Is Christianity a Rip-Off of Mithraism?

The Myth of Mithraic Origins

Did you know that Jesus is actually a ripoff of the pre-christian god Mithras? According to skeptics, Mithras was born of a virgin on December 25th, had 12 disciples, promised his followers immortality, initiated a communion meal, called himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, incorporated animal sacrifice, died for world peace, was buried in a tomb, and came back to life on the third day.

Well, that sounds like Christianity, doesn't it? Just too bad for skeptics, all of that is complete bunk. Mithras was a Persian god that predates Christianity by 1400 years, that much is true. But as a religion, no Mithraic traditions popped up until the late 1st century.

Mithraism as a Later Development

That's right, Mithraism is closer to being a ripoff of Christianity, rather than the other way around. According to legend, Mithras was born of a rock. So much for being virgin born. As for being born on December 25th, that's not Jesus' birthday, it's just the day it's celebrated.

But Mithras wasn't born on December 25th either. The emperor Aurelian chose that day to dedicate his temple to Sol Invictus, with whom Mithras shook hands, that's it. The rest of the Mithraic traditions showed up when New Testament canon was already in place.

Why the Common Mithraic Claims Fail

The idea that Mithras was a master with 12 disciples came even later than that. Mithras didn't sacrifice himself for world peace, never claimed to be a savior, and his death and resurrection are contained in no Mithraic writings.

Christ's Death and Resurrection as Eyewitness History

The end. Christ's death and resurrection is historical fact. It did not come from cleverly invented stories, but from those who were eyewitnesses to his majesty. The skeptics who refuse to leave their sin and follow Jesus stumble on the truth, as they were destined to do, when we understand the text.