Changes

==PAPER 98: THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN THE OCCIDENT==

==PAPER 98: THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN THE OCCIDENT==

98:0.1 The [[Melchizedek]] teachings entered [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe#Prehistory Europe] along many routes, but chiefly they came by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] and were embodied in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Philosophy Occidental philosophy] after being thoroughly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_period Hellenized] and later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity#Early_Church_and_Christological_Councils Christianized]. The [[ideals]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Western world] were basically [[Socratic]], and its later [[religious]] [[philosophy]] became that of [[Jesus]] as it was [[modified]] and [[compromised]] through [[contact]] with evolving [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Philosophy Occidental philosophy] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_religion religion], all of which culminated in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity Christian church].

98:0.1 The [[Melchizedek]] teachings entered [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe#Prehistory Europe] along many routes, but chiefly they came by way of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] and were embodied in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Philosophy Occidental philosophy] after being thoroughly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_period Hellenized] and later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity#Early_Church_and_Christological_Councils Christianized]. The [[ideals]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Western world] were basically [[Socratic]], and its later [[religious]] [[philosophy]] became that of [[Jesus]] as it was [[modified]] and [[compromised]] through [[contact]] with evolving [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Philosophy Occidental philosophy] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_religion religion], all of which culminated in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity Christian church].

98:0.2 For a long time in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe#Prehistory Europe] the [[Salem]] missionaries carried on their [[activities]], becoming [[gradually]] [[absorbed]] into many of the [[cults]] and [[ritual]] [[groups]] which periodically arose. Among those who [[maintained]] the [[Salem]] teachings in the [[purest]] form must be mentioned the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics]. These preachers of [[faith]] and [[trust]] in [[God]] were still [[functioning]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_europe#Classical_Antiquity Roman Europe] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_AD first century after Christ], being later incorporated into the newly forming [[Christian]] [[religion]].

98:0.2 For a long time in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe#Prehistory Europe] the [[Salem]] missionaries carried on their [[activities]], becoming [[gradually]] [[absorbed]] into many of the [[cults]] and [[ritual]] [[groups]] which periodically arose. Among those who [[maintained]] the [[Salem]] teachings in the [[purest]] form must be mentioned the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(philosophy) Cynics]. These preachers of [[faith]] and [[trust]] in [[God]] were still [[functioning]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_europe#Classical_Antiquity Roman Europe] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_AD first century after Christ], being later incorporated into the newly forming [[Christian]] [[religion]].

98:0.3 Much of the [[Salem]] [[doctrine]] was spread in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe Europe] by the [[Jewish]] mercenary [[soldiers]] who fought in so many of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] [[military]] struggles. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history#Classical_Antiquity ancient times] the [[Jews]] were famed as much for [[military]] [[valor]] as for [[theologic]] [[Anomaly|peculiarities]].

98:0.3 Much of the [[Salem]] [[doctrine]] was spread in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Europe Europe] by the [[Jewish]] mercenary [[soldiers]] who fought in so many of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] [[military]] struggles. In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history#Classical_Antiquity ancient times] the [[Jews]] were famed as much for [[military]] [[valor]] as for [[theologic]] [[Anomaly|peculiarities]].

98:0.4 The basic [[doctrines]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_theology Jewish theology], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_ethics Christian ethics] were fundamentally [[repercussions]] of the earlier [[Melchizedek]] teachings.

98:0.4 The basic [[doctrines]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_theology Jewish theology], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_ethics Christian ethics] were fundamentally [[repercussions]] of the earlier [[Melchizedek]] teachings.

==98:1. THE SALEM RELIGION AMONG THE GREEKS==

==98:1. THE SALEM RELIGION AMONG THE GREEKS==

98:1.1 The [[Salem]] missionaries might have built up a great [[religious]] [[structure]] among the [[Greeks]] had it not been for their strict [[interpretation]] of their [[oath]] of [[ordination]], a [[pledge]] imposed by [[Machiventa]] which forbade the [[organization]] of exclusive [[congregations]] for [[worship]], and which exacted the [[promise]] of each [[teacher]] never to [[function]] as a [[priest]], never to receive fees for religious [[service]], only [[food]], [[clothing]], and [[shelter]]. When the [[Melchizedek]] [[teachers]] penetrated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_greece#Ancient_Greece pre-Hellenic Greece], they found a people who still fostered the [[traditions]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson] and the days of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_80#80:7._ANDITES_OF_THE_MEDITERRANEAN_ISLES Andites], but these teachings had become greatly [[adulterated]] with the notions and [[beliefs]] of the hordes of inferior [[slaves]] that had been brought to the [[Greek]] shores in increasing numbers. This adulteration produced a [[reversion]] to a crude [[animism]] with bloody [[rites]], the lower classes even making [[ceremonial]] out of the [[execution]] of condemned [[criminals]].

98:1.1 The [[Salem]] missionaries might have built up a great [[religious]] [[structure]] among the [[Greeks]] had it not been for their strict [[interpretation]] of their [[oath]] of [[ordination]], a [[pledge]] imposed by [[Machiventa]] which forbade the [[organization]] of exclusive [[congregations]] for [[worship]], and which exacted the [[promise]] of each [[teacher]] never to [[function]] as a [[priest]], never to receive fees for religious [[service]], only [[food]], [[clothing]], and [[shelter]]. When the [[Melchizedek]] [[teachers]] penetrated to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_greece#Ancient_Greece pre-Hellenic Greece], they found a people who still fostered the [[traditions]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson] and the days of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_80#80:7._ANDITES_OF_THE_MEDITERRANEAN_ISLES Andites], but these teachings had become greatly [[adulterated]] with the notions and [[beliefs]] of the hordes of inferior [[slaves]] that had been brought to the [[Greek]] shores in increasing numbers. This adulteration produced a [[reversion]] to a crude [[animism]] with bloody [[rites]], the lower classes even making [[ceremonial]] out of the [[execution]] of condemned [[criminals]].

98:1.2 The early [[influence]] of the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] was nearly destroyed by the so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_race#Indo-Aryan_migration Aryan invasion] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Iranian_languages southern Europe and the East]. These [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic invaders] brought along with them [[anthropomorphic]] [[God]] [[concepts]] similar to those which their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Iranian_languages Aryan fellows] had carried to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India]. This importation [[inaugurated]] the [[evolution]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology Greek family of gods and goddesses]. This new [[religion]] was partly based on the [[cults]] of the incoming [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic barbarians], but it also [[shared]] in the [[myths]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Age_of_gods_and_mortals older inhabitants of Greece].

98:1.2 The early [[influence]] of the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] was nearly destroyed by the so-called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_race#Indo-Aryan_migration Aryan invasion] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Iranian_languages southern Europe and the East]. These [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic invaders] brought along with them [[anthropomorphic]] [[God]] [[concepts]] similar to those which their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Iranian_languages Aryan fellows] had carried to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India]. This importation [[inaugurated]] the [[evolution]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology Greek family of gods and goddesses]. This new [[religion]] was partly based on the [[cults]] of the incoming [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic barbarians], but it also [[shared]] in the [[myths]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Age_of_gods_and_mortals older inhabitants of Greece].

98:1.3 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic Greeks] found the [[Mediterranean]] world largely dominated by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_goddess mother cult], and they imposed upon these peoples their man-god, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyaus Dyaus]-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus], who had already become, like [[Yahweh]] among the [[henotheistic]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic Semites], head of the whole [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Greek pantheon] of subordinate gods. And the [[Greeks]] would have [[eventually]] achieved a true [[monotheism]] in the [[concept]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] except for their retention of the overcontrol of [[Fate]]. A [[God]] of final [[value]] must, himself, be the [[arbiter]] of [[fate]] and the [[creator]] of [[destiny]].

98:1.3 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenization Hellenic Greeks] found the [[Mediterranean]] world largely dominated by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_goddess mother cult], and they imposed upon these peoples their man-god, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyaus Dyaus]-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus], who had already become, like [[Yahweh]] among the [[henotheistic]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic Semites], head of the whole [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Greek pantheon] of subordinate gods. And the [[Greeks]] would have [[eventually]] achieved a true [[monotheism]] in the [[concept]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] except for their retention of the overcontrol of [[Fate]]. A [[God]] of final [[value]] must, himself, be the [[arbiter]] of [[fate]] and the [[creator]] of [[destiny]].

98:1.4 As a [[consequence]] of these factors in [[religious]] [[evolution]], there presently [[developed]] the popular [[belief]] in the happy-go-lucky gods of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus Mount Olympus], gods more [[human]] than [[divine]], and gods which the [[intelligent]] [[Greeks]] never did regard very seriously. They neither greatly [[loved]] nor greatly [[feared]] these [[divinities]] of their own [[creation]]. They had a [[patriotic]] and [[racial]] [[feeling]] for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] and his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Zeus_becomes_king_of_the_gods family of half men and half gods], but they hardly [[reverenced]] or [[worshiped]] them.

98:1.4 As a [[consequence]] of these factors in [[religious]] [[evolution]], there presently [[developed]] the popular [[belief]] in the happy-go-lucky gods of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus Mount Olympus], gods more [[human]] than [[divine]], and gods which the [[intelligent]] [[Greeks]] never did regard very seriously. They neither greatly [[loved]] nor greatly [[feared]] these [[divinities]] of their own [[creation]]. They had a [[patriotic]] and [[racial]] [[feeling]] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] and his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Zeus_becomes_king_of_the_gods family of half men and half gods], but they hardly [[reverenced]] or [[worshiped]] them.

98:1.5 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenes] became so impregnated with the antipriestcraft [[doctrines]] of the earlier [[Salem]] [[teachers]] that no [[priesthood]] of any importance ever arose in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece]. Even the making of images to the gods became more of a work in [[art]] than a matter of [[worship]].

98:1.5 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenes] became so impregnated with the antipriestcraft [[doctrines]] of the earlier [[Salem]] [[teachers]] that no [[priesthood]] of any importance ever arose in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece]. Even the making of images to the gods became more of a work in [[art]] than a matter of [[worship]].

98:1.6 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Panhellenic_cults_of_Zeus Olympian gods] [[illustrate]] man's typical [[anthropomorphism]]. But the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Mythology Greek mythology] was more [[aesthetic]] than [[ethic]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Cult_of_Zeus Greek religion] was helpful in that it portrayed a [[universe]] [[governed]] by a [[deity]] [[group]]. But [[Greek]] [[morals]], [[ethics]], and [[philosophy]] presently advanced far beyond the [[god]] [[concept]], and this imbalance between [[intellectual]] and [[spiritual]] [[growth]] was as hazardous to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Greece Greece] as it had proved to be in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India].

98:1.6 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Panhellenic_cults_of_Zeus Olympian gods] [[illustrate]] man's typical [[anthropomorphism]]. But the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Mythology Greek mythology] was more [[aesthetic]] than [[ethic]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus#Cult_of_Zeus Greek religion] was helpful in that it portrayed a [[universe]] [[governed]] by a [[deity]] [[group]]. But [[Greek]] [[morals]], [[ethics]], and [[philosophy]] presently advanced far beyond the [[god]] [[concept]], and this imbalance between [[intellectual]] and [[spiritual]] [[growth]] was as hazardous to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Greece Greece] as it had proved to be in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India].

==98:2. GREEK PHILOSOPHIC THOUGHT==

==98:2. GREEK PHILOSOPHIC THOUGHT==

98:2.1 A lightly regarded and [[superficial]] [[religion]] cannot [[endure]], especially when it has no [[priesthood]] to foster its [[forms]] and to fill the [[hearts]] of the devotees with [[fear]] and [[awe]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians Olympian religion] did not [[promise]] [[salvation]], nor did it quench the [[spiritual]] thirst of its believers; therefore was it [[doomed]] to perish. Within a [[millennium]] of its inception it had nearly vanished, and the [[Greeks]] were without a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_church national religion], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians gods of Olympus] having lost their hold upon the better [[minds]].

98:2.1 A lightly regarded and [[superficial]] [[religion]] cannot [[endure]], especially when it has no [[priesthood]] to foster its [[forms]] and to fill the [[hearts]] of the devotees with [[fear]] and [[awe]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians Olympian religion] did not [[promise]] [[salvation]], nor did it quench the [[spiritual]] thirst of its believers; therefore was it [[doomed]] to perish. Within a [[millennium]] of its inception it had nearly vanished, and the [[Greeks]] were without a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_church national religion], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians gods of Olympus] having lost their hold upon the better [[minds]].

98:2.2 This was the situation when, during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_century_BC sixth century before Christ], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] [[experienced]] a revival of [[spiritual]] [[consciousness]] and a new [[awakening]] to the [[recognition]] of [[monotheism]]. But the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident West] did not share in this new [[development]]; neither [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Europe Europe] nor [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northen_Africa northern Africa] extensively [[participated]] in this [[religious]] [[renaissance]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Greeks], however, did [[engage]] in a [[magnificent]] [[intellectual]] advancement. They had begun to master [[fear]] and no longer sought [[religion]] as an antidote therefor, but they did not [[perceive]] that true [[religion]] is the cure for [[soul]] hunger, [[spiritual]] disquiet, and [[moral]] despair. They sought for the solace of the [[soul]] in deep [[thinking]]— [[philosophy]] and [[metaphysics]]. They turned from the [[contemplation]] of [[self]]-[[preservation]]—[[salvation]]—to [[self-realization]] and self-[[understanding]].

98:2.2 This was the situation when, during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_century_BC sixth century before Christ], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] [[experienced]] a revival of [[spiritual]] [[consciousness]] and a new [[awakening]] to the [[recognition]] of [[monotheism]]. But the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident West] did not share in this new [[development]]; neither [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Europe Europe] nor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northen_Africa northern Africa] extensively [[participated]] in this [[religious]] [[renaissance]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Greeks], however, did [[engage]] in a [[magnificent]] [[intellectual]] advancement. They had begun to master [[fear]] and no longer sought [[religion]] as an antidote therefor, but they did not [[perceive]] that true [[religion]] is the cure for [[soul]] hunger, [[spiritual]] disquiet, and [[moral]] despair. They sought for the solace of the [[soul]] in deep [[thinking]]— [[philosophy]] and [[metaphysics]]. They turned from the [[contemplation]] of [[self]]-[[preservation]]—[[salvation]]—to [[self-realization]] and self-[[understanding]].

98:2.3 By rigorous [[thought]] the [[Greeks]] attempted to [[attain]] that [[consciousness]] of [[security]] which would serve as a substitute for the [[belief]] in [[survival]], but they utterly failed. Only the more [[intelligent]] among the higher classes of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic] peoples could grasp this new teaching; the rank and file of the [[progeny]] of the [[slaves]] of former [[generations]] had no [[capacity]] for the [[reception]] of this new substitute for [[religion]].

98:2.3 By rigorous [[thought]] the [[Greeks]] attempted to [[attain]] that [[consciousness]] of [[security]] which would serve as a substitute for the [[belief]] in [[survival]], but they utterly failed. Only the more [[intelligent]] among the higher classes of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic] peoples could grasp this new teaching; the rank and file of the [[progeny]] of the [[slaves]] of former [[generations]] had no [[capacity]] for the [[reception]] of this new substitute for [[religion]].

98:2.4 The [[philosophers]] disdained all forms of [[worship]], notwithstanding that they [[practically]] all held loosely to the background of a [[belief]] in the [[Salem]] doctrine of "the [[Intelligence]] of the [[universe]]," "the [[idea]] of [[God]]," and "the Great Source." In so far as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophers] gave [[recognition]] to the [[divine]] and the [[Absonite|superfinite]], they were frankly [[monotheistic]]; they gave scant [[recognition]] to the whole galaxy of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Olympian gods and goddesses].

98:2.4 The [[philosophers]] disdained all forms of [[worship]], notwithstanding that they [[practically]] all held loosely to the background of a [[belief]] in the [[Salem]] doctrine of "the [[Intelligence]] of the [[universe]]," "the [[idea]] of [[God]]," and "the Great Source." In so far as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophers] gave [[recognition]] to the [[divine]] and the [[Absonite|superfinite]], they were frankly [[monotheistic]]; they gave scant [[recognition]] to the whole galaxy of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Olympian gods and goddesses].

98:2.5 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ancient_Greek_poets Greek poets] of the fifth and sixth centuries, notably [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindar Pindar], attempted the reformation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_greek_religion Greek religion]. They elevated its [[ideals]], but they were more artists than religionists. They failed to [[develop]] a [[technique]] for fostering and [[conserving]] [[supreme]] [[values]].

98:2.5 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ancient_Greek_poets Greek poets] of the fifth and sixth centuries, notably [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindar Pindar], attempted the reformation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_greek_religion Greek religion]. They elevated its [[ideals]], but they were more artists than religionists. They failed to [[develop]] a [[technique]] for fostering and [[conserving]] [[supreme]] [[values]].

98:2.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophanes Xenophanes] taught one [[God]], but his [[deity]] [[concept]] was too [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheism pantheistic] to be a [[personal]] [[Father]] to [[mortal]] man. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaxagoras Anaxagoras] was a [[mechanist]] except that he did [[recognize]] a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_4#4:4._THE_REALIZATION_OF_GOD First Cause], an Initial [[Mind]]. [[Socrates]] and his successors, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle Aristotle], taught that [[virtue]] is [[knowledge]]; [[goodness]], [[health]] of the [[soul]]; that it is better to suffer injustice than to be [[guilty]] of it, that it is wrong to return [[evil]] for evil, and that the gods are [[wise]] and [[good]]. Their cardinal [[virtues]] were: [[wisdom]], [[courage]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance temperance], and [[justice]].

98:2.6 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophanes Xenophanes] taught one [[God]], but his [[deity]] [[concept]] was too [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheism pantheistic] to be a [[personal]] [[Father]] to [[mortal]] man. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaxagoras Anaxagoras] was a [[mechanist]] except that he did [[recognize]] a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_4#4:4._THE_REALIZATION_OF_GOD First Cause], an Initial [[Mind]]. [[Socrates]] and his successors, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle Aristotle], taught that [[virtue]] is [[knowledge]]; [[goodness]], [[health]] of the [[soul]]; that it is better to suffer injustice than to be [[guilty]] of it, that it is wrong to return [[evil]] for evil, and that the gods are [[wise]] and [[good]]. Their cardinal [[virtues]] were: [[wisdom]], [[courage]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance temperance], and [[justice]].

98:2.7 The [[evolution]] of [[religious]] [[philosophy]] among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic] and [[Hebrew]] peoples affords a contrastive [[illustration]] of the [[function]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_church church] as an [[institution]] in the shaping of [[cultural]] [[progress]]. In [[Palestine]], [[human]] [[thought]] was so [[priest]]-controlled and [[scripture]]-directed that [[philosophy]] and [[aesthetics]] were entirely submerged in [[religion]] and [[morality]]. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], the almost complete [[absence]] of [[priests]] and "[[sacred]] [[scriptures]]" left the human [[mind]] free and unfettered, resulting in a startling [[development]] in depth of [[thought]]. But [[religion]] as a [[personal]] [[experience]] failed to keep [[pace]] with the [[intellectual]] probings into the [[nature]] and [[reality]] of the [[cosmos]].

98:2.7 The [[evolution]] of [[religious]] [[philosophy]] among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic] and [[Hebrew]] peoples affords a contrastive [[illustration]] of the [[function]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_church church] as an [[institution]] in the shaping of [[cultural]] [[progress]]. In [[Palestine]], [[human]] [[thought]] was so [[priest]]-controlled and [[scripture]]-directed that [[philosophy]] and [[aesthetics]] were entirely submerged in [[religion]] and [[morality]]. In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], the almost complete [[absence]] of [[priests]] and "[[sacred]] [[scriptures]]" left the human [[mind]] free and unfettered, resulting in a startling [[development]] in depth of [[thought]]. But [[religion]] as a [[personal]] [[experience]] failed to keep [[pace]] with the [[intellectual]] probings into the [[nature]] and [[reality]] of the [[cosmos]].

98:2.8 In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], believing was subordinated to [[thinking]]; in [[Palestine]], thinking was held subject to [[believing]]. Much of the [[strength]] of [[Christianity]] is due to its having borrowed heavily from both [[Hebrew]] [[morality]] and [[Greek]] [[thought]].

98:2.8 In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], believing was subordinated to [[thinking]]; in [[Palestine]], thinking was held subject to [[believing]]. Much of the [[strength]] of [[Christianity]] is due to its having borrowed heavily from both [[Hebrew]] [[morality]] and [[Greek]] [[thought]].

98:2.9 In [[Palestine]], [[religious]] [[dogma]] became so crystallized as to jeopardize further [[growth]]; in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], [[human]] [[thought]] became so [[abstract]] that the [[concept]] of [[God]] resolved itself into a misty vapor of pantheistic [[speculation]] not at all unlike the [[impersonal]] [[Infinity]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin Brahman philosophers].

98:2.9 In [[Palestine]], [[religious]] [[dogma]] became so crystallized as to jeopardize further [[growth]]; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], [[human]] [[thought]] became so [[abstract]] that the [[concept]] of [[God]] resolved itself into a misty vapor of pantheistic [[speculation]] not at all unlike the [[impersonal]] [[Infinity]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin Brahman philosophers].

98:2.10 But the [[average]] men of these times could not grasp, nor were they much interested in, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] of [[self-realization]] and an [[abstract]] [[Deity]]; they rather craved [[promises]] of [[salvation]], coupled with a [[personal]] [[God]] who could hear their [[prayers]]. They [[exiled]] the [[philosophers]], [[persecuted]] the remnants of the [[Salem]] [[cult]], both [[doctrines]] having become much blended, and made ready for that terrible [[orgiastic]] plunge into the [[follies]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] which were then overspreading the [[Mediterranean]] lands. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleusinian_Mysteries Eleusinian mysteries] grew up within the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Olympian pantheon], a [[Greek]] version of the [[worship]] of [[fertility]]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysian_Mysteries Dionysus nature worship] flourished; the best of the [[cults]] was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphism_%28religion%29 Orphic brotherhood], whose [[moral]] preachments and [[promises]] of [[salvation]] made a great [[appeal]] to many.

98:2.10 But the [[average]] men of these times could not grasp, nor were they much interested in, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] of [[self-realization]] and an [[abstract]] [[Deity]]; they rather craved [[promises]] of [[salvation]], coupled with a [[personal]] [[God]] who could hear their [[prayers]]. They [[exiled]] the [[philosophers]], [[persecuted]] the remnants of the [[Salem]] [[cult]], both [[doctrines]] having become much blended, and made ready for that terrible [[orgiastic]] plunge into the [[follies]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] which were then overspreading the [[Mediterranean]] lands. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleusinian_Mysteries Eleusinian mysteries] grew up within the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_mythology#Greek_pantheon Olympian pantheon], a [[Greek]] version of the [[worship]] of [[fertility]]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysian_Mysteries Dionysus nature worship] flourished; the best of the [[cults]] was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphism_%28religion%29 Orphic brotherhood], whose [[moral]] preachments and [[promises]] of [[salvation]] made a great [[appeal]] to many.

98:2.11 All [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] became involved in these new [[methods]] of [[attaining]] [[salvation]], these [[emotional]] and fiery [[ceremonials]]. No [[nation]] ever attained such heights of artistic [[philosophy]] in so short a time; none ever created such an advanced [[system]] of [[ethics]] [[practically]] without [[Deity]] and entirely devoid of the [[promise]] of human [[salvation]]; no nation ever plunged so quickly, deeply, and [[violently]] into such depths of [[intellectual]] stagnation, [[moral]] depravity, and [[spiritual]] [[poverty]] as these same [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Greek peoples] when they flung themselves into the mad whirl of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults].

98:2.11 All [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] became involved in these new [[methods]] of [[attaining]] [[salvation]], these [[emotional]] and fiery [[ceremonials]]. No [[nation]] ever attained such heights of artistic [[philosophy]] in so short a time; none ever created such an advanced [[system]] of [[ethics]] [[practically]] without [[Deity]] and entirely devoid of the [[promise]] of human [[salvation]]; no nation ever plunged so quickly, deeply, and [[violently]] into such depths of [[intellectual]] stagnation, [[moral]] depravity, and [[spiritual]] [[poverty]] as these same [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Greek peoples] when they flung themselves into the mad whirl of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults].

98:2.12 [[Religions]] have long [[endured]] without [[philosophical]] support, but few philosophies, as such, have long [[persisted]] without some identification with [[religion]]. [[Philosophy]] is to [[religion]] as [[conception]] is to [[action]]. But the [[ideal]] [[human]] estate is that in which [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_2#2:7._DIVINE_TRUTH_AND_BEAUTY philosophy, religion, and science] are welded into a [[meaningful]] [[unity]] by the conjoined [[action]] of [[wisdom]], [[faith]], and [[experience]].

98:2.12 [[Religions]] have long [[endured]] without [[philosophical]] support, but few philosophies, as such, have long [[persisted]] without some identification with [[religion]]. [[Philosophy]] is to [[religion]] as [[conception]] is to [[action]]. But the [[ideal]] [[human]] estate is that in which [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_2#2:7._DIVINE_TRUTH_AND_BEAUTY philosophy, religion, and science] are welded into a [[meaningful]] [[unity]] by the conjoined [[action]] of [[wisdom]], [[faith]], and [[experience]].

==98:3. THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN ROME==

==98:3. THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN ROME==

98:3.1 Having [[grown]] out of the earlier [[religious]] [[forms]] of [[worship]] of the [[family]] gods into the [[tribal]] [[reverence]] for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_%28god%29 Mars, the god of war], it was [[natural]] that the later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome religion of the Latins] was more of a [[political]] observance than were the [[intellectual]] systems of the [[Greeks]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin Brahmans] or the more [[spiritual]] [[religions]] of several other peoples.

98:3.1 Having [[grown]] out of the earlier [[religious]] [[forms]] of [[worship]] of the [[family]] gods into the [[tribal]] [[reverence]] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_%28god%29 Mars, the god of war], it was [[natural]] that the later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome religion of the Latins] was more of a [[political]] observance than were the [[intellectual]] systems of the [[Greeks]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin Brahmans] or the more [[spiritual]] [[religions]] of several other peoples.

98:3.2 In the great [[monotheistic]] [[renaissance]] of [[Melchizedek]]'s gospel during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/600_BC sixth century before Christ], too few of the [[Salem]] missionaries penetrated [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Italy#Iron_Age_.288th_to_5th_c_BC.29 Italy], and those who did were unable to overcome the [[influence]] of the rapidly spreading [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etruscan_religion Etruscan priesthood] with its new galaxy of gods and [[temples]], all of which became [[organized]] into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire#Imperial_cult Roman state religion]. This [[religion]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_%28Italic_tribe%29 Latin tribes] was not trivial and venal like that of the [[Greeks]], neither was it [[austere]] and [[tyrannical]] like that of the [[Hebrews]]; it consisted for the most part in the observance of mere [[forms]], [[vows]], and [[taboos]].

98:3.2 In the great [[monotheistic]] [[renaissance]] of [[Melchizedek]]'s gospel during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/600_BC sixth century before Christ], too few of the [[Salem]] missionaries penetrated [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Italy#Iron_Age_.288th_to_5th_c_BC.29 Italy], and those who did were unable to overcome the [[influence]] of the rapidly spreading [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etruscan_religion Etruscan priesthood] with its new galaxy of gods and [[temples]], all of which became [[organized]] into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire#Imperial_cult Roman state religion]. This [[religion]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_%28Italic_tribe%29 Latin tribes] was not trivial and venal like that of the [[Greeks]], neither was it [[austere]] and [[tyrannical]] like that of the [[Hebrews]]; it consisted for the most part in the observance of mere [[forms]], [[vows]], and [[taboos]].

98:3.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome Roman religion] was greatly [[influenced]] by extensive [[cultural]] importations from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece]. [[Eventually]] most of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians Olympian gods] were transplanted and incorporated into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#Roman_deities Latin pantheon]. The [[Greeks]] long [[worshiped]] the [[fire]] of the [[family]] [[hearth]]—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Hestia] was the [[virgin]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goddess goddess] of the [[hearth]]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesta Vesta] was the [[Roman]] goddess of the [[home]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] became [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_(mythology) Jupiter]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_(mythology Venus]; and so on down through the many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_greek_deities#Greek_pantheon Olympian deities].

98:3.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome Roman religion] was greatly [[influenced]] by extensive [[cultural]] importations from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece]. [[Eventually]] most of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Olympians Olympian gods] were transplanted and incorporated into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#Roman_deities Latin pantheon]. The [[Greeks]] long [[worshiped]] the [[fire]] of the [[family]] [[hearth]]—[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Hestia] was the [[virgin]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goddess goddess] of the [[hearth]]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesta Vesta] was the [[Roman]] goddess of the [[home]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus Zeus] became [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_(mythology) Jupiter]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_(mythology Venus]; and so on down through the many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_greek_deities#Greek_pantheon Olympian deities].

98:3.4 The [[religious]] [[initiation]] of [[Roman]] [[youths]] was the occasion of their [[solemn]] [[consecration]] to the [[service]] of the [[state]]. [[Oaths]] and admissions to [[citizenship]] were in reality [[religious]] [[ceremonies]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_%28Italic_tribe%29 Latin peoples] maintained [[temples]], [[altars]], and [[shrines]] and, in a [[crisis]], would consult the [[oracles]]. They [[preserved]] the bones of [[heroes]] and later on those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_calendar_of_saints Christian saints].

98:3.4 The [[religious]] [[initiation]] of [[Roman]] [[youths]] was the occasion of their [[solemn]] [[consecration]] to the [[service]] of the [[state]]. [[Oaths]] and admissions to [[citizenship]] were in reality [[religious]] [[ceremonies]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_%28Italic_tribe%29 Latin peoples] maintained [[temples]], [[altars]], and [[shrines]] and, in a [[crisis]], would consult the [[oracles]]. They [[preserved]] the bones of [[heroes]] and later on those of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_calendar_of_saints Christian saints].

98:3.5 This [[formal]] and unemotional [[form]] of pseudoreligious [[patriotism]] was [[doomed]] to collapse, even as the highly [[intellectual]] and [[artistic]] [[worship]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion Greeks] had gone down before the fervid and deeply [[emotional]] [[worship]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults]. The greatest of these devastating [[cults]] was the mystery religion of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Roman_Cybele Mother of God sect], which had its [[headquarters]], in those days, on the exact site of the present [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica church of St. Peter's in Rome].

98:3.5 This [[formal]] and unemotional [[form]] of pseudoreligious [[patriotism]] was [[doomed]] to collapse, even as the highly [[intellectual]] and [[artistic]] [[worship]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion Greeks] had gone down before the fervid and deeply [[emotional]] [[worship]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults]. The greatest of these devastating [[cults]] was the mystery religion of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Roman_Cybele Mother of God sect], which had its [[headquarters]], in those days, on the exact site of the present [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica church of St. Peter's in Rome].

98:3.6 The emerging [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman state] [[conquered]] [[politically]] but was in turn conquered by the [[cults]], [[rituals]], [[mysteries]], and god concepts of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion Greece], and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant]. These imported [[cults]] continued to flourish throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman state] up to the time of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_%28honorific%29 Augustus], who, purely for [[political]] and civic reasons, made a [[heroic]] and somewhat successful [[effort]] to destroy the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mysteries] and revive the older [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome political religion].

98:3.6 The emerging [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman state] [[conquered]] [[politically]] but was in turn conquered by the [[cults]], [[rituals]], [[mysteries]], and god concepts of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion Greece], and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant]. These imported [[cults]] continued to flourish throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman state] up to the time of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_%28honorific%29 Augustus], who, purely for [[political]] and civic reasons, made a [[heroic]] and somewhat successful [[effort]] to destroy the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mysteries] and revive the older [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome political religion].

98:3.7 One of the [[priests]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religion] told [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_%28honorific%29 Augustus] of the earlier attempts of the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] to spread the [[doctrine]] of [[Monotheism|one God]], a final [[Deity]] presiding over all [[supernatural]] [[beings]]; and this [[idea]] took such a firm hold on the [[emperor]] that he built many [[temples]], stocked them well with [[beautiful]] images, reorganized the [[state]] [[priesthood]], re-[[established]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religion], appointed himself [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex_Maximus acting high priest] of all, and as [[emperor]] did not hesitate to [[proclaim]] himself the supreme [[god]].

98:3.7 One of the [[priests]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religion] told [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_%28honorific%29 Augustus] of the earlier attempts of the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] to spread the [[doctrine]] of [[Monotheism|one God]], a final [[Deity]] presiding over all [[supernatural]] [[beings]]; and this [[idea]] took such a firm hold on the [[emperor]] that he built many [[temples]], stocked them well with [[beautiful]] images, reorganized the [[state]] [[priesthood]], re-[[established]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religion], appointed himself [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex_Maximus acting high priest] of all, and as [[emperor]] did not hesitate to [[proclaim]] himself the supreme [[god]].

98:3.8 This new [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult#Ancient_Rome religion of Augustus worship] flourished and was observed throughout the [[empire]] during his lifetime except in [[Palestine]], the [[home]] of the [[Jews]]. And this era of the [[human]] gods continued until the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult_(ancient_Rome) official Roman cult] had a roster of more than twoscore self-elevated [[human]] [[deities]], all claiming [[miraculous]] [[births]] and other [[superhuman]] [[attributes]].

98:3.8 This new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult#Ancient_Rome religion of Augustus worship] flourished and was observed throughout the [[empire]] during his lifetime except in [[Palestine]], the [[home]] of the [[Jews]]. And this era of the [[human]] gods continued until the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult_(ancient_Rome) official Roman cult] had a roster of more than twoscore self-elevated [[human]] [[deities]], all claiming [[miraculous]] [[births]] and other [[superhuman]] [[attributes]].

98:3.9 The last stand of the dwindling band of [[Salem]] believers was made by an earnest group of preachers, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics], who exhorted the [[Romans]] to abandon their wild and senseless [[religious]] [[rituals]] and return to a form of [[worship]] embodying [[Melchizedek]]'s gospel as it had been [[modified]] and contaminated through [[contact]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy philosophy of the Greeks]. But the people at large rejected the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics]; they preferred to plunge into the [[rituals]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cult the mysteries], which not only offered [[hopes]] of [[personal]] [[salvation]] but also [[gratified]] the [[desire]] for diversion, excitement, and [[entertainment]].

98:3.9 The last stand of the dwindling band of [[Salem]] believers was made by an earnest group of preachers, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics], who exhorted the [[Romans]] to abandon their wild and senseless [[religious]] [[rituals]] and return to a form of [[worship]] embodying [[Melchizedek]]'s gospel as it had been [[modified]] and contaminated through [[contact]] with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy philosophy of the Greeks]. But the people at large rejected the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics]; they preferred to plunge into the [[rituals]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cult the mysteries], which not only offered [[hopes]] of [[personal]] [[salvation]] but also [[gratified]] the [[desire]] for diversion, excitement, and [[entertainment]].

==98:4. THE MYSTERY CULTS==

==98:4. THE MYSTERY CULTS==

98:4.1 The [[majority]] of people in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Graeco-Roman world], having lost their [[primitive]] [[family]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religions] and being unable or unwilling to grasp the [[meaning]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], turned their [[attention]] to the spectacular and [[emotional]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egytian_religion Egypt] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant]. The common people craved [[promises]] of [[salvation]]—[[religious]] [[Comfort|consolation]] for today and [[assurances]] of [[hope]] for [[immortality]] after [[death]].

98:4.1 The [[majority]] of people in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Graeco-Roman world], having lost their [[primitive]] [[family]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion state religions] and being unable or unwilling to grasp the [[meaning]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], turned their [[attention]] to the spectacular and [[emotional]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egytian_religion Egypt] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant]. The common people craved [[promises]] of [[salvation]]—[[religious]] [[Comfort|consolation]] for today and [[assurances]] of [[hope]] for [[immortality]] after [[death]].

98:4.2 The [[three]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] which became most popular were:

98:4.2 The [[three]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] which became most popular were:

*1. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] [[cult]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Cybele] and her son [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis].

*1. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] [[cult]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Cybele] and her son [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis].

*2. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian cult] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris] and his mother [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis].

*2. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian cult] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris] and his mother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis].

*3. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_religions Iranian cult] of the [[worship]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras] as the savior and redeemer of sinful [[mankind]].

*3. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_religions Iranian cult] of the [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras] as the savior and redeemer of sinful [[mankind]].

98:4.3 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian mysteries] taught that the [[divine]] son (respectively [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris]) had [[experienced]] [[death]] and had been [[resurrected]] by [[divine]] [[power]], and further that all who were properly [[initiated]] into the [[mystery]], and who [[reverently]] celebrated the anniversary of the [[god]]'s [[death]] and [[resurrection]], would thereby become partakers of his [[divine]] [[nature]] and his [[immortality]].

98:4.3 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian mysteries] taught that the [[divine]] son (respectively [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris]) had [[experienced]] [[death]] and had been [[resurrected]] by [[divine]] [[power]], and further that all who were properly [[initiated]] into the [[mystery]], and who [[reverently]] celebrated the anniversary of the [[god]]'s [[death]] and [[resurrection]], would thereby become partakers of his [[divine]] [[nature]] and his [[immortality]].

98:4.4 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] [[ceremonies]] were imposing but degrading; their bloody festivals indicate how degraded and [[primitive]] these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Indo-European_religion Levantine mysteries] became. The most holy day was Black Friday, the "day of blood," commemorating the self-inflicted [[death]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis]. After three days of the celebration of the [[sacrifice]] and [[death]] of Attis the festival was turned to [[joy]] in [[honor]] of his [[resurrection]].

98:4.4 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_language Phrygian] [[ceremonies]] were imposing but degrading; their bloody festivals indicate how degraded and [[primitive]] these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Indo-European_religion Levantine mysteries] became. The most holy day was Black Friday, the "day of blood," commemorating the self-inflicted [[death]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis Attis]. After three days of the celebration of the [[sacrifice]] and [[death]] of Attis the festival was turned to [[joy]] in [[honor]] of his [[resurrection]].

98:4.5 The [[rituals]] of the [[worship]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis_and_Osiris Isis and Osiris] were more refined and impressive than were those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Phrygian cult]. This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egyptian_religion#Practices Egyptian ritual] was built around the [[legend]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egyptian_religion#Mythology Nile god of old], a god who died and was resurrected, which [[concept]] was derived from the [[observation]] of the annually recurring stoppage of [[vegetation]] [[growth]] followed by the springtime restoration of all living [[plants]]. The frenzy of the observance of these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] and the [[orgies]] of their [[ceremonials]], which were supposed to lead up to the "[[enthusiasm]]" of the [[realization]] of [[divinity]], were sometimes most revolting.

98:4.5 The [[rituals]] of the [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis_and_Osiris Isis and Osiris] were more refined and impressive than were those of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Phrygian cult]. This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egyptian_religion#Practices Egyptian ritual] was built around the [[legend]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egyptian_religion#Mythology Nile god of old], a god who died and was resurrected, which [[concept]] was derived from the [[observation]] of the annually recurring stoppage of [[vegetation]] [[growth]] followed by the springtime restoration of all living [[plants]]. The frenzy of the observance of these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] and the [[orgies]] of their [[ceremonials]], which were supposed to lead up to the "[[enthusiasm]]" of the [[realization]] of [[divinity]], were sometimes most revolting.

==98:5. THE CULT OF MITHRAS==

==98:5. THE CULT OF MITHRAS==

98:5.1 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults Phrygian and Egyptian mysteries] [[eventually]] gave way before the greatest of all the mystery cults, the [[worship]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic cult] made its [[appeal]] to a wide range of [[human]] [[nature]] and [[gradually]] supplanted both of its predecessors. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithraism] spread over the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] through the [[propagandizing]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_legions Roman legions] recruited in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant], where this [[religion]] was the [[vogue]], for they carried this [[belief]] wherever they went. And this new [[religious]] [[ritual]] was a great improvement over the earlier [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults].

98:5.1 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults Phrygian and Egyptian mysteries] [[eventually]] gave way before the greatest of all the mystery cults, the [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic cult] made its [[appeal]] to a wide range of [[human]] [[nature]] and [[gradually]] supplanted both of its predecessors. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithraism] spread over the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] through the [[propagandizing]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_legions Roman legions] recruited in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant], where this [[religion]] was the [[vogue]], for they carried this [[belief]] wherever they went. And this new [[religious]] [[ritual]] was a great improvement over the earlier [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults].

98:5.2 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship cult of Mithras] arose in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauroctony#Interpretation Iran] and long [[persisted]] in its homeland despite the militant [[opposition]] of the followers of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster#Iconography Zoroaster]. But by the time [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithraism] reached [[Rome]], it had become greatly improved by the [[absorption]] of many of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster]'s teachings. It was chiefly through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithraic cult] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster]'s [[religion]] exerted an [[influence]] upon later appearing [[Christianity]].

98:5.2 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship cult of Mithras] arose in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauroctony#Interpretation Iran] and long [[persisted]] in its homeland despite the militant [[opposition]] of the followers of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster#Iconography Zoroaster]. But by the time [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithraism] reached [[Rome]], it had become greatly improved by the [[absorption]] of many of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster]'s teachings. It was chiefly through the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithraic cult] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster]'s [[religion]] exerted an [[influence]] upon later appearing [[Christianity]].

98:5.3 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic cult] portrayed a militant [[god]] taking [[origin]] in a great rock, engaging in [[valiant]] exploits, and causing [[water]] to gush forth from a rock struck with his arrows. There was a flood from which one man [[escaped]] in a specially built boat and a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Banquet last supper which Mithras] celebrated with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god] before he [[ascended]] into the [[heavens]]. This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_invictus Sol Invictus], was a [[degeneration]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura_Mazda Ahura-Mazda] [[deity]] [[concept]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras] was conceived as the [[surviving]] champion of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god] in his [[struggle]] with the [[god]] of [[darkness]]. And in [[recognition]] of his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_tauroctony slaying the mythical sacred bull], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_end_of_Mithras Mithras] was made [[immortal]], being exalted to the station of [[intercessor]] for the [[human]] race among the [[gods]] on high.

98:5.3 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic cult] portrayed a militant [[god]] taking [[origin]] in a great rock, engaging in [[valiant]] exploits, and causing [[water]] to gush forth from a rock struck with his arrows. There was a flood from which one man [[escaped]] in a specially built boat and a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Banquet last supper which Mithras] celebrated with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god] before he [[ascended]] into the [[heavens]]. This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god], or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_invictus Sol Invictus], was a [[degeneration]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura_Mazda Ahura-Mazda] [[deity]] [[concept]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras] was conceived as the [[surviving]] champion of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god] in his [[struggle]] with the [[god]] of [[darkness]]. And in [[recognition]] of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_tauroctony slaying the mythical sacred bull], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_end_of_Mithras Mithras] was made [[immortal]], being exalted to the station of intercessor for the [[human]] race among the [[gods]] on high.

98:5.4 The adherents of this [[cult]] [[worshiped]] in [[caves]][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Mithraeum] and other [[secret]] places, [[chanting]] hymns, mumbling [[magic]], eating the flesh of the [[sacrificial]] [[animals]], and drinking the blood. Three times a day they [[worshiped]], with special weekly [[ceremonials]] on the day of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus sun-god] and with the most elaborate observance of all on the annual festival of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Mithraism_and_Christianity Mithras, December twenty-fifth]. It was believed that the partaking of the [[sacrament]] ensured [[eternal]] life, the [[immediate]] passing, after [[death]], to the [[bosom]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithras], there to tarry in bliss until the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day judgment day.] On the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day judgment day] the Mithraic keys of [[heaven]] would unlock the gates of [[Paradise]] for the [[reception]] of the faithful; whereupon all the unbaptized of the living and the dead would be [[annihilated]] upon the return of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Mithraism_and_Christianity Mithras to earth]. It was taught that, when a man died, he went before Mithras for [[judgment]], and that at the end of the world [http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] would summon all the [[dead]] from their [[graves]] to face the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day last judgment]. The wicked would be destroyed by [[fire]], and the [[righteous]] would reign with [http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] forever.

98:5.4 The adherents of this [[cult]] [[worshiped]] in [[caves]][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Mithraeum] and other [[secret]] places, [[chanting]] hymns, mumbling [[magic]], eating the flesh of the [[sacrificial]] [[animals]], and drinking the blood. Three times a day they [[worshiped]], with special weekly [[ceremonials]] on the day of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus sun-god] and with the most elaborate observance of all on the annual festival of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Mithraism_and_Christianity Mithras, December twenty-fifth]. It was believed that the partaking of the [[sacrament]] ensured [[eternal]] life, the [[immediate]] passing, after [[death]], to the [[bosom]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Summary_of_the_cult_myth Mithras], there to tarry in bliss until the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day judgment day.] On the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day judgment day] the Mithraic keys of [[heaven]] would unlock the gates of [[Paradise]] for the [[reception]] of the faithful; whereupon all the unbaptized of the living and the dead would be [[annihilated]] upon the return of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Mithraism_and_Christianity Mithras to earth]. It was taught that, when a man died, he went before Mithras for [[judgment]], and that at the end of the world [https://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] would summon all the [[dead]] from their [[graves]] to face the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_day last judgment]. The wicked would be destroyed by [[fire]], and the [[righteous]] would reign with [https://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] forever.

98:5.5 At first it was a [[religion]] only for [[men]], and there were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Degrees_of_initiation seven different orders] into which believers could be successively initiated. Later on, the [[wives]] and daughters of believers were admitted to the [[temples]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Great Mother], which adjoined the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Mithraeum Mithraic temples]. The [[women]]'s [[cult]] was a mixture of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic ritual] and the [[ceremonies]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Anatolia_and_Greece Phrygian cult of Cybele], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Cybele_and_Attis mother of Attis].

98:5.5 At first it was a [[religion]] only for [[men]], and there were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Degrees_of_initiation seven different orders] into which believers could be successively initiated. Later on, the [[wives]] and daughters of believers were admitted to the [[temples]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Great Mother], which adjoined the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#The_Mithraeum Mithraic temples]. The [[women]]'s [[cult]] was a mixture of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic ritual] and the [[ceremonies]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Anatolia_and_Greece Phrygian cult of Cybele], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele#Cybele_and_Attis mother of Attis].

==98:6. MITHRAISM AND CHRISTIANITY==

==98:6. MITHRAISM AND CHRISTIANITY==

98:6.1 Prior to the coming of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] and [[Christianity]], [[personal]] [[religion]] hardly [[developed]] as an [[independent]] [[institution]] in the civilized lands of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North Africa] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Europe Europe]; it was more of a [[family]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_state city-state], [[political]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult imperial] affair. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic Greeks] never evolved a centralized [[worship]] [[system]]; the [[ritual]] was local; they had no [[priesthood]] and no "[[Scripture|sacred book]]." Much as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Romans Romans], their [[religious]] [[institutions]] lacked a powerful driving [[agency]] for the [[preservation]] of higher [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[values]]. While it is true that the [[institutionalization]] of [[religion]] has usually detracted from its [[spiritual]] [[quality]], it is also a [[fact]] that no [[religion]] has thus far succeeded in [[surviving]] without the aid of [[institutional]] [[organization]] of some [[degree]], greater or lesser.

98:6.1 Prior to the coming of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults] and [[Christianity]], [[personal]] [[religion]] hardly [[developed]] as an [[independent]] [[institution]] in the civilized lands of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North Africa] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Europe Europe]; it was more of a [[family]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_state city-state], [[political]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_cult imperial] affair. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenic Greeks] never evolved a centralized [[worship]] [[system]]; the [[ritual]] was local; they had no [[priesthood]] and no "[[Scripture|sacred book]]." Much as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Romans Romans], their [[religious]] [[institutions]] lacked a powerful driving [[agency]] for the [[preservation]] of higher [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[values]]. While it is true that the [[institutionalization]] of [[religion]] has usually detracted from its [[spiritual]] [[quality]], it is also a [[fact]] that no [[religion]] has thus far succeeded in [[surviving]] without the aid of [[institutional]] [[organization]] of some [[degree]], greater or lesser.

98:6.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] [[religion]] thus languished until the days of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrrhonism Skeptics], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureans Epicureans], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoics Stoics], but most important of all, until the times of the great [[contest]] between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [Paul, the Apostle|Paul]'s new [[religion]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity Christianity].

98:6.2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] [[religion]] thus languished until the days of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrrhonism Skeptics], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynics Cynics], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureans Epicureans], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoics Stoics], but most important of all, until the times of the great [[contest]] between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [Paul, the Apostle|Paul]'s new [[religion]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Christianity Christianity].

98:6.3 During the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_AD third century after Christ], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] and [[Christian]] churches were very similar both in [[appearance]] and in the [[character]] of their [[ritual]]. A [[majority]] of such places of [[worship]] were underground, and both contained [[altars]] whose backgrounds variously depicted the [[sufferings]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savior savior] who had brought [[salvation]] to a [[sin]]-[[cursed]] [[human]] [[race]].

98:6.3 During the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_AD third century after Christ], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] and [[Christian]] churches were very similar both in [[appearance]] and in the [[character]] of their [[ritual]]. A [[majority]] of such places of [[worship]] were underground, and both contained [[altars]] whose backgrounds variously depicted the [[sufferings]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savior savior] who had brought [[salvation]] to a [[sin]]-[[cursed]] [[human]] [[race]].

98:6.4 Always had it been the [[practice]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic worshipers], on entering the [[temple]], to dip their fingers in [[holy]] [[water]]. And since in some districts there were those who at one time belonged to both religions, they introduced this [[custom]] into the [[majority]] of the [[Christian]] churches in the vicinity of [[Rome]]. Both [[religions]] employed [[baptism]] and partook of the [[sacrament]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist bread and wine]. The one great [[difference]] between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [[Christianity]], aside from the characters of [http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] and [[Jesus]], was that the one [[encouraged]] [[Aggression|militarism]] while the other was [[Peace|ultrapacific]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism]'s [[tolerance]] for other [[religions]] (except later [[Christianity]]) led to its final undoing. But the deciding [[factor]] in the [[struggle]] between the two was the admission of [[women]] into the full fellowship of the [[Christian]] [[faith]].

98:6.4 Always had it been the [[practice]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#Rituals_and_worship Mithraic worshipers], on entering the [[temple]], to dip their fingers in [[holy]] [[water]]. And since in some districts there were those who at one time belonged to both religions, they introduced this [[custom]] into the [[majority]] of the [[Christian]] churches in the vicinity of [[Rome]]. Both [[religions]] employed [[baptism]] and partook of the [[sacrament]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist bread and wine]. The one great [[difference]] between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [[Christianity]], aside from the characters of [https://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mithra.html Mithras] and [[Jesus]], was that the one [[encouraged]] [[Aggression|militarism]] while the other was [[Peace|ultrapacific]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism]'s [[tolerance]] for other [[religions]] (except later [[Christianity]]) led to its final undoing. But the deciding [[factor]] in the [[struggle]] between the two was the admission of [[women]] into the full fellowship of the [[Christian]] [[faith]].

98:6.5 In the end the [[Superficial|nominal]] [[Christian]] [[faith]] dominated the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] supplied the [[concepts]] of [[ethical]] [[value]]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#The_Banquet ritual of worship observance]; and [[Christianity]], as such, the [[technique]] for the [[conservation]] of [[moral]] and [[social]] [[values]].

98:6.5 In the end the [[Superficial|nominal]] [[Christian]] [[faith]] dominated the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] supplied the [[concepts]] of [[ethical]] [[value]]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#The_Banquet ritual of worship observance]; and [[Christianity]], as such, the [[technique]] for the [[conservation]] of [[moral]] and [[social]] [[values]].

==98:7. THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION==

==98:7. THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION==

98:7.1 A [[Creator Son]] did not [[incarnate]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]] and [[bestow]] himself upon the [[humanity]] of [[Urantia]] to [[reconcile]] an angry [[God]] but rather to win all [[mankind]] to the [[recognition]] of [[the Father]]'s [[love]] and to the [[realization]] of their sonship with God. After all, even the great [[advocate]] of the [[atonement]] [[doctrine]] realized something of this [[truth]], for he [[declared]] that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself."[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_V]

98:7.1 A [[Creator Son]] did not [[incarnate]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]] and [[bestow]] himself upon the [[humanity]] of [[Urantia]] to [[reconcile]] an angry [[God]] but rather to win all [[mankind]] to the [[recognition]] of [[the Father]]'s [[love]] and to the [[realization]] of their sonship with God. After all, even the great [[advocate]] of the [[atonement]] [[doctrine]] realized something of this [[truth]], for he [[declared]] that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_V]

98:7.2 It is not the province of this paper to deal with the [[origin]] and [[dissemination]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian religion]. Suffice it to say that it is built around the [[person]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the [[humanly]] [[incarnate]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21 Michael Son] of [[Nebadon]], known to [[Urantia]] as the [[Christ]], the anointed one. [[Christianity]] was spread throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] by the followers of this Galilean, and their missionary zeal equaled that of their [[illustrious]] predecessors, the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and [[Salem]]ites, as well as that of their earnest Asiatic contemporaries, the [[Buddhist]] [[teachers]].

98:7.2 It is not the province of this paper to deal with the [[origin]] and [[dissemination]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity Christian religion]. Suffice it to say that it is built around the [[person]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the [[humanly]] [[incarnate]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21 Michael Son] of [[Nebadon]], known to [[Urantia]] as the [[Christ]], the anointed one. [[Christianity]] was spread throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] by the followers of this Galilean, and their missionary zeal equaled that of their [[illustrious]] predecessors, the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and [[Salem]]ites, as well as that of their earnest Asiatic contemporaries, the [[Buddhist]] [[teachers]].

98:7.3 The [[Christian]] [[religion]], as a Urantian [[system]] of [[belief]], arose through the compounding of the following teachings, [[influences]], [[beliefs]], [[cults]], and [[personal]] [[individual]] [[attitudes]]:

98:7.3 The [[Christian]] [[religion]], as a Urantian [[system]] of [[belief]], arose through the compounding of the following teachings, [[influences]], [[beliefs]], [[cults]], and [[personal]] [[individual]] [[attitudes]]:

*1. 98:7.4 The [[Melchizedek]] teachings, which are a basic [[factor]] in all the [[religions]] of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] that have arisen in the last four thousand years.

*1. 98:7.4 The [[Melchizedek]] teachings, which are a basic [[factor]] in all the [[religions]] of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] that have arisen in the last four thousand years.

*2. 98:7.5 The [[Judaism|Hebraic]] [[system]] of [[morality]], [[ethics]], [[theology]], and [[belief]] in both [[Providence]] and the [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]].

*2. 98:7.5 The [[Judaism|Hebraic]] [[system]] of [[morality]], [[ethics]], [[theology]], and [[belief]] in both [[Providence]] and the [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]].

*3. 98:7.6 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian] conception of the [[struggle]] between [[cosmic]] [[good]] and [[evil]], which had already left its imprint on both [[Judaism]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism]. Through prolonged contact attendant upon the [[struggles]] between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [[Christianity]], the [[doctrines]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Iranian prophet] became a potent [[factor]] in determining the [[theologic]] and [[philosophic]] cast and [[structure]] of the [[dogmas]], tenets, and [[cosmology]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenized] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_(Italic_tribe) Latinized] versions of the teachings of [[Jesus]].

*3. 98:7.6 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian] conception of the [[struggle]] between [[cosmic]] [[good]] and [[evil]], which had already left its imprint on both [[Judaism]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism]. Through prolonged contact attendant upon the [[struggles]] between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] and [[Christianity]], the [[doctrines]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Iranian prophet] became a potent [[factor]] in determining the [[theologic]] and [[philosophic]] cast and [[structure]] of the [[dogmas]], tenets, and [[cosmology]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenized] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latins_(Italic_tribe) Latinized] versions of the teachings of [[Jesus]].

*4. 98:7.7 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults], especially [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] but also the [[worship]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Great Mother] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygia Phrygian] [[cult]]. Even the [[legends]] of the [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]] became tainted with the [[Roman]] version of the [[miraculous]] [[birth]] of the Iranian savior-[[hero]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras], whose [[advent]] on [[earth]] was supposed to have been [[witnessed]] by only a handful of gift-bearing shepherds who had been informed of this impending [[event]] by [[angels]].

*4. 98:7.7 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_cults mystery cults], especially [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] but also the [[worship]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybele Great Mother] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygia Phrygian] [[cult]]. Even the [[legends]] of the [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]] became tainted with the [[Roman]] version of the [[miraculous]] [[birth]] of the Iranian savior-[[hero]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras], whose [[advent]] on [[earth]] was supposed to have been [[witnessed]] by only a handful of gift-bearing shepherds who had been informed of this impending [[event]] by [[angels]].

*5. 98:7.8 The [[historic]] [[fact]] of the [[human]] life of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS Joshua ben Joseph], the [[reality]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as the [[glorified]] [[Christ]], the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS Son of God].

*5. 98:7.8 The [[historic]] [[fact]] of the [[human]] life of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS Joshua ben Joseph], the [[reality]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as the [[glorified]] [[Christ]], the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS Son of God].

*6. 98:7.9 The [[personal]] [[viewpoint]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus Paul of Tarsus]. And it should be recorded that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] was the [[dominant]] [[religion]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus,_Mersin Tarsus] during his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolescence adolescence]. Paul little [[dreamed]] that his well-[[intentioned]] [[letters]] to his converts would someday be regarded by still later [[Christians]] as the "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_literalism word of God]." Such well-[[meaning]] [[teachers]] must not be held accountable for the use made of their [[writings]] by later-day successors.

*6. 98:7.9 The [[personal]] [[viewpoint]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus Paul of Tarsus]. And it should be recorded that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] was the [[dominant]] [[religion]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus,_Mersin Tarsus] during his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolescence adolescence]. Paul little [[dreamed]] that his well-[[intentioned]] [[letters]] to his converts would someday be regarded by still later [[Christians]] as the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_literalism word of God]." Such well-[[meaning]] [[teachers]] must not be held accountable for the use made of their [[writings]] by later-day successors.

*7. 98:7.10 The [[philosophic]] [[thought]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenistic peoples], from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Sicily Syracuse] and [[Rome]]. The [[philosophy]] of the [[Greeks]] was more in [[harmony]] with [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s version of [[Christianity]] than with any other current [[religious]] [[system]] and became an important [[factor]] in the success of [[Christianity]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], coupled with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Theology Paul's theology], still forms the basis of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident European] [[ethics]].

*7. 98:7.10 The [[philosophic]] [[thought]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellene Hellenistic peoples], from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Sicily Syracuse] and [[Rome]]. The [[philosophy]] of the [[Greeks]] was more in [[harmony]] with [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s version of [[Christianity]] than with any other current [[religious]] [[system]] and became an important [[factor]] in the success of [[Christianity]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy], coupled with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Theology Paul's theology], still forms the basis of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident European] [[ethics]].

98:7.11 As the [[original]] teachings of [[Jesus]] penetrated the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident], they became Occidentalized, and as they became Occidentalized, they began to lose their [[potentially]] [[universal]] [[appeal]] to all [[races]] and kinds of men. [[Christianity]], today, has become a [[religion]] well adapted to the [[social]], [[economic]], and [[political]] [[mores]] of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_80#80:9._THE_THREE_WHITE_RACES white races]. It has long since ceased to be the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]], although it still [[valiantly]] portrays a [[beautiful]] religion ''about'' Jesus to such [[individuals]] as sincerely seek to follow in the way of its teaching. It has [[glorified]] [[Jesus]] as the [[Christ]], the [[Messiah|Messianic]] anointed one from [[God]], but has largely forgotten [[the Master]]'s [[personal]] [[gospel]]: the [[Fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the [[universal]] [[brotherhood]] of all men.

98:7.11 As the [[original]] teachings of [[Jesus]] penetrated the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident], they became Occidentalized, and as they became Occidentalized, they began to lose their [[potentially]] [[universal]] [[appeal]] to all [[races]] and kinds of men. [[Christianity]], today, has become a [[religion]] well adapted to the [[social]], [[economic]], and [[political]] [[mores]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_80#80:9._THE_THREE_WHITE_RACES white races]. It has long since ceased to be the [[religion]] of [[Jesus]], although it still [[valiantly]] portrays a [[beautiful]] religion ''about'' Jesus to such [[individuals]] as sincerely seek to follow in the way of its teaching. It has [[glorified]] [[Jesus]] as the [[Christ]], the [[Messiah|Messianic]] anointed one from [[God]], but has largely forgotten [[the Master]]'s [[personal]] [[gospel]]: the [[Fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the [[universal]] [[brotherhood]] of all men.

98:7.12 And this is the long [[story]] of the teachings of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] on [[Urantia]]. It is nearly four thousand years since this [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency Son] of [[Nebadon]] [[bestowed]] himself on [[Urantia]], and in that time the teachings of the "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.14 priest of El Elyon], the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_VII Most High God]," have penetrated to all races and peoples. And [[Machiventa]] was successful in achieving the [[purpose]] of his unusual bestowal; when [[Michael]] made ready to appear on [[Urantia]], the [[God]] concept was existent in the [[hearts]] of men and women, the same God concept that still flames anew in the living [[spiritual]] [[experience]] of the manifold [[children]] of the [[Universal Father]] as they live their [[intriguing]] [[temporal]] lives on the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 whirling planets of space].

98:7.12 And this is the long [[story]] of the teachings of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] on [[Urantia]]. It is nearly four thousand years since this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency Son] of [[Nebadon]] [[bestowed]] himself on [[Urantia]], and in that time the teachings of the "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.14 priest of El Elyon], the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_VII Most High God]," have penetrated to all races and peoples. And [[Machiventa]] was successful in achieving the [[purpose]] of his unusual bestowal; when [[Michael]] made ready to appear on [[Urantia]], the [[God]] concept was existent in the [[hearts]] of men and women, the same God concept that still flames anew in the living [[spiritual]] [[experience]] of the manifold [[children]] of the [[Universal Father]] as they live their [[intriguing]] [[temporal]] lives on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 whirling planets of space].

98:7.13 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

98:7.13 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

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[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]

[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]