Is Christianity a copy of the worship of Mithra?
No. Christianity predates the worship of Mithras, in terms of Mithraism being a popular religion throughout the Roman Empire. Although Mithras, as a Persian deity, formed part of the ancient Persian pantheon,(he was the god of pacts and covenants, first mentioned 1400 BC) his cultic status can only first be ascertained around the time of Christ.By the 3rd or 4th centuries AD, this had developed and Mithras had become the soldiers’ god, one of the mystery religions that the central Roman hierarchy tolerated but came down on when necessary. Mithras is quoted by contemporaries as having these qualities: Mithra was born of a virgin on December 25th in a cave, and his birth was attended by shepherds. He was considered a great traveling teacher and master. He had 12 companions or disciples. Mithra’s followers were promised immortality. He performed miracles. As the “great bull of the Sun,” Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace. He was buried in a tomb and after three days rose again. His
