Lecture Notes: Origins of Christianity and its Pagan Influences

Introduction

• Christianity is often grouped with Judaism and Islam as Abrahamic religions.
• The lecture argues that Christianity has pagan origins, despite its monotheistic claims.

The Christian Trinity and Pagan Influences

• Christianity has the doctrine of the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
• Pagan Trinities:
  • Egyptians: Amun, Ra, Ptah
  • Babylonians: Nanna, Shamash, Ishtar
  • Hinduism: Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
  • Greeks: Hecate (triple-headed goddess)
  • Romans: Diana (three-formed)
  • Persians: Ahura Mazda, Mithra, Anahita
• Conclusion: The concept of three divinities is common in paganism.

The Concept of the God-Man

• Jesus as the incarnate Son of God with dual nature (divine and human).
• Pagan Examples of God-Men:
  • Greek: Hercules, Perseus (sons of Zeus)
  • Roman: Julius Caesar as a divine savior
• Justin Martyr: Admitted Christian parallels to pagan sons of Jupiter.

Death and Resurrection Myths

• Jesus' death and resurrection echoes pagan myths:
  • Sumerian Myth: Inanna's descent and rise after three days.
  • Gospels: Jesus descends into Hell and resurrects after three days.

Rituals and Symbols

• Communion: Bread and wine as body and blood of Christ.
  • Egyptian Cult of Osiris: Similar ritual with bread and wine.
• Cross Symbol:
  • Christian Cross vs Egyptian Ankh: Both symbols linked to resurrection.

Syncretism and the Spread of Christianity

• Syncretism: Blending of ideas with the dominant culture.
• Paul’s adaptation of Christianity for Gentiles, shedding Jewish practices.

Pagan Influence on Early Christians

• Gentile converts saw Jesus through the lens of their own pagan backgrounds.
• Gregory of Nyssa: Acknowledged Christianity as a mix of Jewish monotheism and Greek polytheism.

Criticism of Christianity's Pagan Aspects

• The Quran critiques Christian Trinity and deification of Jesus as imitating pagans.
• Islam maintains pure monotheism, acknowledged by Jewish authorities like Maimonides.

Islam's Firm Stance on Monotheism

• Kaaba: Transition from pagan idol worship to monotheism.
• The Quran uses clear language to avoid misunderstandings about God's nature.
• Islamic Views: Jesus is a human messenger, not divine.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore Islam's perspective on Jesus and monotheism.
• Suggested further reading: "Jesus: Man, Messenger, Messiah."