*Disclaimer: The following lesson will have some very controversial and offensive material. I would like to apologize ahead for anyone that I might offend.*
This is the story of Constantine and also a follow up on Mithra. The reason I am combining the two is because they go hand in hand. Now I did post a disclaimer on here simply because this is a very sticky topic. I know I do not have to say very much about the Roman emperor because most people know what he was primarily responsible for, the founding of the Catholic Church. Now the following information I will be using is from several public works. You can look this information up and as always I encourage it. I do not intend on bashing any denomination with this lesson, however like the disclaimer said, I more than likely will. This is the plate where all our troubles begin. This is the reason for the multiple issues in denominational differences and Bible inaccuracies. So please hold on and get ready for the ride.
Firstly, I will discuss more of Mithra. Now I am sure that I caused some uproar with my previous post. However, what I said was 100% true. I took sources from encyclopedias and books written by trusted advisers. Now I know there are some who will quote me for saying that even though there are different accounts that does not make it false. However, Mithra was around long before Jesus. So who copied whom? Is Jesus false? Absolutely not! However, let's dive into Mithra. As I said before he was celebrated as being born on December. The feast that celebrated him was known as the Saturnalia. What's interesting about this feast is what his followers did. They ate ham (because Mithra had a fatal experience with one) and then exchanged gifts. In addition to that they celebrated and worshiped him every Sunday. So there are two similarities right there that can be attributed to Christ. So how did Mithra get into Christianity? Well let's continue. Mithra was worshiped by the Persians for several years. However, due to Greek and Roman conquest most of the teachings of Mithra fell by the wayside. However, in the early first century AD, we find that there is a revival of the Mithra order, and Mithraism started being practiced throughout all of Rome. Now the early church leaders were very much aware what was going on. It could be assumed that Paul may have been talking to those who may be inclined to follow Mithra when he warned about false doctrine. St. Augustine was very much concerned about the following of Mithra and the possible blending of Christianity. This religion, though, was very widespread through the Roman empire and did start to mingle with Christianity. Unfortunately, we can see a full immersion in the fourth century AD when a Mithra follower became a Christian.
Enter Constantine. So here we are in Rome, and the Mithra following is at it's pinnacle. Naturally then Constantine would've been a follower of this religion due to its popularity. However, throughout the Roman empire there was another religion gaining popularity, Christianity. Though it had been attacked through persecution from the likes of emperors like Nero and Diocletian, it still flourished. So it can be said that Constantine was fully aware of Christianity, its leaders, and its symbols. Consequently, as many of us know, he had a vision. During a battle in 312 AD, Constantine had a vision of the cross. Therefore he felt then the need that if he marked the cross on his army's shields, then he would have victory. As the story goes, he did this and his army won. So what happens next? Well supposedly Christianity now becomes the state religion with Constantine at the head (though he does promote a leader later, known today as the pope). Thus begins the Roman Catholic Church. Ah it gets better though. What happens to the religion of Mithra and the followers? Well quite frankly we don't know. According to multiple sources, in the fourth century it seems to fade from existence. Interesting, huh? So fast forward a few years. We have a Christian emperor building the original St. Peter's Basilica and also building an arch to celebrate his victories. What does he put on his triumphal arch? He doesn't put a cross or any other Christian likeness on it. No, instead he puts the goddess Victoria on it. Now wait I thought he was Christian? I know what many of you are thinking, well the Roman Senate probably did this so they wouldn't know yet. Okay let's go a few more years. What does Constantine do in 321 AD. He declares a national sun worship day. Now wait who is the sun god? Mithra isn't it? Therefore this is the start of the immersion. As we know there are then several councils that decide the fate of the church. These decide the deity of Christ, the books of the Bible, and many more. Also with the council, the Christian faith switched from following the lunar calendar (Jewish) to the solar calendar (Roman, eventually Gregorian). Best of all, say goodbye to Passover and hello to Easter. Eventually all of God's holy days in the Old Testament are scrapped and new ones arise. And eventually nothing is left of the original Christian church, it is now Roman Catholic.
Here is where I muddy the water. Most of today's denominations can be traced back to one church, the Catholic one. The controversy is that the Catholic Church had its hands on so many important things. The addition of new holidays and removal of old is because of the Catholic Church. The books of the Bible were decided by the Catholic Church. Worshiping on Sundays decided by well you know. The copying of the biblical manuscripts also done by the Catholic Church. That is why I talked about its founding. The truth is that Christianity became so muddled with false doctrine its not funny. We are in the mess we are today because of this. So let's start over. Next week I will begin a several part lesson on one man, Jesus. Using scripture and historical references, I will retell the greatest story ever told. This is where my eyes were opened and I am now closer to him than ever. So until next time I wish you the best in the name of our Savior, Yeshuah (Jesus).
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