Ancient Religion – Jesus Myth Theory

Serapis: The Invention of a God in the Hellenistic World

13 January 202613 January 2026 SJBedard No Comments

Among the gods of the ancient Mediterranean, Serapis stands out as one of the clearest examples of a deliberately promoted syncretic deity. Unlike most ancient gods who emerged organically through long mythic development, Serapis was elevated—if not consciously constructed—during the early Hellenistic period to serve specific political, cultural, and religious needs. Understanding Serapis requires attention not only to … Read More “Serapis: The Invention of a God in the Hellenistic World” »

Attis and Adonis

6 January 20266 January 2026 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

Origins, Parallels, and the Question of Influence Among the many dying-and-rising gods of the ancient Mediterranean world, Attis and Adonis stand out for their striking similarities and for the scholarly debate surrounding their relationship. Both figures are associated with vegetation cycles, ritual mourning, and renewal. Yet they emerge from different cultural contexts, serve distinct theological purposes, and develop along separate mythic trajectories before … Read More “Attis and Adonis” »

The Evolution of Mithra: From Vedic Deity to Roman Mystery God

1 January 20261 January 2026 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

Introduction Few religious figures illustrate the fluidity of ancient religious ideas as clearly as Mithra. Emerging in the Indo-Iranian religious world, Mithra appears first in Vedic Hinduism, then takes on new theological depth in Zoroastrianism, and finally re-emerges in the Roman Empire as the central figure of Mithraism, a mystery religion practiced largely by soldiers … Read More “The Evolution of Mithra: From Vedic Deity to Roman Mystery God” »

Who Was James George Frazer?

20 December 202520 December 2025 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

James George Frazer was one of the most influential—and controversial—scholars of religion in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Best known for The Golden Bough (Amazon affiliate link), Frazer helped shape the early academic study of myth, ritual, and religion, leaving a legacy that extends well beyond his own discipline. Biographical background James George Frazer … Read More “Who Was James George Frazer?” »

The Myth of Attis: Origins, Story, and Legacy

5 June 20255 June 2025 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

The myth of Attis is one of the most intriguing tales from the ancient Mediterranean world, combining themes of death, rebirth, and divine love. Though lesser-known today, Attis was once a widely venerated figure, especially in connection with the mother goddess Cybele. His story reflects the syncretic blending of Phrygian, Greek, and Roman religious traditions and offers insight … Read More “The Myth of Attis: Origins, Story, and Legacy” »

The Ancient Religion of Mithraism: Origins, Practices, and Influence

10 April 202510 April 2025 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

Mithraism, also known as the Mithraic Mysteries, was a mystery religion practiced in the Roman Empire from around the 1st to the 4th century AD. At its peak, it was one of the most widespread and secretive religious movements in the Roman world, especially among soldiers and government officials. Despite its popularity, much about Mithraism remains shrouded … Read More “The Ancient Religion of Mithraism: Origins, Practices, and Influence” »

Structure and History in Greek Mythology and Ritual

1 April 20241 April 2024 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

Some of the best resources to use against Jesus Mythicism are not necessarily books that were written in response to this theory. One of the reasons for this is that most scholars have decided that the JMT is not worth responding to. One book that I have read a couple of times is Structure and … Read More “Structure and History in Greek Mythology and Ritual” »

Is Christmas Pagan?

27 December 202327 December 2023 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

Adjacent to the Jesus Myth Theory is the belief that Christmas is based on pagan myths and celebrations. Ironically, there are Christians who believe this and avoid Christmas while using the same hermeneutic as the Jesus Mythicists. Tom Holland addresses these claims, and at the same time some of the Jesus Myth Theory, in an … Read More “Is Christmas Pagan?” »

Christmas: Evidence That Jesus Was Borrowed From the Pagans?

8 December 20238 December 2023 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion

It does not take long in reading Jesus Mythicists before you encounter the claim that Jesus’ birth on December 25 is evidence that Jesus was based on other gods born that same day such as Osiris and Mithras. Is this accurate? There are a couple of problems. One is that it is not really that … Read More “Christmas: Evidence That Jesus Was Borrowed From the Pagans?” »

Mystery Cults of the Ancient World – Review

26 August 202326 August 2023 SJBedard No Comments

Ancient Religion, Book Reviews

One of the best refutations of the Jesus Myth Theory is book that does not even address the JMT directly but is still devastating to it. This is Mystery Cults of the Ancient World by Hugh Bowden. Religion in the Greco-Roman world took various forms. There was the formal worship of the Olympian gods that … Read More “Mystery Cults of the Ancient World – Review” »