What is 'Mithraism,' which had a major influence on Christianity? Its mysteries and reality
Before Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, 'Mithraism' enjoyed immense popularity, especially among soldiers. Because its doctrines and rituals show a surprising number of similarities to Christianity, it is often called the 'twin brother of Christianity' or even its prototype, and is considered an essential element in understanding the formation and development of Christianity. We will explain in detail the reality of this mysterious religion and the influence it had on Christianity.
Origins and History of Mithraism
Mithraism is a mystery religion that worships the ancient Persian (Iranian) god 'Mithra.' The god Mithra was originally an ancient deity common to both India and Iran, presiding over 'contracts,' 'truth,' and 'light.' This faith spread through the Hellenistic world to the Roman Empire, and from the late 1st century to the 4th century, it spread widely throughout the empire, particularly in areas where the Roman army was stationed, such as the Rhine and Danube river basins, Britannia, and the capital, Rome.
Many of its followers were men from relatively lower social strata, such as soldiers, merchants, and freed slaves. Mithraism was a 'mystery religion' with secret rituals that only believers could participate in, and the initiation of women was generally not permitted.
The God Mithras and the Core Doctrine of 'Bull-Slaying'
The central god of Mithraism is called 'Mithras.' This is the Romanized version of the Persian god Mithra. The most frequently discovered artifacts from Mithraic sites are reliefs and sculptures called 'tauroctony,' which depict the scene of the god Mithras slaying (killing) a bull.
This is not merely a scene of killing. According to the myth, all useful plants on earth, such as grains and grapes, were born from the body of the bull that Mithras slew, and animals were created from its blood and semen. In other words, the creation and salvation of the world through the sacrifice of the bull are considered to have been at the core of Mithraic doctrine.
Believers gathered in temples called 'Mithraea,' built underground or in caves, and had a hierarchical organization where they ascended through seven grades (Corax, Nymphus, Miles, Leo, Perses, Heliodromus, and Pater) after undergoing initiation rituals involving severe trials.
Surprising Similarities with Christianity
Mithraism is particularly noteworthy because of the many similarities it shares with Christianity.
Item | Mithraism | ChristianityBirthDecember 25th, born from a rock (cave) | December 25th (Christmas), born in a stable (sometimes considered a cave)Titles'Unconquered Sun God (Sol Invictus)', 'Sun of Righteousness'RitualsBaptism, Eucharist (bread and water or wine) | Baptism, Eucharist (bread and wine)FaithLast Judgment, immortality of the soul, heaven and hell | Last Judgment, immortality of the soul, heaven and hellMoralityStrict moral code, asceticism, emphasis on purity | Moral codes such as chastity and love for one's neighborHoly DaySunday (Day of the Sun) | Sunday (Lord's Day)
Because of these similarities, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, a theory was strongly advocated that Mithraism had a direct influence on the formation of Christian doctrine and rituals, as stated by the French religious scholar Ernest Renan: 'If the growth of Christianity had been arrested by some mortal malady, the world would have been Mithraized.' In particular, the theory that December 25th, which is considered the birthday of Jesus, was originally the winter solstice festival celebrating the 'birthday of the Unconquered Sun God' of Mithraism, which Christianity later adopted, is widely known.
Recent Research and Re-evaluation of Influence
However, in recent research, a more cautious view has become mainstream regarding the one-sided influence from Mithraism to Christianity that was once thought to exist. The reasons for this are:
Scarcity of sources: There are extremely few written sources regarding Mithraism, and much of its doctrine is based on speculation from archaeological artifacts.
Chronological issues: Some of the pointed-out similarities are confirmed on the Mithraic side only after Christianity had spread, making it impossible to determine which influenced the other first.
Common cultural background: Both religions were born from the common soil of the diverse cultures and ideologies of the Hellenistic and Roman Empires. Therefore, the idea of viewing them as a 'parallel phenomenon'—where they shared themes such as salvation, rebirth, and sun worship, and consequently came to have similar symbols and rituals—has become influential.
The Decline of Mithraism
Although Mithraism had spread throughout the empire, it declined rapidly by the end of the 4th century. The biggest reason for this was the rise of Christianity. Once Christianity was legalized by the Edict of Milan in 313 and subsequently made the state religion by Emperor Theodosius in 392, Mithraism, along with other pagan religions, was banned and its temples were destroyed. The fact that it excluded women is also thought to have worked to its disadvantage against Christianity, which promoted conversion on a family-unit basis.
Although Mithraism thus disappeared from the stage of history, its existence can be called a valuable witness to how the world religion of Christianity was formed amidst the diverse cultures and philosophies of that time.