Is it true that prior to Christianity...?

Question

...there were between 15 and 17 religions that used immaculate conception as a basis for the coming of a God to Earth?

Does this mean that Christianity could have stolen this idea from another religion?

Ummm...I'm asking because I don't know the answer...not trying to see how dumb everyone is. If I had sources from history books, I wouldn't need to ask the question, would I?

Yes...you are right...I mixed up the two weird religious concepts. I think it's cool that Mary had sex with God...I bet it hurt...a lot. I hear God is hung like the devil only it glows green instead of red...

Answer 1

Yes it is true.

And yes, Christianity could have stolen the idea from another religion. It is very likely that they did. But, of course, it wouldn't be the first time Christianity stole something. Christianity "adopted" beliefs from Judaism and Paganism. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Why Christianity is so against Paganism when a large percentage of it IS Paganism?

Answer 2

I don't know about the numbers, but it certainly was an idea that existed before Christianity came. Most religions build in some way upon those that came before, using prevalent ideas at the time, and Christianity was no different.

Here I am assuming that you mixed Immaculate Conception up with the Virgin Birth.

The Virgin Birth means what it says: that Mary became pregnant by God, not by a man. This can be found in a number of different religions and mythologies from pre-Christian times.

The Immaculate Conception means that when the Virgin Mary was conceived, her soul was preserved free from original sin by divine grace, as decreed in Roman Catholic dogma. This is very different from the Virgin Birth, as it refers to Mary's birth and to Original Sin in the Garden of Eden. I don't think there would be other references to this particular view in other religions, as Original Sin and the Virgin Mary are concepts largely confined to Christianity.

Answer 3

It is believed that there were up to about 16 different conceptions of God, creation, and life. Most all were similar, though, suggesting a central source for all these beliefs. But no. That doesn't mean Christianity could have stolen their faith from another religion. Christianity came when Jesus left. Bringing nothing from no other religion but Jewish, considering Jesus was a Jew, and all that Jesus had to teach.

Answer 4

Christianity begged, borrowed and stole from many religions and cults. perhaps the most striking example is their wholesale incorporation of mithraism.

'Mithra was born in a cave, and on the 25th December. 1 He was born of a Virgin. 2 He travelled far and wide as a teacher and illuminator of men. He slew the Bull (symbol of the gross Earth which the sunlight fructifies). His great festivals were the winter solstice and the Spring equinox (Christmas and Easter). He had twelve companions or disciples (the twelve months). He was buried in a tomb, from which however he rose again; and his resurrection was celebrated yearly with great rejoicings. He was called Savior and Mediator, and sometimes figured as a Lamb; and sacramental feasts in remembrance of him were held by his followers.'

Pagan & Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning
Book by Edward Carpenter; Blue Ribbon Books, 1920

the striking thing is that the emperor constantine originally venerated 'Sol Invicta', identified with mithra. with the similarities how easy would it have been for constantine to incorporate christianity into his pantheon.

Answer 5

Actually archeology has found in the earliest writings and the oldest cities, such as Ur in Iraq that monotheism, the belief in one god, was the first recorded religion by any civilized people.
In response to???? Yes any one can die on the cross. Thousands did it in Roman times, but only one came back to life. If that is just a fairy tale, then explain to me why numerous Roman Historians (who were not Christians) speak of Jesus death, the Crucifixion, and the belief of hundreds that they saw him again. If you do not believe he rose from the dead, then why did they not produce his body to prove the people saying this were false, when it was causing them so much trouble. And yes if you want the references to this I can give them. Email me and I will Happy to provide you with references for either or both. Secular references

Answer 6

Yes, it is true. If you have not researched this, then you need to do so. Some of Christianity's holidays and teachings were twisted and stolen from the Pagan religion. Real knowledge is buried.

Answer 7

Yes and yes, the bible is the greatest work of plagiarism of all time. They also stole the idea of a war between light and darkness from Zoroaster, a pre-christian persian prophet. This concept doesn't exist in the old testament which christianity is derived from.

Answer 8

I am not religious, but I am going to tell you what I think about god. I think someone made him up, the bible too. Think about it, when the bible was written, people were very gullible, they would believe anything. I think they started to believe it and it just got more and more popular. The only thing the christian religion has is the bible, hundreds of millions of people believe in god because of one book. That's it, one book, they have no proof, they have never seen him, or anything that has to do with him, no matter what they say. Plus, if Jesus can put himself on the cross and die for all mans sins, then anyone could do it.

Answer 9

Or more than likely, AFTER the birth Christianity, people seeking to discredit it came up with that silly concept about the 15 or 17 other religions.

Besides, the specifics of Jesus' birth (location, lineage , etc) by a virgin was prophecied for thousands of years before its actual occurrence, so other religions could have stolen *that* idea, except that the prophecy wasn't accomplished for them.

Answer 10

Really? I wouldn't know...give us some sources from history books and I'll see!