Mithras & Jesus | How did Mithras influence early Christianity with Dr. Jason Reza Jorjani

Mithraism and Its Influence on Early Christianity

Introduction to Mithraism

• The discussion introduces Mithraism and its potential influence on early Christianity, highlighting the research done by Jason George.

• The host, Derek Lambert, mentions his illness but emphasizes his commitment to providing continuous content for viewers.

Engagement with Audience

• Derek encourages viewers to engage by liking the video, subscribing, and commenting on their learnings or criticisms.

Guest Introduction

• Derek introduces Jason George as a knowledgeable guest who has not yet been featured in previous discussions.

• Jason expresses enthusiasm about joining the show and hints at future collaborations due to his background in comparative religions.

Background of Jason George

• Derek acknowledges Jason's expertise after seeing him on another show, expressing a desire to learn more about Mithraism.

• They discuss personal backgrounds; Jason shares his experience in martial arts and family ties to military service.

Overview of Mithraism

• Derek prompts Jason to explain what Mithraism is, comparing it with other major religions like Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Key Characteristics of Mithraism

• Jason describes Mithraism as a savior religion similar to Christianity that features a teleological view of history culminating in an apocalypse.

• He notes that Mithras serves as both a savior figure and embodies light and love—elements that parallel Christian beliefs.

Zoroastrian Influence

• The conversation shifts towards Zoroastrianism's role in shaping Christian theology.

• Problem of Evil: Unlike Christianity’s struggle with evil stemming from an omnipotent God, Zoroastrian duality presents two co-equal deities managing good and evil separately.

Dualistic Framework

• This dualistic framework allows for free will without attributing all evil directly to God.

• Good vs. Evil Deities: Ahura Mazda represents good while Arhiman symbolizes evil; this division clarifies moral dilemmas compared to Christian interpretations influenced by Zoroastrian thought.

Role of Mithras

• In Zoroastrian mythology, Mithras acts as the mediator between these two deities during epochs of dominion over Earth.

Mithraism and Its Influence on Judaism and Christianity

The Role of Mithras in Ancient Iranian Myths

• Mithras is depicted as a savior figure in ancient Iranian myths, presiding over the Last Judgment and offering a final choice between good and evil, paralleling concepts found in Christianity regarding Jesus.

Historical Perspectives on Jesus and Mithras

• Some scholars argue against parallels between Jesus and figures like Mithras, focusing instead on a historical interpretation of Jesus that limits comparative analysis with mythological figures.

• Critics suggest that viewing Christianity as an evolution of Judaism overlooks the influences from Zoroastrianism and Mithraism, indicating a more complex interrelation.

Transformation of Judaism by Zoroastrianism

• Early Judaism lacked concepts such as heaven or hell; it described an underworld similar to Greek Hades without distinctions for the righteous or sinners.

• There was no apocalyptic view or messianic figure in early Judaism until after the Babylonian exile, marking significant theological shifts influenced by Persian thought.

Key Changes Post-Babylonian Exile

• The emergence of individual conscience and personal righteousness in Jewish theology occurred post-exile, contrasting with earlier beliefs where individuals were judged based on their ancestors' actions.

• Zoroastrianism introduced ideas of personal responsibility, free will, and individual conscience into Jewish thought, which later influenced Christian doctrine.

Recommended Reading for Further Exploration

• "Iranian Leviathan" is highlighted as a key text discussing the historical connections between Iranian religion and the development of Judaism.

Full Preterism and Its Implications

Understanding Full Preterism

• The speaker discusses the concept of full preterism, which is a perspective that interprets biblical prophecies as having already been fulfilled. This viewpoint was significant in the speaker's deconstruction from Christianity.

• Full preterists argue that events such as the resurrection and apocalypse occurred soon after Jesus' time, but not in the expected physical manner; instead, they suggest a spiritual interpretation.

Spiritual vs. Physical Resurrection

• The speaker notes that while some full preterists believe in a literal resurrection of saints, others adopt a more spiritual approach to reconcile these beliefs with scriptural timelines.

• There is an emphasis on reinterpreting apocalyptic texts to align with historical context rather than viewing them as predictions of future cataclysmic events.

Zoroastrian Influence on Religious Thought

• The discussion shifts to Zoroastrianism, highlighting its unique concepts like "world-consuming fire," which originated around 600 BC in Iran and influenced later religious ideas.

• The term "fresh God" relates to the idea of renewing or refreshing the world through divine intervention, linking it back to Zoroastrian beliefs.

Mithraism's Role in Shaping Judaism and Christianity

• The speaker reflects on how Mithraism has often been dismissed by scholars but argues for its significant influence on both Judaism and early Christianity.

• Evidence suggests that key figures like Cyrus the Great were adherents of Mithraism, indicating its integration into Jewish thought during critical historical periods.

Historical Context of Religious Transition

• As Judaism transitioned into Christianity, elements from Zoroastrianism became prominent due to cultural exchanges during periods when Mithraism was dominant in Iran.

• By Jesus' time, Mithraism had gained substantial traction within Iranian society and began influencing Roman religious practices amid military conflicts between Rome and Persia.

Psychological Warfare and Religious Conversion

• The narrative includes mention of psychological warfare alongside military confrontations between Romans and Iranians, particularly through groups like the Silesian pirates who spread Mithraic beliefs among Roman elites.

The Influence of Mithraism on Christianity

Historical Context and Reversal of Religious Policies

• Constantine Julian, known as "the Apostate," sought to reverse the Christian institutionalization initiated by Constantine, aiming to promote Mithraism as a countermeasure against the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Cultural Impact of Mithraism on Christianity

• The military and cultural backdrop during Christ's time saw Mithraism attempting to conquer the Roman Empire, influencing key rituals and symbols within early Christianity.

Christmas and Its Mithraic Roots

• The date of December 21st-24th aligns with the winter solstice celebration in Mithraism, suggesting that Jesus' birth was symbolically linked to this period despite historical evidence indicating a spring birth.

• Mithras is depicted as being born from a virgin mother at the winter solstice, representing light's rebirth. This theme parallels Christmas traditions.

Symbolic Color Schemes and Their Origins

• The red, white, and green color scheme associated with Christmas originates from the three castes in Mithraism: priests (white), warriors (red), and agriculturalists (green).

• Countries influenced by Iranian civilization display similar color schemes on their flags, reflecting the legacy of Mithraism.

Evergreen Trees and Ritual Practices

• In ancient Iran, evergreen trees were revered; gifts were offered to these trees during celebrations. This practice contributed to modern Christmas tree traditions.

• Prior to Christian communion practices, Mithras followers used Amanita muscaria mushrooms mixed with wine for transcendental experiences during their own communion ceremonies involving circular wafers inscribed with crosses.

Astrological Significance in Mythology

• The skull-and-crossbones symbol associated with pirates reflects astrological themes where the cross represents celestial equators intersecting zodiacal realms—symbolizing death governed by time.

• Images depicting Mithras slaying a bull symbolize significant astrological transitions—from Taurus to Aries—representing human will overcoming fate dictated by celestial bodies.

Transitioning Symbols: From Bull Slain to Fish Symbol

• As astrology evolved into new ages, symbols transitioned; thus, an Iranian Leviathan became relevant for representing changes from Taurus into Pisces around Christ’s era.

Mithras, Jesus, and Apollonius of Tyana: Connections and Comparisons

The Symbolism of Mithras and Christianity

• The transition from Taurus and Aries symbolism in Mithraism to its adoption in Christianity is discussed, highlighting the evolution of religious symbols over time.

• Jesus' call for followers to abandon familial ties and bear their cross is interpreted as a reference to celestial concepts rather than literal execution devices, suggesting deeper esoteric meanings.

Emergence of Trinitarian Theology

• The discussion posits that the concept of the Trinity may have emerged from earlier dualistic beliefs found in religions like Zoroastrianism, with Mithraism serving as a bridge to Christian theology.

• Acknowledgment that Trinitarian theology likely required a foundation in dualistic thought, indicating a complex interplay between different religious traditions.

Historical Context: Apollonius of Tyana

• The conversation shifts towards Apollonius of Tyana, drawing parallels between his life and teachings with those attributed to Jesus Christ.

• Both figures are linked through their solar deity associations; Mithra often being analogized with Apollo highlights the syncretic nature of ancient religions.

Miraculous Acts and Crucifixion Narratives

• Apollonius is noted for performing miracles similar to those attributed to Jesus, including resurrection themes. His eventual condemnation mirrors the crucifixion narrative associated with Jesus.

• Legends surrounding Apollonius suggest he escaped crucifixion and traveled through Persia to India, paralleling some Islamic narratives about Jesus’ survival post-crucifixion.

Historical Evidence: Comparing Figures

• There exists more historical evidence for Apollonius than for Jesus outside biblical texts. This raises questions about the historical validity of both figures within their respective contexts.

The Evolution of Monotheism and Its Impact on Religion

The Shift Towards Monotheism

• The concept of monotheism gained favor over time, becoming an appealing view for many people who were drawn to the idea of a single God.

• Around 200-220 AD, a priest from a prominent clan in Persia sought to restore Orthodox Zoroastrianism after centuries of Mithraism's dominance.

The Rise of Zoroastrian Orthodoxy

• This priest developed an orthodox theological doctrine for Zoroastrianism, which had not existed previously, marking a significant shift in religious thought.

• He aimed to reclaim the Eastern Roman Empire territories that had once been part of the Persian Empire, indicating ambitions beyond local governance.

Religious Purification Efforts

• In his efforts to purify religion in Iran, he shut down Parthian temples and Mithraic fire temples, reflecting a strict monotheistic agenda.

• His actions raised concerns among Roman elites about the potential spread of this puritanical approach into their own society.

Roman Response to Monotheistic Threat

• The Roman elite recognized the threat posed by this emerging orthodoxy and sought a functional equivalent of Zoroastrian monotheism to counter it.

• They fused elements from Judaism with rising Mithraic beliefs, leading to the emergence of Christianity as we know it today.

Transition from Judaism to Christianity

• There is debate regarding whether early Christianity was merely an evolution or transformation from Judaism influenced by pagan elements.

• Some argue that New Testament teachings reflect Jewish roots despite being heavily influenced by Hellenistic mystery schools.

Divergence Between Jesus' Teachings and Traditional Judaism

• Critics suggest that there is a fundamental opposition between Jesus' teachings and traditional Jewish law as outlined in texts like Leviticus.

Understanding the Roots of Christianity

The Influence of Paganism on Early Christianity

• Cosmopolitan Judaism, which influenced the development of Christianity, is argued to be significantly shaped by Indo-European paganism, both Iranian and European.

• Jesus's claims in the Gospel of John elevate his status beyond traditional Jewish prophets, suggesting a departure from Jewish teachings.

• Jesus uses language reminiscent of Zarathustra when he refers to Yahweh as a liar and murderer, indicating a Gnostic perspective that challenges conventional views of God.

Canonization and Gnostic Texts

• The New Testament canonization process involved rejecting numerous Gnostic Gospels; however, the Gospel of John shares significant overlap with these texts.

• Marcionism emerged as a movement advocating for the dismissal of the Old Testament in favor of a new Christian doctrine.

Political Context and Religious Strategy

• The rise of Christianity was partly a strategic response to external threats during the second and third centuries, leading Constantine to adopt it as the state religion.

• Eusebius's portrayal of Constantine as a devout Christian contrasts with historical accounts suggesting his pagan roots.

Cultural Amalgamation: Mithraism and Early Christianity

• The existential threat posed by radical monotheistic Zoroastrianism prompted Roman pagans to amalgamate elements from Judaism and Mithraism into early Christianity.

• Key Catholic rituals reflect Mithraic influences; for example, Ash Wednesday ceremonies have parallels in Mithraic initiation rites.

Symbolism in Ritual Practices

• The ritualistic use of ashes on foreheads during Ash Wednesday is linked to Mithraic symbolism representing transformation at the end times.

• The Phrygian cap worn by bishops has origins in Mithraic iconography, illustrating how early Christian practices were influenced by pagan traditions.

Cultural Legacy: Clothing and Iconography

• Elements such as riding pants and jackets associated with Mithras contributed to modern depictions like Santa Claus outfits.

Understanding the Origins of Islam

Historical Context and Emergence of Islam

• The speaker discusses the historical context surrounding the emergence of Islam, suggesting that it arose from a need for a distinguishing religion among people who lacked one.

• There is speculation about whether this lack of a unifying faith led to the creation of a new religion similar to other great societies.

Controversial Thesis on Islamic Creation

• The speaker presents a controversial thesis regarding the origins of Islam, indicating that it may provoke strong reactions due to its complexity.

• A connection is made between Zoroastrianism during the Sassanid period and later inquisitorial practices, which influenced early Islamic thought.

Inquisitional Practices in Zoroastrianism

• During the Sassanid period, Orthodox Zoroastrian clergy conducted inquisitions against perceived heretics, including Manicheans and Buddhists.

• Specific targeting included those who believed in Ahura Mazda but diverged from orthodox interpretations, leading to significant persecution.

Mass Persecution and Its Consequences

• The brutal crackdown on dissenters resulted in mass killings and destruction of texts, drawing parallels with later Christian persecutions.

• Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands were killed during these purges, reflecting severe societal impacts akin to those seen in other religious conflicts.

Retaliation and Formation of Islam

• The speaker posits that Mithraic secret societies retaliated against their persecution by creating Islam as a unifying force among Arabian tribes.

• This involved manipulating Muhammad through psychological means to establish monotheistic ideology aimed at destabilizing the Sassanid state.

Unintended Consequences of Islamic Expansion

• Initially intended as a tool for political maneuvering, Islam's spread became uncontrollable, likened to an out-of-control biological weapon.

• As Arab forces invaded Iran, they became intoxicated with power beyond their original mission, leading to unforeseen consequences for both regions.

Cultural Renaissance Post-Islamic Conquest

Persian Renaissance and Its Impact on Islam

Overview of the Persian Renaissance

• The period around the 9th to 10th centuries AD is identified as a Persian Renaissance, marked by significant advancements in both sciences and arts, including literature such as the "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings).

Political Dynamics in the Caliphate

• During this time, the Arabian Caliphate in Baghdad became a vassal state under the Buwayhid dynasty from northern Iran, indicating a shift back to earlier Parthian governance structures.

Invasions and Their Consequences

• The narrative shifts around 1150 AD with invasions by Turks and Mongols from Central Asia, leading to significant upheaval in Iran.

• These invaders were described as illiterate barbarians who adopted Islam fervently, forming entities like the Seljuk Caliphate and Mongol khanates that institutionalized Islam within what was once the Persian Empire.

Apocalyptic Themes in Islamic Faith

• Discussion arises regarding apocalyptic beliefs within Muslim faith compared to Zoroastrianism. The Quran claims completion of previous Abrahamic messages, inherently suggesting an apocalyptic vision.

Influence of Iranian Thought on Islam

• Shia Islam's prominent apocalyptic vision reflects Iranian influence; Salman al-Farsi's role is highlighted as he introduced these concepts into Quranic doctrine.

Muhammad’s Revelations and Mental State

• There are claims that Muhammad was influenced by Persian secret societies during his revelations. Accusations arose among contemporaries about his mental state during these experiences.

Trance Mediumship Claims

• Observations suggest that Muhammad may have been in a trance-like state while receiving revelations. This raises questions about his awareness and control over what he communicated.

Paul’s Role in Early Christianity

Understanding the Rejection of Paul in Religious Contexts

The Gnostic Perspective on Paul

• Many religious groups, including some Muslims, reject Paul due to his teachings that align closely with Gnostic beliefs. This rejection is rooted in doctrinal differences.

• The overlap between the canonical New Testament and Gnostic texts highlights Paul's Gnostic tendencies, which further alienates him from traditional Islamic views.

Antinomianism in Paul's Teachings

• Paul is known for his antinomian stance, suggesting that faith in Christ abrogates the law. This view contrasts sharply with those who seek to reconcile Jesus's teachings with Old Testament laws.

• Orthodox Muslims vehemently oppose this idea as Sharia law forms the foundation of their belief system, emphasizing adherence to divine law.

Historical Context of Antinomianism

• The Order of Assassins in 1100 Iran held a similar antinomian belief, claiming that Sharia would be negated during an apocalypse they believed was imminent.

• This mystical form of Shiite Islam shared characteristics with Pauline antinomianism, presenting a unique convergence within Islamic theology.

Identity and Obedience in Judaism

• To be considered an Israelite biblically involves more than descent from Abraham; it requires obedience to Torah and God's laws.

• Paul's radical removal of these requirements challenges traditional Jewish identity by suggesting that mere faith supersedes adherence to the law.

Cultural Analogies and Political Implications

• An analogy is drawn comparing Paul's teachings to someone dismissing American heritage while promoting a new ideology—this reflects how radical Paul's message was perceived.

• There exists a stark contrast between Levitical laws and modern constitutional principles; early American founders recognized this incompatibility with biblical texts.

Founders' Views on Religion and Governance

• Thomas Jefferson famously edited the Bible to align Jesus's teachings with Roman philosophy, indicating a broader skepticism among founders regarding biblical compatibility with governance.

Exploring Mithraic Symbolism in American Culture

The Significance of Patriotism vs. Sacred Beliefs

• The speaker emphasizes that patriotism lacks the religious significance found in deeper sacred beliefs, suggesting a hierarchy of values where spiritual beliefs hold more weight.

Mithraic Symbolism in the United States

• A discussion is initiated about the symbolism associated with the United States flag, particularly its colors and their connections to Mithraic traditions.

• The red and white stripes of the flag are linked to the colors of the Amanita muscaria mushroom, which are significant in Mithras' iconography.

• The Statue of Liberty is described as embodying symbols from two different grades of initiation within Mithraism, including elements like a crescent diadem and an oil lamp torch.

Artistic Conventions and Historical Context

• The solar halo around figures such as kings and prophets has roots in Mithraic art from Iran, influencing later artistic depictions across cultures.

• Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty, was a Freemason; this connection suggests that Masonic traditions may be intertwined with ancient Mithraic practices.

Military Symbols and Their Origins

• Discussion shifts to military symbols like fasces, which represent unity through strength; this symbol's presence in American iconography is traced back to its origins in Roman Mithraism.

• Fasces symbolize individual sticks being weak but unbreakable when bound together—an idea introduced into Rome through Iranian influences on Mithras.

Secret Societies and Their Ritualistic Ties

• The conversation touches on secret societies like Skull and Bones at Yale University, which utilize symbols such as skull and crossbones linked to ancient rituals from Mithraism.

• There’s speculation about whether these modern rites retain any metaphysical significance or if they have devolved into mere trappings for corrupt organizations.

Reflection on Esoteric Knowledge

• An open question arises regarding how much genuine understanding of ancient esoteric knowledge remains within institutions influenced by these historical practices.

Discussion on George W. Bush and Theological Beliefs

Freemasonry and Family Background

• The speaker discusses the implications of George W. Bush being the son of a 33rd degree Freemason, questioning how this background aligns with his fundamentalist Christian beliefs.

• There is skepticism about how a 33rd degree Freemason's son could hold such extreme theological views, particularly regarding the Second Coming of Jesus.

• The speaker notes that Bush's father was not only a 33rd degree Freemason but also served as the director of the CIA, linking their family to significant historical figures like Prescott Bush, who financed Hitler.

Manipulation by Power Brokers

• It is suggested that George W. Bush’s theological worldview was manipulated by influential figures like his father and Dick Cheney for political gain, particularly in relation to war decisions.

• This manipulation reflects a broader theme of familial influence in politics, indicating a pattern where history repeats itself through generational dynamics.

Exploration of Historical Jesus

Remote Viewing Program Insights

• The discussion shifts to whether there was a historical Jesus, introducing the concept of remote viewing—a CIA-funded program aimed at psychic espionage against the Soviet Union.

• Remote viewers were able to look back at any event in human history, which raises questions about reconstructing events from Jesus' time using similar methods.

Challenges in Historical Reconstruction

• Despite potential insights from remote viewing, it is noted that psychological projections and belief systems can distort data when attempting to understand historical figures like Jesus.

• The abundance of myths surrounding Jesus complicates efforts to ascertain factual information about his existence due to conflicting narratives projected onto him over time.

Skepticism Towards Clairvoyance

• The speaker expresses skepticism towards clairvoyant methods for uncovering historical truths about Jesus due to inherent biases and noise within psychic data interpretation.

7 Cents: Insights into Terrorism and History

Overview of Jason's Work

• Jason, a down-to-earth individual, has authored the book "The 7 Cents," which provides an overview of his program and discusses various missions related to terrorism.

• The book details fascinating operations, including efforts to reconstruct terrorist attacks and track hostages taken by groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hostage Rescue Operations

• Jason's team was able to predict the movements of American hostages days into the future, aiding in organizing rescue operations.

Contacting Jason and Supporting His Work

• Interested individuals can visit Jason's website at jasonrezazadeh.com for more information and resources related to his work.

• The website includes links to social media platforms, YouTube, and an Amazon author page where readers can find his books.

Historical Context of Christianity

• A discussion on why Christianity became predominant over other belief systems is highlighted; it emphasizes looking beyond just biblical texts to understand historical contexts.

• The conversation suggests that understanding history is crucial for comprehending how religious narratives evolved over time.

Encouragement for Engagement