TRTR, Misc. on Isis and Mithraism

[Mark Kohut]

p. 67 True Story of the Novel
 
"The religion of Isis was not only a cult religion but a mystery religion....
Certain ritual ordeals and purifications were undergone. This was also true of
the religion of Mithras, introduced to Rome, according to Plutarch(!) by Pompey's
captives in 68 B.C. "
 
"Mithras, Zoroastrian god of light, could be associated with the familiar Helios, or Phoebus
Apollo the sun-god. The basic image of Mithraism is of a young man driving a sword into the 
neck of a prostrate bull. The Mithraism of the Roman world became extremely popular with  the 
army [!], and shrines were put up wherever the Roman legions went. (a temple of Mithras was
excavated in London in 1953[!]). This religion was organized with almost military efficiency: there
were seven grades in its hierarchy of devotees [shades of scientology!--MK, of ourse] "
 
"It is unusual among all the mystery religions for admitting no women. This is ironic, as the cult ceremony of 
initiation, the baptism of blood, the taurobolium, was apparently first practiced by devotees of the Great 
Mother. " 
 
She quotes two books here, one from 1925 and reprinted so available to Gaddis. The Mystery Religions: A
Study in the Religious Background of Early Christianity, by one S. Angus...............
 
To Be Continued
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