Dec 49 min read

Did Christianity Borrow from Mithraism or Other Mystery Religions?

Some critics of Christianity, particularly from Islamic and atheistic circles, argue that Christian beliefs are not based on divine revelation but are borrowed from ancient pagan mystery religions like Mithraism. They claim that the foundational doctrines of Christianity, such as the deity of Christ, the atonement, and even the doctrine of the Trinity, have their roots in the teachings of these pagan religions rather than in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

One such critic, Yousuf Saleem Chishti, asserts that Mithraism greatly influenced Christian doctrine. Chishti writes: "The Christian doctrine of atonement was greatly coloured by the influence of the mystery religions, especially Mithraism, which had its own son of God and virgin mother, and crucifixion and resurrection after expiating for the sins of mankind and finally his ascension to the 7th heaven" (Chishti, 87). Chishti’s claims extend beyond theological similarity; he argues that Christianity is essentially a "second edition" of Mithraism.

Chishti lists several supposed parallels between Mithraism and Christianity, including Mithra being considered the "Son of God," born of a virgin, having twelve disciples, being crucified, and rising from the grave on the third day. However, a careful evaluation of the claims shows that these assertions lack both historical and theological credibility.

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Christianity's Origins: Grounded in Jewish Scripture

To address claims that Christianity borrowed from Mithraism or other mystery religions, it is essential to establish the origins of Christian doctrine. Christianity is not an invention of the Apostle Paul or the early Church Fathers but is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul himself declared that his teachings were based on the fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures, not on pagan mythology. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote: "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4). Paul emphasized that Jesus' death and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled the divine plan of salvation. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, he states, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

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Paul's Consistency with Jesus' Teachings

The argument that Paul introduced pagan elements into Christianity, particularly from Mithraism, is untenable when one examines the consistency between Paul's teachings and those of Jesus. Jesus Himself declared that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them (Matthew 5:17). Throughout His ministry, Jesus upheld the Old Testament's moral and prophetic teachings, pointing to Himself as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Similarly, Paul taught that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul wrote, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Paul consistently emphasized that salvation comes through Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, not through the adoption of pagan practices or beliefs.

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Sin and Atonement: Biblical Foundations, Not Paganism

One of the central accusations against Christianity is that the doctrine of atonement was borrowed from pagan mystery religions. Chishti, for example, claims that Mithraism had a concept of a savior who atoned for the sins of humankind through a form of sacrifice. However, this argument is historically and theologically flawed.

The concept of atonement through the shedding of blood is deeply rooted in the Jewish Scriptures, long before the rise of Mithraism. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." This principle is foundational to the Jewish understanding of sacrifice, which culminates in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Jesus Himself taught that His death would serve as a ransom for many. In Mark 10:45, He says, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This teaching is echoed by Paul in his letters, particularly in Ephesians 1:7, where he writes, "In him [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

There is no need to appeal to Mithraism or any other pagan religion to explain the Christian doctrine of atonement. The idea of blood sacrifice for sin is woven throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

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The Resurrection: A Unique Claim of Christianity

Critics like Chishti often claim that the resurrection of Christ was borrowed from pagan mythology, arguing that various gods in mystery religions were said to die and rise again. However, the resurrection of Jesus stands in stark contrast to any pagan resurrection myths, both in its historical context and theological meaning.

First, Mithraism had no concept of the death and resurrection of its god. Mithras was a god of war and light, often associated with the slaying of a bull as a symbolic act of creation. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Mithra was believed to have died and risen again in a manner comparable to Jesus' resurrection. As Ronald Nash points out, "Mithraism, like its mystery competitors, had a basic myth, but no concept of the death and resurrection of its god" (Nash, 144).

In contrast, the resurrection of Jesus is a well-documented historical event, attested to by multiple eyewitnesses. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:17, stating, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." The resurrection is not a mythological symbol but a literal event that provides the foundation for Christian faith and hope.

Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus is unique in that it involves His bodily resurrection from the dead. The Jewish concept of resurrection, as reflected in the teachings of Jesus and Paul, involves the physical raising of the dead, not a spiritual or symbolic rising. In John 2:19-21, Jesus prophesied His bodily resurrection, saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John clarifies that Jesus was referring to His body, not a metaphorical resurrection.

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Salvation by Grace: A Biblical Concept, Not Pagan

Another claim made by critics is that the Christian teaching of salvation by grace through faith was influenced by pagan religions. This argument is likewise unfounded, as the concept of salvation by grace is rooted in the Old Testament and is entirely consistent with the teachings of Jesus.

The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by human effort. In the Old Testament, God’s grace is seen in His covenant relationship with Israel, where He continually forgives and restores His people despite their disobedience (Exodus 34:6-7). The prophet Isaiah declares, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). This prophecy points to the coming Messiah, who would bear the sins of His people and offer salvation through His sacrifice.

Jesus Himself affirmed the necessity of grace for salvation. In John 3:16, He says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus emphasized that salvation is received through faith in Him, not by works.

Paul’s teaching on salvation by grace through faith is entirely consistent with the teachings of Jesus. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The idea that Paul borrowed this concept from Mithraism or other mystery religions is baseless, as salvation by grace is a distinctly biblical teaching, rooted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament.

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The Doctrine of the Trinity: No Pagan Origin

One of the most frequently attacked doctrines of Christianity is the Trinity, with critics claiming that it is a pagan concept borrowed from polytheistic religions. However, this claim misunderstands both the biblical doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of pagan polytheism.

The Bible teaches that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), but this one God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is not polytheism, as the three persons of the Trinity share the same divine essence. The doctrine of the Trinity is unique to Christianity and has no parallel in Mithraism or other pagan religions, which were polytheistic or pantheistic in nature.

While the term "Trinity" does not appear in Scripture, the concept is derived from the totality of biblical teaching. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," clearly distinguishing between the three persons while maintaining their unity. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul writes, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

The doctrine of the Trinity developed in response to heresies that sought to distort the biblical understanding of God. Far from being influenced by paganism, the doctrine was formulated to safeguard the biblical revelation of God’s nature. The Council of Nicea (325 C.E.) affirmed the deity of Christ and the unity of the Trinity, refuting both polytheism and the Arian heresy, which denied Christ’s divinity.

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Mithraism and Christianity: A False Connection

Critics like Chishti claim that Mithraism and Christianity share many similarities, such as a virgin birth, resurrection, and atonement. However, these claims are historically inaccurate and lack credible sources.

Mithraism, unlike Christianity, is a pagan mystery religion rooted in myth, not history. Mithras was believed to have emerged from a rock, not born of a virgin. There is no evidence that Mithra was crucified or resurrected, let alone atoned for the sins of humanity. As Nash points out, "Mithraism had no concept of the death and resurrection of its god and no place for any concept of rebirth—at least during its early stages" (Nash, 144).

Moreover, Mithraism gained prominence after Christianity had already been established. Ronald Nash notes that "Mithraism flowered after Christianity, not before, so Christianity could not have copied from Mithraism. The timing is all wrong to have influenced the development of first-century Christianity" (Nash, 147).

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Christianity Stands on Historical and Biblical Foundations

The accusations that Christianity borrowed its core beliefs from Mithraism or other pagan religions do not hold up under historical scrutiny. Christianity is rooted in the Old Testament, the teachings of Jesus, and the testimony of the apostles. Its doctrines, such as the atonement, resurrection, and Trinity, are thoroughly biblical and cannot be traced to pagan influences.

The similarities between Mithraism and Christianity are superficial at best, and the historical evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Christianity is unique in its claims and origins. The doctrines of Christianity are not the product of syncretism with mystery religions but are the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan revealed in Scripture.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).