Often in discussing Christian origins here we have focused on the Pagan influences without considering the influence that the pagan Mystery Religions had upon Judaism prior to Christianity. These few excerpts from Qumran texts illustrates how by this time forms of Judaism had evolved into a more esoteric cult, shifting emphasis from sacrifice and ritual to abstractions like salvation and redemption. These existing theologies neeeded very little refinement for a Paul or James to create a new sect. The overtly pagan elements of a God/man doing miracle like calming the wind and guarding the gates of heaven and hell was merely icing on the cake.
Notice that some of these ideas are drawn from phrases taken out of context of the OT, much like their Christian successors.
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The son of God he will be proclaimed and the son of the Most High they will call him (4Q246- Vermes CDSSE p. 577)
This is the exact statement of the statutes in which they shall walk until the coming of the messiah of Aaron and Israel who will pardon their iniquity. (4Q267- Vermes CDSSE p. 143)
The Holy Spirit settled upon His Messiah (4Q287- Eisenman/Wise DSSU p. 230)
...the spirit which Thou hast given (me) to perfect Thy favours to Thy servant, purifying me by Thy Holy Spirit, drawing me near to Thee by Thy grace... (1QH 6- Vermes CDSSE p. 252)
I, the Master, know Thee ..by the spirit Thou has given to me, and by Thy Holy Spirit ...(1QH 20- Vermes CDSSE p. 291)
He shall be cleansed from all his sins by the spirit of holiness... And when his flesh is sprinkled with purifying water and sanctified by cleansing water, it (flesh) shall be made clean by the humble submission of his soul to all the precepts of God (1QS 3- Vermes CDSSE p. 101)
He will atone for all the sons of his generation...His word is like a word of heaven, and his teaching is according to the will of God (4Q541- Vermes CDSSE p. 527)
...this concerns the Teacher of Righteousness, to whom God made known all the mysteries of the words of His servants the Prophets (1QpHab 7- Vermes CDSSE p. 481)
And as for the visitation of all who walk in this spirit, it shall be healing, great peace..long life..with everlasting blessing and eternal joy in life without end, a crown of glory... (1 QS 4- Vermes CDSSE p. 102)
At time of tribulation for the people which God shall redeem... until its end in eternal redemption (1QM 1- Vermes CDSSE p. 164)
For this shall be a time of distress ...There shall be eternal deliverance for the company of God (1QM 15- Vermes CDSSE p. 179
But in the mysteries of His understanding...God has ordained an end for injustice, and at the time of the visitation He will destroy it for ever. Then truth...shall arise in the world for ever (1QS Vermes CDSSE p. 102-3)
For according to the holy design, they shall be in a Community of truth and virtuous humility, of loving-kindness and good intent one towards the other and they shall be sons of the everlasting Company (1QS 2- Vermes CDSSE p. 100)
protoJesus
by peacefulpete 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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peacefulpete
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hooberus
Some of these phrases are probably related to messianic interpretations of various Old Testament texts. However, what evidence do you have that they came from "pagan Mystery Religions" as opposed to coming primarily from messianic OT interpretation?
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logansrun
hooberus,
Somehow I knew you'd be replying to this thread. You have one of those metal fishes on the back of your car, don't you?
B.
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hooberus
I don't have a fish on the back of my vehicle, I suspect that some here have the "fish with feet" on their cars though.
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SanFranciscoJim
I don't have a fish on the back of my vehicle, I suspect that some here have the "fish with feet" on their cars though.
I have this:
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William Penwell
No surprise, the book Jesus Mysteries goes a bit into the link with the early pagan mystery religions and pre Christian Judaism.
Will
