steal so many of its symbols from other religions. For example:
The cross is the Pagan symbol for femininity, the fish is the Pagan symbol for fertility.
It just makes no since that God would wait for so long to send a Son down to Earth and let all these people find other religion then allow his followers to actually intergrate the symbols that symbolize other Gods to mean that he is God.
2007-01-01 21:14:53 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
to make the product more apealing to the consumers already using a simular product.
2007-01-01 21:17:36 · answer #1 · answered by duffmanhb 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
First off, Pagan isn't a religion, it's a category of religions and beliefs, but that's beside the point.
The other bit is that Christianity has evolved by stealing people from other religions, as such it did what it could to ease transitions by keeping imagery and festivities as they were in those other religions. One of the big reasons for the Protestant reformations was the imagery that had been imported from these religions, as well as any native Christian imagery, assuming that existed, being considered idolatry and, as such, a sin.
edit:
woah, where have you lot been learning about the Jesus Fish? The general theory is that the greek word for fish is equivalent to Jesus's name, though there are other theories. Either way, it was originally used as a secret calling card for early Christians to identify each other back when Christians were still being persecuted by rome.
2007-01-02 05:22:11 · answer #2 · answered by Shadebug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nitpick: The cross in Christianity has no relation to any other pagan symbolism other than as an implement of execution and torture.
But as to other similarities, the reason was that there was a need in the beginning for Christianity to be acceptable to pagans and so they had to borrow or integrate some practices, the most obvious being the celebration of Christmas.
2007-01-02 05:22:03 · answer #3 · answered by ragdefender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paganism existed for thousands and tousands of years and there's only so many symbols to go around. God never granted anyone an "exclusive" on symbols.
God created everythng, so no matter what a few might adopt, he is sovereign over all, and all symbols ultimately belong to him, to be used for whatever purpose he may decide.
Once a symbol is adopted by the Christian church, it takes on an entirely new meaning, and it is no longer a pagan symbol.
That's all there is to it.
2007-01-02 06:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well in Christianity Jesus was crucified on the cross, which was a valid method of capital punishment at the time. As for the fish, it symbolizes the fact that Jesus told his disciples, who were fishermen , to come and let him make them fishers of men's souls. There are a great many crosses used as symbols throughout the world that have nothing to do with Jesus. However when a Christian wears one it symbolizes to them, that they are taking up their own cross and following Christ. Now the cross that should be worn is one that does not have the body of Christ on it as he wished to be known as the living Christ, not a dead one.
2007-01-02 05:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THe symbol of the fish was adopted by early Christians that were nearly all fishermen (fisher's of men) and they hid theirselves from tyranny against them... the symbol of the two arches combined to make a fish was a codesign to show Christian brethren.
Otherwise, I agree with your inquiry.
2007-01-02 05:20:23 · answer #6 · answered by Invisible_Flags 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who said Christianity is the one true religion?
God just wants your love, He has no other reason for creating us in our present lifetime. Christianity is a concocted religion; sorry if we offend any one, but this business that God suffers on a cross is stupid; God does not suffer, He is all bliss, peace and happiness.
2007-01-02 05:25:21 · answer #7 · answered by Bruce G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a great question, and I agree with you completely! Christianity is not the one true religion, because there is no such thing as one true religion. Each person must find his or her own truth, and own path. But, Christianity is one of the most flawed religions....in so many ways....that I have ever been aware of, and if it was the one true religion, I would have to be an Atheist.
2007-01-02 05:21:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm guessing the early Christians didn't have anything else to do! So they went sign shopping and decided to add some religion to them!
2007-01-02 05:37:03 · answer #9 · answered by -♦One-♦-Love♦- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Christianity there are not supposed to be any symbols that is idolizing which is a no no.
2007-01-02 05:18:33 · answer #10 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best way to stamp out a religion is to take over there.
You missed out christmas and april fools days as well.
2007-01-02 05:19:34 · answer #11 · answered by Mr Hex Vision 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋