Troye Sivan - For Them

An Alternative To Religion?

Hidden Atheist Talk - Prop 8

Children of a stupid god

10 Christ-like Figures Who Pre-Date Jesus - Listverse

10 Christ-like Figures Who Pre-Date Jesus - Listverse

10 Christ-like Figures Who Pre-Date Jesus

Share This- Published April 13, 2009 by rushfan - 1267 Comments

I recently watched the documentary Zeitgeist (Part 1) as well as Bill Maher’s movie Religulous. Both made mention of claims often made that there are many stories that predate Jesus but have striking parallels. I decided to follow up on these claims and see what kind of information was out there to substantiate these assertions.

I found several websites run by Christians who obviously disputed all claims of any parallels to the life of Jesus. I also found several interesting books on the subject, such as The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors: Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves, and The Christ Conspiracy, and Suns of God: Krishna, Buddha and Christ Unveiled by Acharya S.

As a non-christian, I am approaching this topic purely as an interested observer. I am assuming half of the people who read this will automatically say the claims are false and the other half will say they are true. The truth I found is that it is difficult to know for sure.

Here are ten of the figures often sited:
10
Buddha

Both went to their temples at the age of twelve, where they are said to have astonished all with their wisdom. Both supposedly fasted in solitude for a long time: Buddha for forty–seven days and Jesus for forty. Both wandered to a fig tree at the conclusion of their fasts. Both were about the same age when they began their public ministry:

“When he [Buddha] went again to the garden he saw a monk who was calm, tranquil, self–possessed, serene, and dignified. The prince, determined to become such a monk, was led to make the great renunciation. At the time he was twenty–nine years of age… “Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age.” (Luke 3:23). Both were tempted by the “devil” at the beginning of their ministry: To Buddha, he said: “Go not forth to adopt a religious life but return to your kingdom, and in seven days you shall become emperor of the world, riding over the four continents.” To Jesus, he said: “All these [kingdoms of the world] I will give you, if you fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9). Buddha answered the “devil”: “Get you away from me.”

Jesus responded: “…begone, Satan!” (Matthew 4:10). Both strove to establish a kingdom of heaven on earth. According to the Somadeva (a Buddhist holy book), a Buddhist ascetic’s eye once offended him, so he plucked it out and cast it away. Jesus said: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out, and throw it away;.” (Matthew 5:29).

9
Krishna



According to Bhagavata Purana some believe that Krishna was born without a sexual union, by “mental transmission” from the mind of Vasudeva into the womb of Devaki, his mother. Christ and Krishna were called both God and the Son of God. Both were sent from heaven to earth in the form of a man. Both were called Savior, and the second person of the Trinity. Krishna’s adoptive human father was also a carpenter. A spirit or ghost was their actual father. Krishna and Jesus were of royal descent. Both were visited at birth by wise men and shepherds, guided by a star. Angels in both cases issued a warning that the local dictator planned to kill the baby and had issued a decree for his assassination. The parents fled. Mary and Joseph stayed in Muturea; Krishna’s parents stayed in Mathura. Both Christ and Krishna withdrew to the wilderness as adults, and fasted. Both were identified as “the seed of the woman bruising the serpent’s head.” Jesus was called “the lion of the tribe of Judah.” Krishna was called “the lion of the tribe of Saki.” Both claimed: “I am the Resurrection.” Both were “without sin.” Both were god-men: being considered both human and divine. Both performed many miracles, including the healing of disease. One of the first miracles that both performed was to make a leper whole. Each cured “all manner of diseases.” Both cast out indwelling demons, and raised the dead. Both selected disciples to spread his teachings. Both were meek, and merciful. Both were criticized for associating with sinners. Both celebrated a last supper. Both forgave his enemies. Both were crucified and both were resurrected.
8
Odysseus



Homeric tales about Odysseus emphasize his suffering life, just as in Mark Jesus said that he, too, would suffer greatly. Odysseus is a carpenter like Jesus, and he wants to return his home just as Jesus wants to be welcomed in his native home and later to God’s home in Jerusalem. Odysseus is plagued with unfaithful and dim-witted companions who display tragic flaws. They stupidly open a magic bag of wind while Odysseus sleeps and release terrible tempests which prevent their return home. These sailors are comparable to Jesus’ disciples, who disbelieve Jesus, ask foolish questions, and show general ignorance about everything. It’s amazing that either Odysseus or Jesus ever manage to accomplish anything, given the companions they have, but this simply demonstrates the power and ability of the one true leader who has a divine mandate to lead the people out of darkness and into a brighter future.
7
Romulus



Romulus is born of a vestal virgin, which was a priestess of the hearth god Vesta sworn to celibacy. His mother claims that the divine impregnated her, yet this is not believed by the King. Romulus and his twin brother, Remus, are tossed in the river and left for dead. (A “slaughter of the innocents” tale which parallels that of Matthew 2:13-16). Romulus is hailed as the son of god. He is “snatched away to heaven” by a whirlwind (It is assumed that the gods took him), and he makes post mortem appearances. In his work Numa Pompilius, Plutarch records that there was a darkness covering the earth before his death (Just as there was during Jesus’ death according to Mark 15:33). He also states that Romulus is to be know afterwards as ‘Quirinus’; A god which belonged to the Archiac Triad (a “triple deity” similar to the concept of the Trinity).
6
Dionysus



Dionysus was born of a virgin on December 25 and, as the Holy Child, was placed in a manger. He was a traveling teacher who performed miracles. He “rode in a triumphal procession on an ass.” He was a sacred king killed and eaten in an eucharistic ritual for fecundity and purification. Dionysus rose from the dead on March 25. He was the God of the Vine, and turned water into wine. He was called “King of Kings” and “God of Gods.” He was considered the “Only Begotten Son,” Savior,” “Redeemer,” “Sin Bearer,” Anointed One,” and the “Alpha and Omega.” He was identified with the Ram or Lamb. His sacrificial title of “Dendrites” or “Young Man of the Tree” intimates he was hung on a tree or crucified.

5
Heracles



Heracles is the Son of a god (Zeus). It is recorded that Zeus is both the father and great-great- great grandfather of Heracles, just as Jesus is essentially his own grandpa, being both “The root and offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16) as he is part of the triune God which is the father of Adam and eventually of Jesus. Both are doubly related to the Supreme God.

Diodorus writes that,”For as regards the magnitude of the deeds which he accomplished it is generally agreed that Heracles has been handed down as one who surpassed all men of whom memory from the beginning of time has brought down an account; consequently it is a difficult attainment to report each one of his deeds in a worthy manner and to present a record which shall be on a level with labours so great, the magnitude of which won for him the prize of immortality.”

Jesus is also said to have done a very large number of good works. John 21:25 says that: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

Hera tries to kill Heracles as an infant by sending two serpents after him, yet Heracles survives by strangling them. This parallels Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in an attempt to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-16).

Heracles makes a descent into Hades and returns from it with Theseus and Peirithoüs, just as Jesus descends into the “lower parts of the earth” or Hades (Ephesians 4:7-8); Though Jesus does not bring anyone up from it. Heracles’ body is not found and he is assumed to have been taken by the gods:”After this, when the companions of Iolaüs came to gather up the bones of Heracles and found not a single bone anywhere, they assumed that, in accordance with the words of the oracle, he had passed from among men into the company of the gods.”
4
Glycon



In the middle of the 100s AD, out along the south coast of the Black Sea, Glycon was the son of the God Apollo, who: came to Earth through a miraculous birth, was the Earthly manifestation of divinity, came to earth in fulfillment of divine prophecy, gave his chief believer the power of prophecy, gave believers the power to speak in tongues, performed miracles, healed the sick, and raised the dead.
3
Zoroaster/Zarathustra



Zoroaster was born of a virgin and “immaculate conception by a ray of divine reason.” He was baptized in a river. In his youth he astounded wise men with his wisdom. He was tempted in the wilderness by the devil. He began his ministry at age 30. Zoroaster baptized with water, fire and “holy wind.” He cast out demons and restored the sight to a blind man. He taught about heaven and hell, and revealed mysteries, including resurrection, judgment, salvation and the apocalypse. He had a sacred cup or grail. He was slain. His religion had a eucharist. He was the “Word made flesh.” Zoroaster’s followers expected a “second coming” in the virgin-born Saoshynt or Savior, who is to come in 2341 AD and begin his ministry at age 30, ushering in a golden age.
2
Attis of Phrygia



Attis was born on December 25 of the Virgin Nana. He was considered the savior who was slain for the salvation of mankind. His body as bread was eaten by his worshippers. He was both the Divine Son and the Father. On “Black Friday,” he was crucified on a tree, from which his holy blood ran down to redeem the earth. He descended into the underworld. After three days, Attis was resurrected.
1
Horus



Born of a virgin, Isis. Only begotten son of the God Osiris. Birth heralded by the star Sirius, the morning star. Ancient Egyptians paraded a manger and child representing Horus through the streets at the time of the winter solstice (about DEC-21). In reality, he had no birth date; he was not a human. Death threat during infancy: Herut tried to have Horus murdered. Handling the threat: The God That tells Horus’ mother “Come, thou goddess Isis, hide thyself with thy child.” An angel tells Jesus’ father to: “Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt.” Break in life history: No data between ages of 12 & 30. Age at baptism: 30. Subsequent fate of the baptiser: Beheaded. Walked on water, cast out demons, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind. Was crucifed, descended into Hell; resurrected after three days.

Responding to Ray Comfort's Atheist Tests

Parallels Between Jesus and Horus - Egyptian Sun God

Thankful???

I am really annoyed at seeing the following on twitter all the time - The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank.

Its total BS, if someone helps you with something, you thank them. If someone gives you something you thank them. If you are thankful for the food you are about to eat, thank the cook, the farmer, the butcher. There is always someONE to thank.

To be thankful, you don't need to have a mythical being to thank. Just think of the people responsible for what you have. Heck maybe you have yourself to thank. Heck you maybe the one that worked for the money that got what you are thankful for.

Kirk Cameron lost his faith in God

To bad it's not real.

Opps

Seems something went wrong and multi posted some posts, so I deleted the dups.

Bill Maher Be More Cynical on religion

GREAT ATHEISTIC QUOTES

The Bible and the President

Hidden Atheist Talk - Re:Atheist Challenge - 22 NEW Questions for Atheists

Evolutionary Middleman: Mommy? How come you have a penis?

Evolutionary Middleman: Mommy? How come you have a penis?

 http://ow.ly/8thj

Definitive Proof Of God: A Sign From The Messiah Himself

Got to love Monty Python.

Faith = Failure?

Fox News- The more you watch, the less informed you become.

Hidden Atheist Talk - Jehovah's Witnesses

To Theists, Love an Atheist.

YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS - George Carlin

PARADE Magazine | Who Should Help Struggling Churches?

PARADE Magazine | Who Should Help Struggling Churches?

Who Should Help Struggling Churches?
About 20% of households cut back on giving to their churches when the economy started to sink last year, according to the Barna Group, which tracks religious statistics. The California-based organization found that overall donations decreased by 4% to 6%—about $3 billion to $5 billion. At the same time, churches are facing increasing demands from people in their communities for food and shelter. To make ends meet, church leaders are cutting staff and putting programs on hold.

The federal government has stepped in to help. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security announced that $100 million from the economic-recovery package will go to emergency food and shelter programs, including those run by religious organizations. Billions of dollars more have been set aside for education, neighborhood-stabilization programs, and affordable
child care—all services offered by many churches and other places of worship.

“The need for assistance is staggering,” says Candy Hill of Catholic Charities
USA. “This will provide some relief.”



But some believe that such government aid violates the constitutional requirement to maintain
separation of church and state. The Rev. Barry Lynn of the nonprofit Americans United for
Separation of Church and State says there are no effective regulations in place to prevent churches
from engaging in religious discrimination when hiring or to stop them from using government money
to promote their religion through soup kitchens or shelters. During his campaign, Barack Obama
pledged to end both practices. But his administration has yet to follow through. “If basic
civil-rights protections are not in place, then religious charities should not be getting money,”
Lynn says.




— Brooke Lea Foster

George Carlin - American double standard

I really miss George Carlin, He always had a very real view of the world

The Greatest Story Ever Told Pt3

The Greatest Story Ever Told Pt2

The Greatest Story Ever Told Pt1

Atheist Comedian on Prayer In School

Culture of Denial: Evolution, Global Warming, and Big Tobacco.

Hidden Atheist Talk - I am a Human Being

Take your god and shove him

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor speaks with Roger Bolton on BBC Radio

Ok so now were not fully human

So atheists are aliens from another planet?

I could have sworn I was human!!!

Atheist Agenda? Sean Hannity

papal bull

Penn Says: Prayer Test

Tardis Taxi Episode 3: "Hook, Line and Sphincter"

LOL, love this

2010: Year of the Bible (WTF)

Seriously WTF!!

2010: Year of the Bible « An Apostate’s Chapel

No, you don’t need to check you calendars. It really isn’t April 1 and this really isn’t an April Fool’s prank. Rep. Paul Broun (R- GA) wants President Obama to designate 2010 as “The National Year of the Bible.” Here’s the text of the resolution:

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Encouraging the President to designate 2010 as ‘The National Year of the Bible’.

Whereas the Bible has had a profound impact in shaping America into a great Nation;

Whereas deep religious beliefs stemming from the Old and New Testament of the Bible have inspired Americans from all walks of life, especially the early settlers, whose faith, spiritual courage, and moral strength enabled them to endure intense hardships in this new land;

Whereas many of our Presidents have recognized the importance of God and the Bible, including George Washington; Franklin D. Roosevelt; Harry Truman; John F. Kennedy; Ronald Reagan, who declared 1983 as ‘The National Year of the Bible’; and especially Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th Birthday Celebration in 2009 highlighted freedom for the slaves;

Whereas shared Biblical beliefs unified the colonists and gave our early leaders the wisdom to write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, both of which recognized the inherent worth, dignity, and inalienable rights of each individual, thus unifying a diverse people with the right to vote, and the freedoms of speech and vast religious freedoms, which inspired courageous men like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the Civil Rights Movement;

Whereas the Bible has been the world’s best selling book since it was first published in English in 1526, and has influenced more people than any other book;

Whereas the Bible has been a cornerstone in the development of Western civilization, influencing the nations in the areas of history, law, politics, culture, music, literature, art, drama, and especially moral philosophy;

Whereas the Bible, used as a moral guide, has inspired compassion, love for our neighbor, and the preciousness of life and marriage, and has stimulated many benevolent, faith-based community initiatives and neighborhood partnerships that have healed and blessed our families, communities, and our entire Nation, especially in times of war, tragedy, and economic and social crisis;

Whereas the Bible has inspired acts of patriotism that have unified Americans, commemorated through shared celebrations such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas; and

Whereas 2010 is an appropriate year to designate as ‘The National Year of the Bible’: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the President is encouraged–

(1) to designate an appropriate year as ‘The National Year of the Bible’; and

(2) to issue a proclamation calling upon citizens of all faiths to rediscover and apply the priceless, timeless message of the Holy Scripture which has profoundly influenced and shaped the United States and its great democratic form of Government, as well as its rich spiritual heritage, and which has unified, healed, and strengthened its people for over 200 years.

I find it astonishing – actually, I can’t fathom it at all – that, in the midst of substantial domestic and global turmoil, this idiot believes that this resolution is worthwhile. He didn’t introduce a resolution (it’s probably far too much to expect actual legislation!) on education, health care, veteran’s medical benefits, economic measures, American global military commitments or any number of other significant issues. Nope. He appears to believe that the most pressing matter this country faces, having just completed a National Day of Prayer less than a week ago, is the need to have a National Year (a YEAR! Not a day, or a week, or a month – an entire fucking YEAR!) of the Bible. Presumably, the reason for this is that we are a Christian Nation, by God, and we’re not going to let any of those stubborn, wrong-headed adherents of other religions and especially those damned godless atheists (all of whom are going to roast in hell, all praise and glory be to the Christian God for his mysterious love, mercy and grace) forget it!

AARRGGHHH! Every time I resolve to start writing less about religion and more about positive aspects of non-belief, shit like this gets thrown in my face and I’m reminded of why religion matters, even – perhaps especially – to the non-religious. If Christians want to proclaim 2010 a National Year of the Bible within their denominations, and even across denominations, they should do it. They don’t need my blessing, nor do they need President Obama’s signature on fancy parchment. But, no, some of them aren’t satisfied with keeping their religion to themselves. They want to induce “citizens of all faiths to rediscover and apply the priceless, timeless message of the Holy Scripture which has profoundly influenced and shaped the United States.” Citizens who profess faiths other than Christianity are expected to have special reverence for Christianity even though they don’t believe it, and citizens of no faith are not given any consideration at all. That’s not surprising, of course. After all, President George H.W. Bush said “I don’t know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots.” As long as elected leaders like Rep. Broun continue believing that they can impose their religious beliefs on Americans at large, and as long as elected leaders like President George H.W. Bush continue using my lack of faith as grounds to deny my citizenship and the rights which accompany that citizenship, I will have no choice but to continue opposing the insertion of religious faith into public life.

If this resolution annoys you as much as it annoys me, you can contact President Obama and encourage him not to sign this resolution. You may also want to contact your Congressperson and your senators to let them know how you feel about this resolution. It would be a good thing for all of us to remind them to keep focused on things that matter; a National Year of the Bible is not one of them.

H/T to PZ Myers

– the chaplain

Errors in Biology Textbooks

What is up with theists, that cant understand that science does challenge it self. And that all theory's are challenged.

Science is for ever discovering new data, & facts.

Text books, can not be 100% accurate due to the newly discovered data.

Welcome to Atheism

Its interesting,not great

White House Correspondents Dinner - Wanda Sykes (2009)Pt2

White House Correspondents Dinner - Wanda Sykes (2009) Pt1

House on religion

From Atheist

Atheism - Religion - Dogma

Seth Macfarlane on Atheism

New Domain Name

Hi

Just wanted to let everyone know, I now have a new domain name for the blog, it is TheHiddenAtheist.com

Hidden Atheist

Atheism is...

God works in mysterious ways

Sometimes he'll even decide to break your neck while you're asking him to cure your epilepsy. Praise the Lord!

via (Evolved and Rat/i/onal)

Hidden Atheist Talk - Atheist and the Constitution

Hidden Atheist Talk - Proselytization Rampant at U.S. Military Bases.

Penn and teller's Bullshit - Creationism

Image via Wikipedia

This is really great, I have always love Penn & Teller's show Bullshit. Can't wait for it to start up again.

The best optical illusion in the world!

Histeria! 125 Megalomaniacs

I know its a cartoon, but you have got to watch this.

After this episode's initial airing, Warner Bros. received complaints from the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, claiming that the Spanish Inquisition game show sketch at the beginning, "Convert or Die!", was teaching children to reject Catholicism. Because of this, in reruns, that sketch was replaced with a newly-made one in which the kids think General Custer is running a custard stand, but restored when the episode was featured on In2TV.

The Differences between Atheism and Christianity

---

The Differences between Atheism and Christianity

Christianity

• We demand ten percent of your money.
  
• We demand at least one hour per week of your time.
  
• We demand total allegiance.
  
• Don't think for yourself.
  
• Obey all of our rules, even if they're absurd or evil.
  
• Only vote for candidates of whom we approve.
  
• If you disagree with us, you will be roasted in the flames of hell for all eternity.
  
• People on the other side are either knowing or unknowing agents of the devil.
  

Atheism

• We don't want your money.
  
• We don't want your time.
  
• We don't want your allegiance.
  
• Think for yourself.
  
• Live as you see fit.
  
• Vote for whomever you want.
  
• If you disagree with us, nothing bad will happen to you.
  
• Most people on the other side are good people who are simply mistaken.

via (Heaven's Hoax)

George Carlin on MAD TV - Touched by an Atheist

There are no atheists in foxholes; or are there?

Hidden Atheist Talk - National Day of Prayer

Hidden Atheist Talk - Genesis Chapter 3

Hidden Atheist Talk - Genesis Chapter 2

Hidden Atheist Talk - Genesis Chapter 1

Hidden Atheist Talk - About