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including (but not limited to) such personas as Dionysus, Osiris and Attis.

See Mithraism:

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M.J. Vermaseren claimed that the scene of Mithras ascending into the heavens was similarly incorporated into Christian art: after Mithras had accomplished a series of miraculous deeds, he ascended into the heavens in a chariot, ... The sun god, Vermaseren claims, provided inspiration for the flames on Elijah’s chariot and the Jordan River is personified by a figure resembling the god Oceanus. [21] Some scholars have also used similar language to describe the circumstances of Mithras' and Jesus' birth: Joseph Campbell described it as a virgin birth,[22] and Martin A. Larson noted that Mithras was said to have been born on December 25th, or winter solstice.[23]

Merry Christmas ...

Also see Hinduism and the concept of sin.

Enjoy.

ps - modified policy: [color:"blue"]My time is limited, but I have time to answer more than one response it seems. Therefore, I will continue to post on threads that interest me, but may reply to more than the first response if they discuss the issue(s).[/color] I expect other people to do the same. Thanks for your consideration.

Last edited by RAZD; 12/15/07 09:57 PM.