able to walk on water. Horus was known as “the KRST,” or “Anointed One.” He was crucified with two thieves, and after three days Horus resurrected.
Krishna of India: He was born of the virgin Devaki (“Divine One”) on the Indian equivalent to December 25th. His earthly father was a carpenter. A tyrant who ordered the deaths of thousands of infants persecuted Krishna. His beloved disciple was “Arjuna” or “Ar-jouan” (translation: John). In some traditions he was crucified or died on a tree. Mithra of Persia: Mithra was born by a virgin in a cave that was attended by shepherds bearing gifts. He had 12 disciples. Mithra was buried in a tomb and rose after three days. Terms associated with Mithra include, “Way, the Truth and the Light,” “Logos,” “Redeemer,” “Savior,” and “Messiah.” His sacred day was Sunday (the Sun’s day) hundreds of years prior to Jesus.
There are other “Solar Gods” as well with similar traits to the Christian story such as Attis of Phrygia, Buddha, Dionysus/Bacchus, and Zoroaster/Zarathustra, among others whose legends predate that of Christianity.
Some great resources in literature on the subject of historical and global theologies include Joseph Campbell’s The Masks of God series, and historian and archaeologist Archarya S, with her book The Christ Conspiracy, The Greatest Story Ever Sold.
Names and word play also hold immense relevance as it relates to the sacred texts. The name “Adam,” for example, means “red earth,” as in man’s physical/bodily connection to the dust or earth. In the Hindu version, the first couple is named Adima and Heva. The story of the original couple is to be understood as allegory, not literally.
Other words and their translations include, “Paradise” which means “among the stars,” and the name “Solomon,” which, when divided up as “Sol-om-on,” translates to the Sun in three languages: “Sol/Solus” (Latin), “Om/Aum” (Sanskrit), and “On” (Ethiopic).
The problems with attaching historical truths to these myths include cultural and theological bigotry that many of these stories represent. The idea that there is a “chosen people,” or some who are saved, while others are not, breeds the kind of fundamentalism that allows, invites, and adds to the violent history religion has helped induce throughout the world.
It is quite natural for individuals to seek others, and by congregating create societies and social beliefs. But without the flexibility to change viewpoints based on these myths, we cultivate a very dangerous dogma without the need of scientific evidence. And by doing so we trade communication that is so important in human development and coexistence for violent oppression, genocide, and conscious control.
