The Ba'al Theory of Christianity

The Ba’al The Ba’al Theory of Theory of

ChristianityChristianity

bybyGlenn Young,Glenn Young,

Enthusiastic Amateur Enthusiastic Amateur Religious HistorianReligious Historian

A Blending of Political and A Blending of Political and Cultural History with Cultural History with

Religious HistoryReligious History

How The Rivalry Between The How The Rivalry Between The Cult Of Yahweh and The Cult Of Yahweh and The Worshipers of Ba’al Helped To Worshipers of Ba’al Helped To Create Christianity Create Christianity

And ….And ….

Religious Intolerance In The Religious Intolerance In The Western World. Western World.

What is This PowerPoint About?What is This PowerPoint About?

This document is an attempt to This document is an attempt to reduce the findings of two long and reduce the findings of two long and complex books of into a relatively complex books of into a relatively short review of thousands of years.short review of thousands of years.

This is a very difficult task and much This is a very difficult task and much of the details of the arguments are of the details of the arguments are not included in this presentation.not included in this presentation.

However, the basic concepts are However, the basic concepts are presented –I encourage you to look to presented –I encourage you to look to the books for the fuller arguments the books for the fuller arguments and documentations in support of and documentations in support of these findings.these findings.

Rivals Ba’al and YahwehRivals Ba’al and YahwehThis is not a religious presentation but This is not a religious presentation but

a presentation on the history of a presentation on the history of religious development – the mundane religious development – the mundane and not the sacred. and not the sacred.

This is a story not much told or much This is a story not much told or much understood in the modern world.understood in the modern world.

This is the story of the rivalry of Ba,al This is the story of the rivalry of Ba,al and Yahweh, (brothers actually) and and Yahweh, (brothers actually) and

How in fact Ba’al really won out over How in fact Ba’al really won out over Yahweh ..Yahweh ..

Not Ba’al as the Devil but Ba’al as the Not Ba’al as the Devil but Ba’al as the beloved god beloved god

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and Yahweh We in the Christian dominated West know We in the Christian dominated West know

little about this rivalry except what we read little about this rivalry except what we read in the Bible …in the Bible …

• which is obviously very pro Yahweh. which is obviously very pro Yahweh.

In the Bible … worship of Ba’al is portrayed In the Bible … worship of Ba’al is portrayed as the greatest of evilsas the greatest of evils

• Most of the other ancient sources Most of the other ancient sources praising Ba’al have been destroyed – a praising Ba’al have been destroyed – a great deal by the Christians.great deal by the Christians.

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and YahwehUnfortunately -- to understand the real Unfortunately -- to understand the real

nature of the rivalry - we need to nature of the rivalry - we need to

• Cover thousands of years of history in Cover thousands of years of history in bullet point approachbullet point approach

• Present a history very different than what Present a history very different than what is popularly understood; andis popularly understood; and

• Fight the current beliefs of entrenched Fight the current beliefs of entrenched religions who demand that their beliefs religions who demand that their beliefs are based in “history” (that mostly really are based in “history” (that mostly really didn’t happen)didn’t happen)

None of which is easyNone of which is easy

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and YahwehWe also need to understand how and why We also need to understand how and why

cultures change. cultures change.

Societies and the religions of cultures don’t Societies and the religions of cultures don’t change much without internal crisis; … change much without internal crisis; … Caused by Caused by

• External factors - invasions … lost wars, etc.External factors - invasions … lost wars, etc.• Environmental Changes – droughts, change in Environmental Changes – droughts, change in

rivers courses, etcrivers courses, etc• Internal Crisis – plagues, crop failures, etc.Internal Crisis – plagues, crop failures, etc.• Population balance – over and under “appropriate Population balance – over and under “appropriate

levels”levels”• Or combination of all of the aboveOr combination of all of the above

Again showing all of this not an easy task in this Again showing all of this not an easy task in this format format

Rivals Ba’al and YahwehRivals Ba’al and Yahweh To understand how:To understand how:

• The Hebrews became the Israelites The Hebrews became the Israelites

and Judeans and then became Jews, or and Judeans and then became Jews, or • The Roman Empire rose and fell, or The Roman Empire rose and fell, or • How the Ba’alist religion became a How the Ba’alist religion became a

major element of Christianity major element of Christianity

We need to understand the crises that We need to understand the crises that led to these changes in the societies led to these changes in the societies

Facts Based on FactsFacts Based on Facts

All the statements in this presentation All the statements in this presentation that deal with history and wars and that deal with history and wars and events and – everything else except events and – everything else except Christian dogma Christian dogma

Are facts supported by a wide range Are facts supported by a wide range of verifiable sources --of verifiable sources --

• All the statements on the rise and fall of All the statements on the rise and fall of empires and mass slaughters by the empires and mass slaughters by the Christians are not disputed history Christians are not disputed history

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and YahwehThis confirmable history is not well known This confirmable history is not well known

because it often conflicts with the because it often conflicts with the “Christian view” of themselves.“Christian view” of themselves.

What the Christian West wants everyone to What the Christian West wants everyone to think is that: think is that: • Only the Bible and the Bible stories are important Only the Bible and the Bible stories are important • Everything that went before was false and evil … Everything that went before was false and evil …

and of little consequence –and of little consequence –• They alone were persecuted for their beliefs, and They alone were persecuted for their beliefs, and • What is in the Bible is TRUTHWhat is in the Bible is TRUTH

And for a seventeen hundred years the And for a seventeen hundred years the Christian churches threatened torture and Christian churches threatened torture and death to any who challenged “Biblical death to any who challenged “Biblical Truth”Truth”

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and Yahweh To get beyond “Christian truth” -To begin To get beyond “Christian truth” -To begin

with – We need to real know about Ba’al. with – We need to real know about Ba’al. What we now know from sources other than What we now know from sources other than the Bible … is the Bible … is

That for thousands of years of history, in That for thousands of years of history, in most developed areas of the West … most developed areas of the West …

despite what the Christians would have us despite what the Christians would have us believebelieve

• It was Ba’al that was the well known and It was Ba’al that was the well known and loved god andloved god and

• Yahweh was of little importance if not Yahweh was of little importance if not unknownunknown

Ba’al Again And AgainBa’al Again And Again

And if it was not Ba’al himself who was And if it was not Ba’al himself who was loved – it was Ba’al in other forms …. In loved – it was Ba’al in other forms …. In other namesother names

• Including the Greek Zeus and Roman Including the Greek Zeus and Roman Jupiter …Jupiter …

The Ba’al-like gods dominated religious life The Ba’al-like gods dominated religious life in much of the Mediterranean basin, and in much of the Mediterranean basin, and continued to do so for thousands of years continued to do so for thousands of years … …

• And in a time crisis … the most popular of And in a time crisis … the most popular of gods --- Ba’al, was remade as Christ gods --- Ba’al, was remade as Christ

Bel to Ba’alBel to Ba’al But the Phoenician Pantheon was not new But the Phoenician Pantheon was not new

Ba’al was a remake of far more ancient godBa’al was a remake of far more ancient god

• Bel of the Babylonians and Bel came from Bel of the Babylonians and Bel came from far more ancient stories far more ancient stories

The Akkadians and before them The Akkadians and before them Sumerians - and before the that … Sumerians - and before the that …

• All these stories moved from the “East to All these stories moved from the “East to the West” and morphed over time. - at the West” and morphed over time. - at least 6,000, perhaps 12,00 years before least 6,000, perhaps 12,00 years before the time of Christthe time of Christ

The Babylonian Bel Killing The Babylonian Bel Killing DragonsDragons

The Bel stories The Bel stories 5000 years later5000 years laterpass on topass on toChristian myth asChristian myth asSt George … St George …

so the English so the English still venerate Belstill venerate Bel … … as St George as St George

.. To re-frame Shakespeare “for Harry, England and Bel?.. To re-frame Shakespeare “for Harry, England and Bel?

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and Yahweh

Despite what the Christians would have Despite what the Christians would have us believe -us believe -

For most of two thousand years from For most of two thousand years from Abraham to Christ there was not much of a Abraham to Christ there was not much of a rivalry between Ba’al and Yahweh, except rivalry between Ba’al and Yahweh, except for the preaching of a few “prophets” for the preaching of a few “prophets”

• For most of history … real history … Ba’al was the For most of history … real history … Ba’al was the dominate god of the area, if not much of the dominate god of the area, if not much of the West.West.

The followers of Yahweh were simple bit The followers of Yahweh were simple bit players in history players in history

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and YahwehDespite what the Christians would have Despite what the Christians would have

us believe, for thousand of years us believe, for thousand of years

It was Ba’al who was the god of many It was Ba’al who was the god of many prosperous and successful cities and whole prosperous and successful cities and whole regions of the Ancient worldregions of the Ancient world

It was the followers of Ba’al who created It was the followers of Ba’al who created the first great “empire” in the West the first great “empire” in the West stretching from the mountains of Lebanon stretching from the mountains of Lebanon to the Atlantic Ocean, andto the Atlantic Ocean, and

It was the Ba’alist who created the It was the Ba’alist who created the foundation of all the great ancient cultures foundation of all the great ancient cultures that followed.that followed.

Rivalry Between Ba’al and Rivalry Between Ba’al and YahwehYahweh

Despite what the Christians Despite what the Christians would have us believe:would have us believe:

It was Ba’alism that was the It was Ba’alism that was the foundation of all the Greek foundation of all the Greek and Roman Godsand Roman Gods

And as we will see … it was And as we will see … it was another remake of Ba’al that another remake of Ba’al that was the foundation of was the foundation of ChristianityChristianity

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and Yahweh

And what the Christians don’t want us to And what the Christians don’t want us to know is -know is -

In fact it was Ba’al, in that name, who was In fact it was Ba’al, in that name, who was the first choice of the Roman emperors to the first choice of the Roman emperors to be the one and true god of the Empire … be the one and true god of the Empire … some 150 years before Yahweh and Christ some 150 years before Yahweh and Christ gained that status gained that status

The fight for a “One God – One Emperor” The fight for a “One God – One Emperor” system was started long before Constantinesystem was started long before Constantine• There were at least three alternatives tried before There were at least three alternatives tried before

Yahweh and JesusYahweh and Jesus

Rivals - Ba’al and YahwehRivals - Ba’al and Yahweh And while this glory was happening to And while this glory was happening to

the followers of Ba’al, the followers of the followers of Ba’al, the followers of Yahweh were:Yahweh were:

• Confined to two small, weak and Confined to two small, weak and unimportant little kingdoms (if in fact the unimportant little kingdoms (if in fact the kingdoms were really followers of kingdoms were really followers of Yahweh)Yahweh)

• Who were all but erased from history Who were all but erased from history • And seemed at the time to have added And seemed at the time to have added

very little new to culture of the time.very little new to culture of the time.

Monotheism seemed very odd at the time Monotheism seemed very odd at the time and also was not even considered as an and also was not even considered as an original concept of the Yahweh cult. original concept of the Yahweh cult.

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and Yahweh But with the triumph of Christianity in But with the triumph of Christianity in

the West and its adoption of the Old the West and its adoption of the Old Testament, in more recent times Testament, in more recent times Yahweh seems to have won out and Yahweh seems to have won out and

• We (through Christian intimidation and We (through Christian intimidation and brainwashing) have accepted the Bible brainwashing) have accepted the Bible stories as being true.stories as being true.

And we have mostly forgotten the And we have mostly forgotten the success of the followers of Ba’al … success of the followers of Ba’al … • For Ba’al – “the Evil that one does For Ba’al – “the Evil that one does

lives after them …” etc.lives after them …” etc.

Many Faces of Ba’alMany Faces of Ba’al

With the triumph of Christianity, as expected With the triumph of Christianity, as expected – Ba’al , the old arch rival of Yahweh – Ba’al , the old arch rival of Yahweh

Became the prototype representation of the Became the prototype representation of the Devil Devil

The rituals associated with Ba’al became The rituals associated with Ba’al became the model of Hellthe model of Hell

• Burning in Hell fire was based in large Burning in Hell fire was based in large part on Ba’alist ritual of human sacrifice part on Ba’alist ritual of human sacrifice

• Or as stated in the Bible - The passing of Or as stated in the Bible - The passing of children through the fire children through the fire

Ba’al The PopularBa’al The Popular

What the Christians don’t What the Christians don’t want us to know is that want us to know is that

In his time … Ba’al was the most In his time … Ba’al was the most popular of the gods popular of the gods

And he was such for thousands And he was such for thousands of yearsof years• He was the dominate god far longer He was the dominate god far longer

then Christianity has been then Christianity has been dominatedominate

Old Time ReligionOld Time ReligionTo understand this evolution – this To understand this evolution – this

morphing … of Ba’al to both the Devil morphing … of Ba’al to both the Devil and Christ we need to understand and Christ we need to understand that that

Popular religions don’t really fade Popular religions don’t really fade away but just change names and away but just change names and stories a little bit. stories a little bit.

• The Jesus story is clearly part of an The Jesus story is clearly part of an ancient tradition associated with Ba’al ancient tradition associated with Ba’al and Ba’alism … and Osiris, Mithra and a and Ba’alism … and Osiris, Mithra and a dozen other gods and goddessesdozen other gods and goddesses

Learning Our True HistoryLearning Our True History

Therefore -To understand this concept Therefore -To understand this concept of Jesus as Ba’al of Jesus as Ba’al

We need to know what the Christians We need to know what the Christians have tried to keep us from knowing –have tried to keep us from knowing –

• We need to unlearn what we commonly We need to unlearn what we commonly

hold as truehold as true• We need to learn what is now known to We need to learn what is now known to

be fact … outside of “Biblical Truth”be fact … outside of “Biblical Truth”• We need to look beyond the Christian We need to look beyond the Christian

telling of the story and control of the telling of the story and control of the “facts.”“facts.”

I Am By Far Not The FirstI Am By Far Not The First The effort to end the gripe of Christian control The effort to end the gripe of Christian control

on history is not new on history is not new Thousands of famous persons, over many Thousands of famous persons, over many

centuries have made efforts to debunk the centuries have made efforts to debunk the Bible and also the rituals of Christianity Bible and also the rituals of Christianity

• Most of our founding fathers were “deist” Most of our founding fathers were “deist”

• Revolutionary France even outlawed the Revolutionary France even outlawed the religion religion

• Christianity was greatly ridiculed in Pre Christianity was greatly ridiculed in Pre World War One EnglandWorld War One England

Thomas Paine – went from being one of the Thomas Paine – went from being one of the top three “founding fathers” to being top three “founding fathers” to being written out of American history for his book written out of American history for his book The Age of ReasonThe Age of Reason which showed the which showed the “contradictions” of Biblical writings “contradictions” of Biblical writings

I Am I Am BBy Far Not The Firsty Far Not The First

Today most of Europe is only Today most of Europe is only “technically Christian” – with less “technically Christian” – with less then 10% church attendance in many then 10% church attendance in many countries countries

• The fastest growing “religious group” in The fastest growing “religious group” in the world today is non-believers the world today is non-believers

But over time the efforts fade in face But over time the efforts fade in face of religious counter-revolutionsof religious counter-revolutions

I Am I Am BBy Far Not The Firsty Far Not The First I am also by far not the first to link the I am also by far not the first to link the

Christian rituals and beliefs to those of the Christian rituals and beliefs to those of the traditional religions of the Ancient world. traditional religions of the Ancient world.

• See See the Golden Boughthe Golden Bough and many other works in and many other works in this areathis area

However, I am not even the first to link However, I am not even the first to link Christ with human sacrifice …Christ with human sacrifice …

But I seem to be the first to put much more But I seem to be the first to put much more emphasis on the role of Ba’al in this emphasis on the role of Ba’al in this process. process.

Rivals Ba’al and YahwehRivals Ba’al and YahwehSo after centuries of Christian controlled of history So after centuries of Christian controlled of history

-- And constant effort to defeat the -- And constant effort to defeat the “rationalist” and their challenges to Christianity “rationalist” and their challenges to Christianity

The Christian view of history still holds --- at The Christian view of history still holds --- at least in the West --least in the West --

This view of history This view of history

• this denial of other peoples history that goes this denial of other peoples history that goes back so much father then the West’s back so much father then the West’s

so limits our abilities in the world today --- but so limits our abilities in the world today --- but that is a totally different presentation that is a totally different presentation

Looking at History Free of the BibleLooking at History Free of the Bible

Much of what we think is fact is not - Much of what we think is fact is not - and many facts we have no and many facts we have no knowledge of --- for example today knowledge of --- for example today we mainlywe mainly

Accept the kingdom of David despite Accept the kingdom of David despite of the lack of supporting of the lack of supporting documentation outside of the Bible, documentation outside of the Bible, and and

Deny the extent and success of the Deny the extent and success of the great rival of Yahweh - followers of great rival of Yahweh - followers of Ba’al, despite extensive evidence Ba’al, despite extensive evidence undisputed documentary showing undisputed documentary showing the success of the followers of Ba’althe success of the followers of Ba’al

A Kingdom That May Never Have ExistedA Kingdom That May Never Have Existed David’s Kingdom – almost no proof of its David’s Kingdom – almost no proof of its

existenceexistence

An Empire Supported By FactAn Empire Supported By FactVerses a Well Documented EmpireVerses a Well Documented Empire

Clarification Of Ba’alClarification Of Ba’alWe know that the term Ba’al refers to many We know that the term Ba’al refers to many

things, including things, including

a particular God with a particular tradition – a particular God with a particular tradition – mainly the chief storm god of the mainly the chief storm god of the Phoenician/Canaanite culture, or Phoenician/Canaanite culture, or

The collective beliefs of the Phoenician (or The collective beliefs of the Phoenician (or Ba’alism … such as the term Hinduism orBa’alism … such as the term Hinduism or

Ba’al as the term simply means god or more Ba’al as the term simply means god or more precisely “Lord” (as a human noble or precisely “Lord” (as a human noble or divine entity) divine entity)

To avoid details about the particular gods and goddess To avoid details about the particular gods and goddess --- I will use the term mainly as the “collective” --- I will use the term mainly as the “collective” religious beliefs of the Phoenicians, except when religious beliefs of the Phoenicians, except when referring to Ba’al the Storm Godreferring to Ba’al the Storm God

Clarification Of Ba’alClarification Of Ba’al Therefore, the title of Jesus as “lord” Therefore, the title of Jesus as “lord”

is literally translated in the language is literally translated in the language of the area as “Jesus is Ba’al” of the area as “Jesus is Ba’al”

• Or “my lord and savior” … is the same as Or “my lord and savior” … is the same as “my Ba’al and savior”“my Ba’al and savior”

And saying Ba’al as the lord (both And saying Ba’al as the lord (both human lord and divine lord) – was human lord and divine lord) – was used for thousands of years used for thousands of years

• But there is much more involved then this But there is much more involved then this simple coloration to the idea that Jesus is simple coloration to the idea that Jesus is Ba’al .. Far more then the similarity in Ba’al .. Far more then the similarity in titlestitles

Rivals Ba’al and YahwehRivals Ba’al and Yahweh To understand how Jesus is Ba’al we need To understand how Jesus is Ba’al we need

to know a lot of history – and the crises that to know a lot of history – and the crises that changes the world --- from outside of the changes the world --- from outside of the Bible … In factBible … In fact

• We need to understand that little in Bible We need to understand that little in Bible about the development Israelites is about the development Israelites is “historically correct” and “historically correct” and

• The Chronicles and Kings, while more The Chronicles and Kings, while more supported by facts … were written to supported by facts … were written to support a minority religious sect … support a minority religious sect … Yahwehist Yahwehist

Political History Created Sacred Political History Created Sacred HistoryHistory

We also need to know how - We also need to know how -

Through political and social crises Through political and social crises • One god could become another … and One god could become another … and

another and another another and another And this was something quite And this was something quite

traditional in the religions of the worldtraditional in the religions of the world

We need to understand that it was often the We need to understand that it was often the Profane that created the Sacred and not the Profane that created the Sacred and not the Sacred that shaped the profane.Sacred that shaped the profane.• Sacred writings often were trying to Sacred writings often were trying to

explain the “politics on the ground …” of explain the “politics on the ground …” of the momentthe moment

Be Careful What You Ask For -Be Careful What You Ask For -Archeology Changed So MuchArcheology Changed So Much

To start with we need to know how the To start with we need to know how the findings of Archeology has changed so much findings of Archeology has changed so much of our understandingof our understanding

The hopes of the founders of the school of The hopes of the founders of the school of Biblical Archeology (in the 1870’s) was to Biblical Archeology (in the 1870’s) was to use the “new” science to prove the truth of use the “new” science to prove the truth of the Bible. the Bible.

In fact, Archeology has shown almost all the In fact, Archeology has shown almost all the particulars of the Bible are in fact untrue. particulars of the Bible are in fact untrue. • Initial findings that tended to confirm Bible stories Initial findings that tended to confirm Bible stories

have all proven false hopes as science proved the have all proven false hopes as science proved the timelines wrong.timelines wrong.

Rivals- Ba’al and YahwehRivals- Ba’al and Yahweh The examples are so many but to just The examples are so many but to just

name a few (beside the kingdom of name a few (beside the kingdom of David)David)• While there is proof of Jericho and AI as great While there is proof of Jericho and AI as great

“Canaanite” cities, however the Bible time frame “Canaanite” cities, however the Bible time frame for their destruction is 300 years after what the for their destruction is 300 years after what the research shows.research shows.

• There has never been any physical of literary There has never been any physical of literary evidence of the Hebrew Exodus or great plague on evidence of the Hebrew Exodus or great plague on Egypt, andEgypt, and

• If the day went dark when Jesus was If the day went dark when Jesus was crucified, no one in the rest of the world crucified, no one in the rest of the world recorded seeing that manifestation. recorded seeing that manifestation.

Rivals – Ba’al and YahwehRivals – Ba’al and YahwehBut Archeology has given us great new insight But Archeology has given us great new insight

into real history and especially the success into real history and especially the success of the followers of Ba’alof the followers of Ba’al

The ancient cities of Lebanon and many The ancient cities of Lebanon and many other places have been unearthed and the other places have been unearthed and the writings found and translated … With much writings found and translated … With much

new informationnew information • That has helps us to move away from That has helps us to move away from

relying only on the one sided stories of relying only on the one sided stories of the Bible for our understanding of the the Bible for our understanding of the Ancient world.Ancient world.

Key FindingsKey Findings

One of the most important One of the most important findings in all of history is findings in all of history is that of - that of - •Ugarit --- in SyriaUgarit --- in Syria•A 18A 18thth BC major city of BC major city of great design and beautygreat design and beauty

New Discoveries ChangeNew Discoveries ChangePart of the Answer is in New FindingsPart of the Answer is in New Findings

Contributions – Foundation of Contributions – Foundation of Writing Only One of the Many ThingsWriting Only One of the Many ThingsThe new findings show The people of Ugarit were the

Canaanites – what we in the West came to call Phoenicians.

• They were smart and advanced people who added many things to culture and development of culture.

They were perhaps the first to recognize that human speech consists of only a finite number of atomic sounds and all that was really needed was a symbol for each.

Contributions – Foundation of Contributions – Foundation of Writing Only One of the Many ThingsWriting Only One of the Many Things

They devised 30 symbols from which the alphabets of all phonetic languages are derived (yes all: Hebrew, Latin, Sanskrit, Aramaic, Arabic, Greek, etc.).

• The names of most letters in the Greek/Phoenician alphabets are clearly related – alpha/aleph (ox), beta/bet (house), gamma/gimel (camel), delta/dalet (door), etc.

Roots of our CultureRoots of our CultureThe Phoenicians, a Greek term referring to The Phoenicians, a Greek term referring to

the purple clothe trade good, are usually the purple clothe trade good, are usually described to us today as the people from described to us today as the people from only the areas of present day Lebanon. only the areas of present day Lebanon.

In fact – all of what is considered Canaan, - In fact – all of what is considered Canaan, - • and so much more of the “Near East” and so much more of the “Near East”

from the time of Abraham to David, and from the time of Abraham to David, and its famed cities of Jericho, and Sodom and its famed cities of Jericho, and Sodom and GomorrahGomorrah

Were in fact “Phoenician” in language, Were in fact “Phoenician” in language, culture and religion. culture and religion.

One in the SameOne in the Same

The Phoenicians were the Canaanites The Phoenicians were the Canaanites and the Canaanites the Phoenicians, and the Canaanites the Phoenicians,

We know this from their own writingsWe know this from their own writings

• In the part of the writings we have In the part of the writings we have recovered (the Amarna tablets from the recovered (the Amarna tablets from the 14th Century BC,) the people we call the 14th Century BC,) the people we call the Phoenicians called themselves Phoenicians called themselves KenaaniKenaani or or KinaaniKinaani (Canaanites). (Canaanites). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoeniciahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia

Source on Culture Other Than Source on Culture Other Than the Bible the Bible

As found through the libraries of As found through the libraries of Ugarit - These people were the source Ugarit - These people were the source of many of the things found in the of many of the things found in the Bible, copied from this far more Bible, copied from this far more ancient culture. ancient culture.

• Many psalms of the Bible where found Many psalms of the Bible where found almost precisely in earlier writings at almost precisely in earlier writings at UgaritUgarit

• Festivals similar to Passover and related Festivals similar to Passover and related holidays were celebrated in Canaanite holidays were celebrated in Canaanite cities as a harvest festival long before the cities as a harvest festival long before the “exodus”“exodus”

Source on Culture Other Then Source on Culture Other Then the Biblethe Bible

In addition in the libraries of Ugarit were In addition in the libraries of Ugarit were found the religious text of the Canaanitesfound the religious text of the Canaanites

The Ba’al cycle was found almost complete The Ba’al cycle was found almost complete by the archeologist by the archeologist

• - and many stories of the bible including - and many stories of the bible including stories similar to stories about Jesus – stories similar to stories about Jesus –

are found in this epic poem – are found in this epic poem –

• in different form and with different names in different form and with different names – but the stories are similar – but the stories are similar

A Very Important PeopleA Very Important People

The Canaanites, contrary to the Bible’s view of them – were a very important people of the Ancient world

• Even as the Bible shows – they had major cities through out the “land of Abraham”

• The became the greatest naval power of the perhaps the world and knew many key principles of navigation.

They traded with the cities of the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, Aegean Sea, Egypt and Asia Minor. http://www.shunya.net/Pictures/Syria/ugarit/Ugarit.htm

Naval Power and MoneyNaval Power and Money

Phoenician gold Phoenician gold

coin showingcoin showing

their ships their ships

taking to seataking to sea

The World Was Not as We ThoughtThe World Was Not as We Thought What we see the from actual historic What we see the from actual historic

findings in archeological digs throughout findings in archeological digs throughout the Mediterranean world is that – about the Mediterranean world is that – about 1200 BC1200 BC

• Canaanites where the urban elites and Canaanites where the urban elites and

• Hebrews one of many groups of Hebrews one of many groups of “Pagans”- or simple rural peoples as the “Pagans”- or simple rural peoples as the term was originally used -- term was originally used --

if in fact there were a group of if in fact there were a group of Hebrews at all at this timeHebrews at all at this time

Compared to TodayCompared to Today We can think of the Canaanites of then We can think of the Canaanites of then

much like the modern Americansmuch like the modern Americans• Supporters of trade and “capitalism”Supporters of trade and “capitalism”• Acceptance of extensive diversity Acceptance of extensive diversity • Urbanist who took great pleasure in Urbanist who took great pleasure in

urban life.urban life.

We can see the followers of “Yahweh” if at We can see the followers of “Yahweh” if at this time they did in fact follow “Yahweh” this time they did in fact follow “Yahweh” much like the fundamental Christians of much like the fundamental Christians of today, … today, … • Far less engaged in “modern life” Far less engaged in “modern life” • Intolerant of other beliefs, and Intolerant of other beliefs, and • Seeing the modern pleasures as evil, Seeing the modern pleasures as evil,

punishable by God punishable by God

It Was the Phoenicians Who It Was the Phoenicians Who Were The Roots of Our CultureWere The Roots of Our Culture

While the Bible’s writers and later Christians While the Bible’s writers and later Christians tried to wipe out the importance of tried to wipe out the importance of Yahweh’s rival … the ancients knew of it Yahweh’s rival … the ancients knew of it well. well.

Upon the Tsurian sea the people liveUpon the Tsurian sea the people liveWho style themselves Who style themselves Phoenicians...These were the first Phoenicians...These were the first great founders of the world --great founders of the world --Founders of cities and of mighty Founders of cities and of mighty states -- Who showed a path through states -- Who showed a path through seas before unknown. . seas before unknown. . • Dyonysius of Susiana, 3 ADDyonysius of Susiana, 3 AD

Roots of Our CultureRoots of Our Culture Therefore … it is more true, based on real Therefore … it is more true, based on real

history, that the Canaanites, history, that the Canaanites, • and not the Hebrews, and not the Hebrews,

with at least 2000 years of actual verifiable with at least 2000 years of actual verifiable history, history,

• Are the foundations upon which Western Culture Are the foundations upon which Western Culture was developed.was developed.

This can be clearly seem in every area, This can be clearly seem in every area, including religion … including religion …

Again all this history was repressed by Again all this history was repressed by Christians Christians

Foundations of Our CultureFoundations of Our Culture What can truly be said is that the West is What can truly be said is that the West is

more based on a more based on a

• Ba’alist/Christian Tradition ThanBa’alist/Christian Tradition Than

• A Jewish/Christian Tradition (a late 19A Jewish/Christian Tradition (a late 19thth century term)century term)

As we will see … what is one of the founding As we will see … what is one of the founding principles of Christianity was in factprinciples of Christianity was in fact

• A theme in complete conformity to A theme in complete conformity to Ba’alism; and Ba’alism; and

• a complete anathema to the Jews. a complete anathema to the Jews.

We Have Almost No Understanding We Have Almost No Understanding of The Real History of Religionof The Real History of Religion

Why do we know so little of this history ? - Why do we know so little of this history ? -

We in the West … after centuries of forced We in the West … after centuries of forced conformity and indoctrination into the conformity and indoctrination into the Christian world view have almost no Christian world view have almost no understanding of the origins of what we understanding of the origins of what we hold sacred.hold sacred.

• The Christians tried to repress all The Christians tried to repress all knowledge that came before them … and knowledge that came before them … and tried to destroy any options for source of tried to destroy any options for source of knowledge other then the Bible - See knowledge other then the Bible - See Closing of the Western MindClosing of the Western Mind – for more – for more background on this processbackground on this process

What Is Old Is New AgainWhat Is Old Is New AgainWhat we think was new and unique What we think was new and unique

about the dominate religion of our about the dominate religion of our region is in fact neither new nor region is in fact neither new nor unique unique

Archeologist found the ancient Archeologist found the ancient writings to show the old traditions writings to show the old traditions

Carl Jung did much to show the Carl Jung did much to show the archetypes archetypes

Joseph Campbell did much to show us Joseph Campbell did much to show us the shared symbols of all our ancient the shared symbols of all our ancient and modern religions and modern religions


For centuries … to question the For centuries … to question the dogma of the Church was to open one dogma of the Church was to open one self up to torture and death self up to torture and death

• Today to question fundamental Christian Today to question fundamental Christian and Muslim beliefs is to open one self up and Muslim beliefs is to open one self up to ridicule and isolation … and still far to to ridicule and isolation … and still far to often to attacks and murder.often to attacks and murder.

• We are living at a time when the freedom We are living at a time when the freedom of the enlightenment is going out. of the enlightenment is going out.


Key Fact to UnderstandKey Fact to Understand

Christianity is such a late comer to religious history Christianity is such a late comer to religious history with less then 1800 years of importance. with less then 1800 years of importance.

• (But they took many things from the past and (But they took many things from the past and changed it to say it was theirs alone) changed it to say it was theirs alone)

Judaism is also a late comer with no more than 4000 Judaism is also a late comer with no more than 4000 years of history, and even based on Biblical stories years of history, and even based on Biblical stories only 3000 years of it being more then a cult of the only 3000 years of it being more then a cult of the family of Abraham. family of Abraham.

• For much of its history – there was little to For much of its history – there was little to distinguish the practice of worship of Yahweh distinguish the practice of worship of Yahweh from that of Ba’al from that of Ba’al

What we know as modern Judaism is less than 400 What we know as modern Judaism is less than 400 year older then Christianityyear older then Christianity

Yahweh of Samaria & His Yahweh of Samaria & His AsherahAsherah

Yahweh of Samaria & His AsherahYahweh of Samaria & His Asherah

""KuntilletÀjrud, Sinai Caravansarai, ca. first half of 8th KuntilletÀjrud, Sinai Caravansarai, ca. first half of 8th

centry BC. Drawing of Yahweh of Samaria and his Asherah centry BC. Drawing of Yahweh of Samaria and his Asherah on a pottery shard (Pithos A). Inscription in Hebrew reads: on a pottery shard (Pithos A). Inscription in Hebrew reads:

• "Thus says...Say to Yehalle[lel], Yoàsa and...I "Thus says...Say to Yehalle[lel], Yoàsa and...I bless you (herewith- or: have blessed you) bless you (herewith- or: have blessed you) to/before Yahweh of Samaria and his asherah." to/before Yahweh of Samaria and his asherah."

Note the portion of bridled horse to the left of the figures (pp.225-6, "Baal, El, Yahweh, Note the portion of bridled horse to the left of the figures (pp.225-6, "Baal, El, Yahweh, and 'His Asherah'," Othmar Keel and Christoph Uehlinger. Gods, Goddesses, and Images and 'His Asherah'," Othmar Keel and Christoph Uehlinger. Gods, Goddesses, and Images of God in Ancient Israel. Minneapolis. Fortress Press. 1998. ISBN 0-8006-2789-X ).of God in Ancient Israel. Minneapolis. Fortress Press. 1998. ISBN 0-8006-2789-X ).

Asherah – the Consort of Asherah – the Consort of Yahweh or of El Yahweh or of El

Yahweh’s Yahweh’s wifewife

Website for this imageWebsite for this imageuniversalheretic.wordpress.comuniversalheretic.wordpress.com


Greek and Roman religions are not much Greek and Roman religions are not much older then the Hebrew religion but was older then the Hebrew religion but was more wide spread earlier. more wide spread earlier.

• Even the Greeks and Romans admitted that their Even the Greeks and Romans admitted that their religion was bases the Gods of the Phoenician religion was bases the Gods of the Phoenician and Egyptand Egypt

• In Greek tradition - the very name Europe comes In Greek tradition - the very name Europe comes from a Phoenician princess – Europa from a Phoenician princess – Europa

Even the Gods of the Middle East and Egypt Even the Gods of the Middle East and Egypt which are twice as old as the Greeks and which are twice as old as the Greeks and Romans are only some six or seven Romans are only some six or seven thousand years old – and are built on far thousand years old – and are built on far more ancient storiesmore ancient stories

No Understanding of The Real No Understanding of The Real History of ReligionHistory of Religion

Therefore what we have found in all Therefore what we have found in all of the Jewish and Christian Sacred of the Jewish and Christian Sacred writings are justwritings are just

• Copies of the older stories Copies of the older stories

• Most of the stories come from the Ancient Most of the stories come from the Ancient religions of the Near East, Egypt and religions of the Near East, Egypt and Canaan – and older. Canaan – and older.

• With names and times changed but little With names and times changed but little else. else.

New Findings Change Our New Findings Change Our Understanding of Religious Origins Understanding of Religious Origins

Discovered in 2006 - Gobekli Tepe in Turkey near the Discovered in 2006 - Gobekli Tepe in Turkey near the Syrian boarder. Is being called the oldest temple in Syrian boarder. Is being called the oldest temple in the world – dating back to roughly 9800 BCE … or the world – dating back to roughly 9800 BCE … or some 12,000 years ago. Some 4000-5000 years older some 12,000 years ago. Some 4000-5000 years older then any previously found temples then any previously found temples

• The finding is forcing a reconsideration on the theories The finding is forcing a reconsideration on the theories on the development of civilization …. on the development of civilization ….

One of the finds shows what could be the oldest One of the finds shows what could be the oldest known “Crucifix” --- with a cross and a lion on it.known “Crucifix” --- with a cross and a lion on it.

• The lion was the sign of the “astrological age of the The lion was the sign of the “astrological age of the time of Gobekli Tepe – the Age of Leotime of Gobekli Tepe – the Age of Leo

See See http://http://www.smithsonianmag.com/multimedia/photos/?cwww.smithsonianmag.com/multimedia/photos/?c==y&articleIDy&articleID=30706129&page=6=30706129&page=6


The examples are so many … but just for a fewThe examples are so many … but just for a few

The flood story is found in Gilgamesh, 3000 The flood story is found in Gilgamesh, 3000 years before the Bible is written.years before the Bible is written.

The first “great king” Sargon was placed in a The first “great king” Sargon was placed in a boat as an infant and found in the reeds and boat as an infant and found in the reeds and raised by a princess, a 1000 years before raised by a princess, a 1000 years before MosesMoses

Hammurabi received the laws directly from Hammurabi received the laws directly from God 700 years before MosesGod 700 years before Moses

Hercules was the son of god who died and rose Hercules was the son of god who died and rose to heaven to sit at the right hand of his father to heaven to sit at the right hand of his father (along with so many others gods and heroes). (along with so many others gods and heroes).

Model for MosesModel for Moses Hammurabi Hammurabi receiving receiving the laws from Godthe laws from God

They were in greatThey were in greatdetail … as was thedetail … as was theactual amount ofactual amount oflaw given to Moses law given to Moses by God by God according to Jewish according to Jewish tradition and the tradition and the Old Testament … Old Testament … not just 10 commandmentsnot just 10 commandmentsBut a whole code of But a whole code of worship and livingworship and living

Just like Hammurabi’s codeJust like Hammurabi’s code


The early Christians were ridiculed by Greek, The early Christians were ridiculed by Greek, Roman and Jewish sources on the Roman and Jewish sources on the similarities of their story to so many other similarities of their story to so many other religions religions

They had to acknowledge how similar their They had to acknowledge how similar their teachings about Jesus were to so many teachings about Jesus were to so many other god stories .. Their explanation …other god stories .. Their explanation …

• All previous religions were a trick of the Devil All previous religions were a trick of the Devil hoping to confuse people when the real Christ hoping to confuse people when the real Christ came … came …

This is still officially the “line” of most This is still officially the “line” of most Christian Churches …Christian Churches …


The real historical “truth” is The real historical “truth” is

For millennia, religions have not changed … For millennia, religions have not changed … they have “morphed” they have “morphed”

• New groups modifying the old stories New groups modifying the old stories • Give new names and places to traditional eventsGive new names and places to traditional events

And many proclaim the beginning of new And many proclaim the beginning of new eras (for based on gods and kings, eras (for based on gods and kings, revolutions revelations and astrological revolutions revelations and astrological signs)signs)

• Year one of the new era has come so Year one of the new era has come so many timesmany times

Symbols Morph TooSymbols Morph Too Not a Christian symbol Not a Christian symbol

but an Carthaginian but an Carthaginian

representation of therepresentation of the

Queen of Heaven Tanit Queen of Heaven Tanit

based on Egyptian symbols based on Egyptian symbols

and so on back in timeand so on back in time

… … see see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taniten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanit


All groups proclaiming a new contract All groups proclaiming a new contract with god, or a new god or gods - bring with god, or a new god or gods - bring a new good news are wrong. a new good news are wrong.

• Their stories have all been retelling of Their stories have all been retelling of very ancient tales.very ancient tales.

There was little new about the “good There was little new about the “good news”news”

And as we will see – the same is true And as we will see – the same is true of the Christ storyof the Christ story

Stories RetoldStories Retold

Gilgamesh Gilgamesh

killing the Bullkilling the Bull

Of HeavenOf Heaven

from stories from stories

popular in popular in

Sumerian cultureSumerian culture

6000 years ago6000 years ago

Stories transformedStories transformed Theseus Theseus killing the killing the Minotaur Minotaur popular in thepopular in theGreek worldGreek worldfrom about from about 3500 years 3500 years ago –tillago –till repressed by repressed by Christians Christians

Stories Made SacredStories Made Sacred Mithras killingMithras killingthe sacred the sacred bull - from bull - from PersianPersianworld about world about 17001700years ago years ago One of the chiefOne of the chiefrivals of rivals of Christianity Christianity From about 150 ADFrom about 150 AD till 400 ADtill 400 AD

Major Influences on ChristianityMajor Influences on Christianity

In fact the three major influences on In fact the three major influences on early Christianity were not the Jewish early Christianity were not the Jewish religion at all … they werereligion at all … they were

The Persian dualism The Persian dualism The Greek Mystery cults, and The Greek Mystery cults, and Ba’alBa’al

• See addendum for a little background on See addendum for a little background on Persian and Classical conceptsPersian and Classical concepts

We Need to Know Real History Not We Need to Know Real History Not Tales of the BibleTales of the Bible

Again … as we move forward … we need to Again … as we move forward … we need to remember remember

The Christians focus on the absolute truth The Christians focus on the absolute truth of the Bible has created in our culture a of the Bible has created in our culture a false set of historical facts … often these false set of historical facts … often these “facts” are only stated in the Bible and “facts” are only stated in the Bible and supported by no other historical means.supported by no other historical means.

Therefore. most of what we think we know Therefore. most of what we think we know about history is false, and much of what we about history is false, and much of what we think we know about religious history is think we know about religious history is completely unsupported. completely unsupported.

Real Timeline Of Politics and Real Timeline Of Politics and ReligionReligion

To begin with -- How old is To begin with -- How old is Religion? Religion?

We find evidence in a belief in We find evidence in a belief in an after life from grave sites an after life from grave sites some 50,000 years old. some 50,000 years old.

•We see worship of the spirit of We see worship of the spirit of all living things from around all living things from around that time (thanking a deer for that time (thanking a deer for letting itself be killed)letting itself be killed)


And to the amazement of most And to the amazement of most historians historians

We can now see with the We can now see with the findings at Gobekli Tepe that findings at Gobekli Tepe that there was a well organized there was a well organized religious facility in place and religious facility in place and functioning … with extensive use functioning … with extensive use of images from the “natural of images from the “natural world” at least 12,000 years agoworld” at least 12,000 years ago


We know that what appears to We know that what appears to be the first “organized religion” be the first “organized religion” based on a concept of a higher based on a concept of a higher god … comes at least 20,000 god … comes at least 20,000 years ago and some argue much years ago and some argue much older. But its not the god of older. But its not the god of todaytoday

• … … she’s femaleshe’s female

16,000 year old Mother Goddess16,000 year old Mother Goddess

Worshiped From a Very Early Worshiped From a Very Early TimeTime

Mother Goddess from oldest cities – Mother Goddess from oldest cities – around 10,000 years oldaround 10,000 years old

We Need to Know Real History Not We Need to Know Real History Not Tales of the BibleTales of the Bible

At least from 15,000 BC and lasting in many At least from 15,000 BC and lasting in many places till about 1500 BC organized places till about 1500 BC organized religions is based in worship of the great religions is based in worship of the great Earth Mother – alone (or almost alone)Earth Mother – alone (or almost alone)• In these places there is little evidence, of the In these places there is little evidence, of the

concept of a Sky God, or in fact any many male concept of a Sky God, or in fact any many male deity. deity.

The dominance of the Mother Goddess The dominance of the Mother Goddess began to erode as early as 6,000 BC, and began to erode as early as 6,000 BC, and almost ended in the West by 1,200 -almost ended in the West by 1,200 -

However - nothing in religion really goes However - nothing in religion really goes away away • Today, Mary veneration in the West keeps the Today, Mary veneration in the West keeps the

mother goddess traditions alive.mother goddess traditions alive.

Real Timeline Of Politics and Real Timeline Of Politics and ReligionReligion – –

6000 BC to 2500 BC … Phoenician 6000 BC to 2500 BC … Phoenician religion, among others, evolves out of religion, among others, evolves out of the Mother Goddess religion to the Mother Goddess religion to incorporate the general religious views incorporate the general religious views of Mesopotamia and Egyptof Mesopotamia and Egypt

• Their religion becomes greatly influenced by Their religion becomes greatly influenced by the Sky God concepts of the Indo Europeans the Sky God concepts of the Indo Europeans and Semitesand Semites

It was the Phoenicians who took the Sky It was the Phoenicians who took the Sky God to most of Europe God to most of Europe

Real Timeline Of Politics and Real Timeline Of Politics and ReligionReligion – –

The Sky God religion has - The Sky God religion has - • The Male dominated pantheon of gods The Male dominated pantheon of gods

with specialized deities – god of war, god with specialized deities – god of war, god of love … etc of love … etc

with the great mother still worshiped by in a with the great mother still worshiped by in a secondary role. secondary role.

• The key deities are the Sun and the The key deities are the Sun and the weather (storm gods – Ba’al). weather (storm gods – Ba’al).

Much of the religious stories are based on Much of the religious stories are based on astrological (movement of the sun moon and astrological (movement of the sun moon and stars) and weather observations (the cycle stars) and weather observations (the cycle need for crop growth)need for crop growth)

Religious Conflicts During Time Religious Conflicts During Time

FrameFrame Sky God View – Multiple Gods – The Gods Sky God View – Multiple Gods – The Gods

are responsible for all acts are responsible for all acts • (Gods at first looked like animals – then became (Gods at first looked like animals – then became

like men)like men) Sacrifices needed for many occasions Sacrifices needed for many occasions

• To gain support of Gods (for war or new venturesTo gain support of Gods (for war or new ventures• To placate an angry or disinterested God – (bring To placate an angry or disinterested God – (bring

back the rains, stop our enemies)back the rains, stop our enemies)• To seal a deal between the state and the god or To seal a deal between the state and the god or

between individuals. (A covenant) between individuals. (A covenant) All forms accepted, including human All forms accepted, including human

sacrificesacrifice• At times the first born sacrifice seems standardAt times the first born sacrifice seems standard• Other human sacrifice used in time of crisis or Other human sacrifice used in time of crisis or

major contracts major contracts

Real Timeline Of Politics and Real Timeline Of Politics and Religion –Religion –

3000 BC -250 BC … the religion of Phoenicia 3000 BC -250 BC … the religion of Phoenicia

is a major influence in the Southern is a major influence in the Southern Mediterranean Basin, dominating North Mediterranean Basin, dominating North Africa, the major islands of the Western Africa, the major islands of the Western Mediterranean, and half of what is now Mediterranean, and half of what is now SpainSpain

• The influence spreads to mainland Europe and to The influence spreads to mainland Europe and to what is now England, and even possibly the what is now England, and even possibly the Americas. Americas.

• The Druids of Britain as well as other Celtic The Druids of Britain as well as other Celtic religions are all based on Ba’al religions are all based on Ba’al

• Human sacrifice is common – often by burning – Human sacrifice is common – often by burning – “wicker man” tradition “wicker man” tradition

These areas were Ba’alist far longer then These areas were Ba’alist far longer then they have been Christian they have been Christian

First of Many Crises - Phoenicia First of Many Crises - Phoenicia Survived What Others Didn’t Survived What Others Didn’t

The Eastern Mediterranean world faced many political The Eastern Mediterranean world faced many political crises. crises.

1600 -1200 BC The invasion of the “Hyksos” and 1600 -1200 BC The invasion of the “Hyksos” and then later the “Sea People” and other nomadic then later the “Sea People” and other nomadic peoples devastated the Eastern Mediterranean peoples devastated the Eastern Mediterranean areas.areas.

While the Hittites and Mycenae Greece and Minoan While the Hittites and Mycenae Greece and Minoan cultures fell - And parts of Egypt was ruled by the cultures fell - And parts of Egypt was ruled by the Hyksos for 400 years – Hyksos for 400 years –

Phoenicia was able to defend themselves against the Phoenicia was able to defend themselves against the invaders - and actually became strongerinvaders - and actually became stronger

• Perhaps they lost control of a small area of Perhaps they lost control of a small area of Canaan to the “Hebrews.” – history is not clear on Canaan to the “Hebrews.” – history is not clear on that pointthat point

Ba’alism DominatesBa’alism Dominates Phoenicia survives the Sea People Phoenicia survives the Sea People

and becomes more independent and and becomes more independent and more dominant in the Mediterranean more dominant in the Mediterranean area. area.

• Credited with the success in the crisis, Credited with the success in the crisis, and great expansion of the culture was and great expansion of the culture was the gods of the Phoenicia - Ba’alism the gods of the Phoenicia - Ba’alism

Therefore, in real history – Therefore, in real history –

• From about 2000 BC to 700 BC the From about 2000 BC to 700 BC the dominate “world religion of all the dominate “world religion of all the Mediterranean is in fact the Religion of Mediterranean is in fact the Religion of the Phoenicians, or Canaanites – that of the Phoenicians, or Canaanites – that of Pantheon with Ba’al as the “storm god.”Pantheon with Ba’al as the “storm god.”

Or adopted and modified by the Greeks - ZeusOr adopted and modified by the Greeks - Zeus

Egyptian Relief Showing Sea Egyptian Relief Showing Sea People InvasionPeople Invasion

Yahweh in Right PerspectiveYahweh in Right Perspective

Historic Fact … those who where to became Historic Fact … those who where to became Jews at this time of Ba’alist expansion were Jews at this time of Ba’alist expansion were an unimportant isolated groupan unimportant isolated group

Fact – Around 1100 -1000 BC, -- and perhaps Fact – Around 1100 -1000 BC, -- and perhaps only around 900 BConly around 900 BC

• In the highlands of what is now the “Holy In the highlands of what is now the “Holy Lands”, a small and unimportant area of Lands”, a small and unimportant area of Phoenician influence, Phoenician influence,

the cult of Yahweh, modeled greatly on the cult of Yahweh, modeled greatly on Phoenician religion, developed Phoenician religion, developed

A Minor PeopleA Minor PeopleEven the Bible says that Abraham –Even the Bible says that Abraham –

• In his time (estimated at roughly anywhere from In his time (estimated at roughly anywhere from 1900 BC – 1600 BC … but no evidence of this at 1900 BC – 1600 BC … but no evidence of this at all) all)

worshiped his god as EL … worshiped his god as EL …

• Which as shown in the Ugarit writings - was the Which as shown in the Ugarit writings - was the chief god of the Canaanites.chief god of the Canaanites.

• according to tradition Yahweh gains his name only according to tradition Yahweh gains his name only with Moses at Mount Sinai …(or about 12- 1400 with Moses at Mount Sinai …(or about 12- 1400 BC)BC)

The Yahweh cult in this time is seen as a minor The Yahweh cult in this time is seen as a minor religion variation of a minor people. religion variation of a minor people.

Yahweh in Right PerspectiveYahweh in Right Perspective

We now know from the translations of We now know from the translations of the Phoenician texts that --- before the Phoenician texts that --- before the time of the Bible the time of the Bible

• Yahweh was a brother of Ba’al – a lesser Yahweh was a brother of Ba’al – a lesser god of the Phoenician pantheon. – one of god of the Phoenician pantheon. – one of 70 brothers of Ba’al.70 brothers of Ba’al.

Somehow over time, this more Somehow over time, this more isolated group of people adopted isolated group of people adopted Yahweh as the chief god over another Yahweh as the chief god over another brother … known as Ba’al brother … known as Ba’al

““Jewish” States in PerspectiveJewish” States in PerspectiveWhat modern archeological has shown is that What modern archeological has shown is that

the Yahweh followers the Yahweh followers

Late in the 9Late in the 9thth Century BC, created two small Century BC, created two small very disunited states split over religion very disunited states split over religion issues. issues.

• Again - there was in fact never a great Again - there was in fact never a great united David and Solomon State united David and Solomon State

Little of the stories told in the Bible of the Little of the stories told in the Bible of the conquests of the holy land by the followers of conquests of the holy land by the followers of Yahweh can be validated by research Yahweh can be validated by research

• In fact most findings are in strong In fact most findings are in strong contradiction to the stories of the Bible.contradiction to the stories of the Bible.

What we can prove?What we can prove? Far more evidenceFar more evidenceto support the to support the stories of Achilles stories of Achilles than David orthan David orSolomon Solomon

Ruins of MycenaeRuins of Mycenaeand Troy found -and Troy found -No evidence of No evidence of The first temple or The first temple or David’sDavid’sKingdom ever foundKingdom ever found

““Jewish” States in PerspectiveJewish” States in PerspectiveAnd again despite what the Christians And again despite what the Christians

(and in this case Jews) would have us (and in this case Jews) would have us believebelieve

A false folk history (the first five books of A false folk history (the first five books of the Bible) was developed to justify Yahweh the Bible) was developed to justify Yahweh followers’ their claim to power and followers’ their claim to power and domination of a land that was for centuries domination of a land that was for centuries Canaanite and Ba’alistCanaanite and Ba’alist

• As with most religions - Most of the As with most religions - Most of the foundation stories (Bible stories of foundation stories (Bible stories of Abraham – Joshua) were taken from other Abraham – Joshua) were taken from other peoples with a few name changes – and peoples with a few name changes – and based on many religious and political based on many religious and political traditions – already very ancient.traditions – already very ancient.

““Jewish” States in PerspectiveJewish” States in Perspective

The focus of the stories - the critical The focus of the stories - the critical story – once the story line brought story – once the story line brought them into the Canaanite lands was them into the Canaanite lands was

• The rivalry between – Yahweh and The rivalry between – Yahweh and Ba’al andBa’al and

On how evil the followers of Ba’al On how evil the followers of Ba’al were and how wrong they were in were and how wrong they were in the worship and beliefs.the worship and beliefs.

““Jewish” States in PerspectiveJewish” States in Perspective

Throughout the stories – (the Old Throughout the stories – (the Old Testament) “the jealous god” - Yahweh Testament) “the jealous god” - Yahweh demands the killing all the followers of demands the killing all the followers of Ba’alBa’al

• Joshua is commanded to do so over and over Joshua is commanded to do so over and over againagain

• Prophets assail the Ba’alist mostly to no avail … Prophets assail the Ba’alist mostly to no avail … except once … where Elijah defeats the priest of except once … where Elijah defeats the priest of Ba’al and the priest are slaughtered (but he is Ba’al and the priest are slaughtered (but he is driven into exile for doing so) driven into exile for doing so)

Much later – the Christians use this Much later – the Christians use this directive for murder against “the others” on directive for murder against “the others” on a world wide scale - a world wide scale -

God Vs Ba’alGod Vs Ba’al

Elijah defeatElijah defeat

of the Ba’alist Priestof the Ba’alist Priest

… … modern modern

fantasy of whatfantasy of what

it looked like it looked like

Elijah victory Elijah victory

forced him to forced him to

flee for his lifeflee for his life

Creation of the Hebrew StatesCreation of the Hebrew States

Between 900 and 650 BC, in the region of Between 900 and 650 BC, in the region of the “Holy Land,” struggles develop between the “Holy Land,” struggles develop between followers of the Yahweh cultist and broader followers of the Yahweh cultist and broader Ba’alist religion. (Both within and between Ba’alist religion. (Both within and between the small states established in the area.)the small states established in the area.)

In addition, there are internal fights within In addition, there are internal fights within the Yahweh cult over the real role of the Yahweh cult over the real role of Yahweh; was heYahweh; was he

• Their god, Their god, • Chief of all the gods, or Chief of all the gods, or • The sole and only sole god, The sole and only sole god,

Creation of the Hebrew StatesCreation of the Hebrew States The disputes also involved internal fights The disputes also involved internal fights

within the cult over within the cult over

• The proper ways to offer prays and The proper ways to offer prays and sacrifice to Yahweh and sacrifice to Yahweh and

• if and how to offer sacrifice to other gods.if and how to offer sacrifice to other gods.

A clear reading of the Bible shows (as A clear reading of the Bible shows (as stated in Kings and Chronicles – stated in Kings and Chronicles –

• that many of the kings worshiped Ba’al that many of the kings worshiped Ba’al and other “foreign Gods” and other “foreign Gods”

that proponents of Yahweh are almost that proponents of Yahweh are almost always in an inferior political position always in an inferior political position throughout this period. throughout this period.

The Main Conflict Between Ba’al The Main Conflict Between Ba’al and Yahwehand Yahweh

Within the disputes between Within the disputes between Ba’alist and Yahwehist, for a Ba’alist and Yahwehist, for a long time – long time –

The key questions do not seem The key questions do not seem to be in ritual, but who to to be in ritual, but who to worshipworship

• The religions were very similar in The religions were very similar in type of worship including sacrifice type of worship including sacrifice to god(s) through burnt offering.to god(s) through burnt offering.


However, late in the “two Yahweh kingdom However, late in the “two Yahweh kingdom period” there developed a real controversy period” there developed a real controversy on the rituals of religion as well … on the rituals of religion as well … • While there seems to be conflict over “temple While there seems to be conflict over “temple

prostitution” and a few other issuesprostitution” and a few other issues

The main conflict seems to be the issue of The main conflict seems to be the issue of human sacrifice –human sacrifice –

At that time – in the kingdoms period right At that time – in the kingdoms period right up to their destruction --- up to their destruction ---

• Ba’alist seem to practice it regularly Ba’alist seem to practice it regularly • Most of the Yahwehist kings and most people Most of the Yahwehist kings and most people

seem to practice it as wellseem to practice it as well• Only (mostly out of power) Yahwehist prophets Only (mostly out of power) Yahwehist prophets

denounce the practice.denounce the practice.


The prophet dominated writings of the The prophet dominated writings of the Bible – show Bible – show

Most of the “Jewish” kings did evil Most of the “Jewish” kings did evil unto the lord --- unto the lord ---

• Worshiping foreign gods and Worshiping foreign gods and • Passing their children “through the fire” Passing their children “through the fire”

Passing children through the fire – Passing children through the fire – was the ritual of human sacrificewas the ritual of human sacrifice

Modern Fantasy of Ba’al RitualsModern Fantasy of Ba’al Rituals

Origins of Jewish and Christian Origins of Jewish and Christian Conflict – Human SacrificeConflict – Human Sacrifice

We have been told for so long that the root We have been told for so long that the root conflict between Jews and Christians was conflict between Jews and Christians was non-acceptance of Jesus as the messiah – non-acceptance of Jesus as the messiah –

• This is a partly true premise – And very pro This is a partly true premise – And very pro Christian in its view.Christian in its view.

A key conflict between Christian and Jews – A key conflict between Christian and Jews – at the time of the development of at the time of the development of Christianity grows out of this conflict Christianity grows out of this conflict between the Yahwehist and Ba’alist over between the Yahwehist and Ba’alist over the issue of human sacrifice.the issue of human sacrifice.

• This story is not told much since it appears to put This story is not told much since it appears to put the Christians in the Ba’alist camp of accepting the Christians in the Ba’alist camp of accepting the need for human sacrifice to please God. - the need for human sacrifice to please God. - which they are.which they are.

Human Sacrifice as Part of the Human Sacrifice as Part of the CultureCulture

To understand this conflict over human To understand this conflict over human sacrifice we need to understand sacrifice we need to understand

For the long and vast history of religion For the long and vast history of religion human sacrifice was common and wide human sacrifice was common and wide spread … And continued in non-Christian spread … And continued in non-Christian Europe well past 1000 ADEurope well past 1000 AD

• And was widely practiced in the New World until And was widely practiced in the New World until the European conquestthe European conquest

And for thousands of years - It was And for thousands of years - It was considered the highest and most important considered the highest and most important sacrifice to gods and used for the most sacrifice to gods and used for the most important of events.important of events.

Human Sacrifice MaskedHuman Sacrifice Masked

Many cultures, as they developed and Many cultures, as they developed and ended the practice created “cover ended the practice created “cover stories” for the ancient practices stories” for the ancient practices • Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus • Dido of CarthageDido of Carthage• Abraham and Isaac Abraham and Isaac

Others continued the practice under Others continued the practice under “morphed” forms “morphed” forms • Roman gladiator gamesRoman gladiator games• China’s terra cotta warriors China’s terra cotta warriors

Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice The key uses of human sacrifice were The key uses of human sacrifice were

for:for:• Founding a city or culture (new covenant Founding a city or culture (new covenant

with a god) – Like Abraham did … and with a god) – Like Abraham did … and Isaac – was requiredIsaac – was required

• Securing an agreement between nationsSecuring an agreement between nations• Assuring the continuation of the natural Assuring the continuation of the natural

rotation of life (sun coming up, rains rotation of life (sun coming up, rains falling)falling)

• Appeasing god or gods to gain results in Appeasing god or gods to gain results in war or war or

• Appeasing god or gods in a time of crisisAppeasing god or gods in a time of crisis

Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice We see human sacrifice in several writings We see human sacrifice in several writings

of the ancient world … as normal and of the ancient world … as normal and needed includingneeded including

• Homer - with a sacrifice of a young girl to Homer - with a sacrifice of a young girl to allow the Greek fleet to sail off to Troyallow the Greek fleet to sail off to Troy

• And several times in the Bible And several times in the Bible where a “judge” pledges to sacrifice a where a “judge” pledges to sacrifice a

human for victory (turns out to be his human for victory (turns out to be his daughter)daughter)

David sacrifices men to end a draughtDavid sacrifices men to end a draught Moabite king sacrificing his son in front Moabite king sacrificing his son in front

of Israelite armyof Israelite army

The Daughter of Agamemnon The Daughter of Agamemnon being led to her sacrificebeing led to her sacrifice

Few Moderns Approach the Few Moderns Approach the SubjectSubject

From Flaubert’s From Flaubert’s SalammbôSalammbô - 1862 - 1862 novel on the results of the first Punic novel on the results of the first Punic war.war.

Describing the sacrifice of children in Describing the sacrifice of children in the time of crisis –the time of crisis –

• ““Every time that a child was placed in Every time that a child was placed in them the priests of Moloch spread out them the priests of Moloch spread out their hands upon him to burden him with their hands upon him to burden him with the crimes of the people …” the crimes of the people …”

David and Bathsheba David and Bathsheba ReconsideredReconsidered

We can read in the Bible the story of We can read in the Bible the story of David and Bathsheba and how David and Bathsheba and how

The first son of the union --- after The first son of the union --- after eight days died eight days died • And David (much to the confusion of the And David (much to the confusion of the

“prophets” held a feast … then“prophets” held a feast … then• The second child (Solomon) became the The second child (Solomon) became the

kingking

Taken from very ancient view point - Taken from very ancient view point - this was normal procedure – this was normal procedure – • The first royal child is sacrificed to the The first royal child is sacrificed to the

gods … and so it appears that this gods … and so it appears that this interpretation fits the “facts” presented interpretation fits the “facts” presented in the Bible in the Bible

Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice Human Sacrifice was central to the Ba’alist Human Sacrifice was central to the Ba’alist

religious practices - this world wide religionreligious practices - this world wide religion

• There is debates about how often and the process There is debates about how often and the process … but few deny it was a core practice … but few deny it was a core practice

• This core practice was used through the This core practice was used through the Phoenician world … for thousands of yearsPhoenician world … for thousands of years

And from the writings in the Bible … when And from the writings in the Bible … when the kings did evil in the sight of God … the the kings did evil in the sight of God … the evil that was done was … human sacrificeevil that was done was … human sacrifice

We Really Don’t Know HowWe Really Don’t Know How

Modern fantasyModern fantasy

depicting humandepicting human

sacrifice in sacrifice in

Carthage Carthage

One of Few Actual DepictionsOne of Few Actual Depictions

Etruscan mural showing human Etruscan mural showing human sacrifice sacrifice

from 7from 7thth

Century BCCentury BCNotice Notice

the angelthe angel

type type

personperson

Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice And for a long time – in the religion of the And for a long time – in the religion of the

Yahwahist … Human Sacrifice seemed to be Yahwahist … Human Sacrifice seemed to be acceptable and often required acceptable and often required

• God demands all the first fruits – including from God demands all the first fruits – including from people – later verse modifies this to allow for people – later verse modifies this to allow for redemption of human children –redemption of human children –

• The term used in the Bible for the highest from of The term used in the Bible for the highest from of sacrifice is Olah … which was translated into sacrifice is Olah … which was translated into Greek as Holocaust … and was seen in its time as Greek as Holocaust … and was seen in its time as referring to a human sacrifice … for god … and referring to a human sacrifice … for god … and god alone (so completely burnt.god alone (so completely burnt. ) )

And we see it as the source of Abraham’s And we see it as the source of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaacwillingness to sacrifice Isaac

Was Isaac Sacrificed?Was Isaac Sacrificed?

The sacrifice of Isaac has been one of The sacrifice of Isaac has been one of the more confusing issues in the Bible the more confusing issues in the Bible based on modern thinking based on modern thinking

Why would a man willingly sacrifice Why would a man willingly sacrifice his child ?his child ?• (although according to the time line of (although according to the time line of

the Bible Isaac would have been about the Bible Isaac would have been about thirty – the same age as Jesus?thirty – the same age as Jesus?

• What type of god would demand such a What type of god would demand such a thing?thing?

An Old Tradition TransformedAn Old Tradition Transformed One of many artistic rendition of the One of many artistic rendition of the

Sacrifice of IsaacSacrifice of Isaac see see

http://judaica-art.com/art-prints-on-canvas/-6-biblical-themes/isaac-39-s-sacrifice-2/prhttp://judaica-art.com/art-prints-on-canvas/-6-biblical-themes/isaac-39-s-sacrifice-2/prod_72.htmlod_72.html

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Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice To the minds of the ancients, seen from To the minds of the ancients, seen from

their point of view, based on thousands of their point of view, based on thousands of years of tradition and religion God’s request years of tradition and religion God’s request of Abraham to sacrifice his son --- of Abraham to sacrifice his son ---

•would have been standard and would have been standard and not just acceptable- but a not just acceptable- but a predictable event predictable event

Abraham and God were sealing the deal for Abraham and God were sealing the deal for the new covenant made with his god (for all the new covenant made with his god (for all the lands promised him) with the sacrifice the lands promised him) with the sacrifice of his first born sonof his first born son

Was Isaac Sacrificed?Was Isaac Sacrificed?

To the minds of the Ancients this would To the minds of the Ancients this would standard operating procedure for standard operating procedure for Abraham’s time and for thousands of years Abraham’s time and for thousands of years before and thousand more to come.before and thousand more to come.

In all likelihood in the original storiesIn all likelihood in the original stories

• Isaac was sacrificed Isaac was sacrificed

And --- as a good god – to replace Isaac - And --- as a good god – to replace Isaac - Abraham had five more sons --- (still in the Abraham had five more sons --- (still in the Bible but not talked about much) Bible but not talked about much)

On-going PracticeOn-going Practice And it is clear that it was not only standard And it is clear that it was not only standard

practice in the time of Abraham, but right practice in the time of Abraham, but right up to the time of Jesus and beyondup to the time of Jesus and beyond

Some 1500 years and more after the time of Some 1500 years and more after the time of Abraham Abraham

• Rome offer human sacrifices when Hannibal was Rome offer human sacrifices when Hannibal was at the gate, and(212 BC)at the gate, and(212 BC)

• The defenders of Carthage were offering human The defenders of Carthage were offering human sacrifices as Roman besieged them (150 BC)sacrifices as Roman besieged them (150 BC)

• A Roman Emperor conducted human sacrifices to A Roman Emperor conducted human sacrifices to Ba’al 150 years after the death of Jesus.Ba’al 150 years after the death of Jesus.

Nothing NewNothing New

Therefore … at the time of Jesus …the Therefore … at the time of Jesus …the idea of sacrificing children to God was idea of sacrificing children to God was not knew or different …not knew or different …

• Even if the idea of god having his own son Even if the idea of god having his own son sacrificed was not new or different sacrificed was not new or different

It was ancient and standard practice It was ancient and standard practice for the time.for the time.

• What was different was the Jews … and What was different was the Jews … and how they got to be importanthow they got to be important

History as Shaper of ReligionHistory as Shaper of Religion

To understand how the conflict over sacrifice To understand how the conflict over sacrifice of humans is perhaps the core conflict of humans is perhaps the core conflict between Christians and Jews, we need to between Christians and Jews, we need to know the real social and political history of know the real social and political history of the time … the time …

• something not taught in a Christian dominated something not taught in a Christian dominated culture. culture.

Once again, we need to know the real Once again, we need to know the real history… and how that history helped to history… and how that history helped to “morph” existing religions.“morph” existing religions.

• We need to understand how the many crises of We need to understand how the many crises of the time impacted both the followers of Ba’al and the time impacted both the followers of Ba’al and YahwehYahweh

Back to the Real Provable Timeline Back to the Real Provable Timeline The New Wave of InvadersThe New Wave of Invaders

Three hundred years after the Sea Three hundred years after the Sea People, came a new wave of invaders People, came a new wave of invaders to the Eastern Mediterranean to the Eastern Mediterranean

• 900 – 650 BC – Assyrian and Neo- 900 – 650 BC – Assyrian and Neo- Babylonian domination of Eastern Babylonian domination of Eastern Mediterranean. Mediterranean.

This was a great political, but not so This was a great political, but not so much religious, shock to the whole much religious, shock to the whole areaarea

The Response to CrisisThe Response to Crisis Phoenicia is attacked often, with Phoenicia is attacked often, with

major defeats, but manages to stave major defeats, but manages to stave off completed domination of new off completed domination of new powers. powers.

• Survives 13 year siege of cities by Survives 13 year siege of cities by BabyloniansBabylonians

Phoenicia response –Phoenicia response –

• She creates more support for it’s Western She creates more support for it’s Western Mediterranean colonies (such as Mediterranean colonies (such as Carthage) as a means for preserving their Carthage) as a means for preserving their culture and maintaining support for the culture and maintaining support for the “mother land.” “mother land.”

Israelites and Judean Response Israelites and Judean Response to Crisisto Crisis

The landlocked Yahwehist have no means of resistance nor escape … Over time and several wars ---

• The minor and relatively unimportant semi-Yahwehist kingdoms (Israel and Judah) are both destroyed with relatively minimal effort of the super powers, and the rich and powerful of people exiled.

• The poor are mostly left on the land, and as in the fashion of the day … alien settlers are brought in to occupy the land

New Style of WarNew Style of War

Assyrian warAssyrian war

machine machine

createscreates

crisis in the crisis in the

land of the land of the

Phoenician Phoenician

and Israelitesand Israelites

The Yahwehist Response to CrisisThe Yahwehist Response to Crisis620-550 BC Yahwehist are in exile in Babylon Free 620-550 BC Yahwehist are in exile in Babylon Free

from kings and competitors the minority from kings and competitors the minority “prophet sect” gains upper hand and creates a “prophet sect” gains upper hand and creates a relatively new religionrelatively new religion

• With Yahweh as sole godWith Yahweh as sole god• The wrath of Yahweh destroyed the kingdoms The wrath of Yahweh destroyed the kingdoms

--- invaders unwilling tools of God--- invaders unwilling tools of God

And a host of daily living and worship activities And a host of daily living and worship activities that if not followed precisely were punishable by that if not followed precisely were punishable by death.death.

The belief was if not all people conformed all the The belief was if not all people conformed all the people were at risk for a new wrath of god people were at risk for a new wrath of god

The Yahwehist Response to CrisisThe Yahwehist Response to CrisisMost importantlyMost importantly The prophet faction gives an answer to The prophet faction gives an answer to

“Why Yahweh let his nations be destroyed “Why Yahweh let his nations be destroyed his temple flattenedhis temple flattened

The prophet faction declared The prophet faction declared

• It was all Yahweh’s doing as punishment It was all Yahweh’s doing as punishment for failure to comply with Yahweh’s laws for failure to comply with Yahweh’s laws and mandates. and mandates.

The chief violation that most angered God The chief violation that most angered God was following Ba’al and practicing human was following Ba’al and practicing human sacrifice.sacrifice.

From Yahweh Cult to JewsFrom Yahweh Cult to Jews It was here in exile in Babylon, that the followers of It was here in exile in Babylon, that the followers of

Yahweh became “Jews” Yahweh became “Jews”

• The holy books (the Old Testament) were rewritten with The holy books (the Old Testament) were rewritten with a clear anti-human sacrifice vent and codified. a clear anti-human sacrifice vent and codified.

It was here where the “Jews” saw human sacrifice as the It was here where the “Jews” saw human sacrifice as the source of the past and potentially future wrath of God. source of the past and potentially future wrath of God.

• Not all the text was cleaned up (God saying all that first Not all the text was cleaned up (God saying all that first

came out the matrix was his) … but the Abraham story came out the matrix was his) … but the Abraham story was changed to keep Isaac from being sacrificed.was changed to keep Isaac from being sacrificed.

Human sacrifice or anything akin to it Human sacrifice or anything akin to it became anathema of the “new Jews.”became anathema of the “new Jews.”

The Most Evil of KingsThe Most Evil of Kings

The signet ring The signet ring of king Manassehof king Manassehwho’s 50 yearwho’s 50 yearreign was reign was ““cause” of the cause” of the destruction of destruction of Judea for his Judea for his use of human use of human sacrificesacrifice

No Such Crisis for Ba’al - YetNo Such Crisis for Ba’al - Yet While the new invaders did obtain control While the new invaders did obtain control

over Phoenicia, unlike the followers of over Phoenicia, unlike the followers of Yahweh, most of the major cities of Ba’al Yahweh, most of the major cities of Ba’al survived the wars.survived the wars.

• And as the East was invaded, the followers of And as the East was invaded, the followers of Ba’al expanded their influence in the Central and Ba’al expanded their influence in the Central and Western parts of the Mediterranean Western parts of the Mediterranean

So for the followers of Ba’al, unlike those of So for the followers of Ba’al, unlike those of Yahweh, there were problems but no major Yahweh, there were problems but no major crisis of faith. crisis of faith.

Jews “Return”Jews “Return”

550 – 325 BC Persia dominate Eastern Mediterranean, with Phoenicia as a major ally, and the Phoenician navies playing a major role in the wars with Greeks.

Cyrus the Great (called the Messiah in the Hebrew Bible) allows all peoples to return and rebuild their temples – including the Judeans

Major Persian InfluenceMajor Persian InfluenceWhat can’t be told in detail here is the great

influence on religion that came from the Persian

• The whole concepts of dualism, of heaven and hell (existence of the Devil), of resurrection of all the dead, and many other new ideas which influence all the religions of the area, including the Jews are mainly Persian in origin or redesign.

As “just and mild” rulers, the views of the Persians were widely accepted by many peoples.

Once again … Christian history blocks us from knowing real facts.

So Much Imported From Persia – So Much Imported From Persia – So Much ForgottenSo Much Forgotten

Persian Persian imagery thatimagery thatseems a seems a precursor of precursor of the Christianthe Christiantrinity trinity

The humanThe humanteacherteacherand the godand the godof all that is good of all that is good At least 600 yearAt least 600 yearBefore Christ Before Christ

“ “Jews” ReturnJews” Return Persians allow Yahwehist cult to return to Persians allow Yahwehist cult to return to

“Judea” to rebuild their temple and to “Judea” to rebuild their temple and to establish a colony of believers. establish a colony of believers.

• Less then 10% of Jews” return to Judea. Less then 10% of Jews” return to Judea.

Life in Babylon was considered safe and free Life in Babylon was considered safe and free and – the center of the world and – the center of the world

• During its history the colony is mostly During its history the colony is mostly small and a failure with harsh small and a failure with harsh enforcement of the new rules. (The rules enforcement of the new rules. (The rules of Ezra)of Ezra)

Division within the “Jews”Division within the “Jews” Four major division of “Jews” at this Four major division of “Jews” at this

time … (about 450 BC)time … (about 450 BC)

• The Returnees, with the new religionThe Returnees, with the new religion• Those who stayed in Babylon, with the Those who stayed in Babylon, with the

new religion, but far more wealthy and new religion, but far more wealthy and cosmopolitan then the returnees cosmopolitan then the returnees

• Those who had fled to Egypt at the time Those who had fled to Egypt at the time of conquest, mostly keeping the old of conquest, mostly keeping the old religion, but influenced by the new religion, but influenced by the new religionreligion

• Those who had remained in Judea at the Those who had remained in Judea at the time of conquest mostly keeping the old time of conquest mostly keeping the old religion religion

This fourth group gave the “New Jews” a lot of This fourth group gave the “New Jews” a lot of trouble when they showed up in the old land of trouble when they showed up in the old land of CanaanCanaan

Ba’al Still GrowingBa’al Still Growing During this time (600- 450 BC) the During this time (600- 450 BC) the

followers of Ba’al continue to be relatively followers of Ba’al continue to be relatively successful in the world of super powers. successful in the world of super powers.

• Phoenicia becomes a valued vassal of Persia Phoenicia becomes a valued vassal of Persia Empire and greatly prospers.Empire and greatly prospers.

• Carthage reaches its height of power – defeating Carthage reaches its height of power – defeating the Greeks in Sicily the Greeks in Sicily

After some 1500 years the Mediterranean After some 1500 years the Mediterranean was still is mostly a Ba’alist lake – with was still is mostly a Ba’alist lake – with rising Greek competition rising Greek competition

• But in what must have seemed like a flash the But in what must have seemed like a flash the Ba’alist world finally collapsed before an invader. Ba’alist world finally collapsed before an invader.

The Ba’alist CrisisThe Ba’alist Crisis

325- 150 BC - Hellenistic (Greek, 325- 150 BC - Hellenistic (Greek, Roman) conquers the Eastern Roman) conquers the Eastern Mediterranean and starts cultural Mediterranean and starts cultural domination of area. domination of area. • Phoenicia suffers great defeats and loses Phoenicia suffers great defeats and loses

trading control to Greeks; trading control to Greeks; Her “homeland” cities destroyed and Her “homeland” cities destroyed and

repopulated with Greeksrepopulated with Greeks

• Phoenician remnants (including Carthage) Phoenician remnants (including Carthage) put far greater efforts in Western put far greater efforts in Western Mediterranean, including Spain, butMediterranean, including Spain, but

The Ba’alist CrisisThe Ba’alist Crisis

Phoenicia/Carthage loses Punic Phoenicia/Carthage loses Punic Wars with Rome, - end of an eraWars with Rome, - end of an era• Phoenicia is “Hellenized,” Phoenicia is “Hellenized,” • Carthage destroyed, Carthage destroyed, • Spain and other areas of Phoenician Spain and other areas of Phoenician

influence occupied by Rome.influence occupied by Rome. 2-3000 plus years of domination by 2-3000 plus years of domination by

Phoenician/Canaanites end in almost Phoenician/Canaanites end in almost total destruction. total destruction.

Yet Another New Kind of WarYet Another New Kind of War

Alexander’s Alexander’s army did in army did in 8 months what 8 months what the Babyloniansthe Babylonianscould not docould not doin 13 years -in 13 years -Take and sackTake and sackTyreTyre

The Ba’alist CrisisThe Ba’alist Crisis Now too the Ba’alist believers Now too the Ba’alist believers

face a crisis of faith. face a crisis of faith. • Why have after so long had their Why have after so long had their

homeland and colonies been homeland and colonies been destroyed destroyed

• What was it that they had failed to What was it that they had failed to do to please their gods, why were do to please their gods, why were they now slaves in this new world they now slaves in this new world order?order?

• Had they sacrificed too little or too Had they sacrificed too little or too much … or the wrong thing? much … or the wrong thing?

Finding Friends in the Finding Friends in the DestructionDestruction

In the region of the Sea of In the region of the Sea of Galilee Galilee • The Ba’alist survivors and the The Ba’alist survivors and the

remnant of the poor “Jews” not remnant of the poor “Jews” not taken into exile and not really part taken into exile and not really part of the Jewish reforms of Babylon of the Jewish reforms of Babylon live together. live together.

• It is from this area that the first It is from this area that the first concepts of Christianity came … concepts of Christianity came …

Finding Friends in the DestructionFinding Friends in the Destruction

Both groups – The Ba’alist and the Both groups – The Ba’alist and the “Old Jews” – in a state of flux and “Old Jews” – in a state of flux and religious confusion were influenced religious confusion were influenced by other groups by other groups

• The Greeks and later the Romans, The Greeks and later the Romans, and the Persians and the “New and the Persians and the “New Jews” returning for exile.Jews” returning for exile.

But both groups looked for means of But both groups looked for means of maintaining their core beliefs maintaining their core beliefs

Finding Friends in the DestructionFinding Friends in the Destruction

This area was the “melting pot” of the “new” and This area was the “melting pot” of the “new” and “old” religions of the East and West “old” religions of the East and West

To these people – the “new Jews” were new To these people – the “new Jews” were new oppressors … only being conquered and then forced oppressors … only being conquered and then forced converted to Judaism about 100 years before Christconverted to Judaism about 100 years before Christ

Out Galilee came yet another retelling of the old Out Galilee came yet another retelling of the old stories - stories -

• Taking elements from all of the old and new Taking elements from all of the old and new religions religions

• With a major focus on a key rite of Ba’alismWith a major focus on a key rite of Ba’alism

And the retelling became what is known asAnd the retelling became what is known as Christianity Christianity

Sacrifice and Non-SacrificeSacrifice and Non-Sacrifice

The Ba’alist concept of religion The Ba’alist concept of religion required sacrificing of the first born in required sacrificing of the first born in time of crisis time of crisis

• The old “Hebrew” accepted that concept The old “Hebrew” accepted that concept to some degree …to some degree …

Now the New Jews completely Now the New Jews completely rejected that view as the cause for rejected that view as the cause for god’s wrath –(leading to the god’s wrath –(leading to the destruction of the first temple) destruction of the first temple)

Sacrifice and Non-SacrificeSacrifice and Non-Sacrifice

The religion that grew out of the The religion that grew out of the Galilee based on the survivors of the Galilee based on the survivors of the Ba’alist crisis and the old Hebrews … Ba’alist crisis and the old Hebrews … was focused on the Messiah based in was focused on the Messiah based in

• God sacrificing his only son in to save God sacrificing his only son in to save human kindhuman kind

This was clearly the Ba’alist tradition This was clearly the Ba’alist tradition going back 4000 years at this time. going back 4000 years at this time. and not a “new Jewish” concepts and not a “new Jewish” concepts

See the Traditions In their See the Traditions In their WritingsWritings

As the new religion is formed - it took many As the new religion is formed - it took many elements from Ancients, Greek and Persian elements from Ancients, Greek and Persian traditions and melded them into a single traditions and melded them into a single conceptconcept

• It proclaimed the son of God came and died for all It proclaimed the son of God came and died for all sins … for the protection of all … as a new conceptsins … for the protection of all … as a new concept

In fact was very ancient and very In fact was very ancient and very Phoenician Phoenician

• The death and rising god was standard in almost The death and rising god was standard in almost all of the religions of the Ancient world - but few all of the religions of the Ancient world - but few had the Phoenician literal practice of killing of the had the Phoenician literal practice of killing of the first born son for the needs of the godsfirst born son for the needs of the gods

From Wikipedia site on the From Wikipedia site on the Archetype of this type of GodArchetype of this type of God

A life-death-rebirth deity, also known as a A life-death-rebirth deity, also known as a dying-and-rising or resurrection deity, is a dying-and-rising or resurrection deity, is a god god

• who is born, who is born, • suffers death or a death-like experience, suffers death or a death-like experience, • passes through a phase in the underworld passes through a phase in the underworld

among the dead, among the dead, • is subsequently reborn, in either a literal is subsequently reborn, in either a literal

or symbolic sense.or symbolic sense.

From Wikipedia site on the From Wikipedia site on the Archetype of this type of GodArchetype of this type of God

Male examples include Asclepius, Orphesus, Male examples include Asclepius, Orphesus, Mithras, Osiris, Tammuz, Zalmoxi Dionysus, Mithras, Osiris, Tammuz, Zalmoxi Dionysus, Odin and … Jesus Odin and … Jesus

• We can see the sky god example morphing out of We can see the sky god example morphing out of the far more ancient goddess traditionsthe far more ancient goddess traditions

Female examples are Inanna, also known as Female examples are Inanna, also known as Ishtar whose cult dates to 4000 BCE, and Ishtar whose cult dates to 4000 BCE, and Persephone, the central figure of the Persephone, the central figure of the Eleusinian Mysteries, whose cult may date to Eleusinian Mysteries, whose cult may date to 1700 BCE as the unnamed goddess 1700 BCE as the unnamed goddess worshiped in Crete.worshiped in Crete.

See See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life-death-rebirth_deityLife-death-rebirth_deity

The Christian VersionThe Christian Version

We see the ancient story retold in often called We see the ancient story retold in often called the core of Christianity the core of Christianity

John 3:16-18 – we see the concept laid out John 3:16-18 – we see the concept laid out

For God so loved the world, that he gave For God so loved the world, that he gave his his only Son (ton huion ton monogenee)only Son (ton huion ton monogenee), that , that whoever believes in him should not perish whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name has not believed in the name of the only of the only Son of God (tou monogenous tou huio tou Son of God (tou monogenous tou huio tou theou)theou).”.”

Phoenician StoryPhoenician Story

From the 12 Century BC reporting about events in From the 12 Century BC reporting about events in 4000 BC – we read almost the whole Christ story 4000 BC – we read almost the whole Christ story - very old and very Ba’alist - very old and very Ba’alist

Euseb. Præp. Evan. lib. I. c. 10.—lib. IV.Euseb. Præp. Evan. lib. I. c. 10.—lib. IV.o For Cronus, whom the Phœnicians call Il, and For Cronus, whom the Phœnicians call Il, and

who after his death was deified and instated in who after his death was deified and instated in the planet which bears his name, when king, the planet which bears his name, when king, had by a nymph of the country called Anobret an had by a nymph of the country called Anobret an only son, who on that account is styled Ieoud, only son, who on that account is styled Ieoud, for so the Phœnicians still call an only son: and for so the Phœnicians still call an only son: and when great dangers from war beset the land he when great dangers from war beset the land he adorned the altar, and invested this son with adorned the altar, and invested this son with the emblems of royalty, and sacrificed him.the emblems of royalty, and sacrificed him.

Phoenician StoryPhoenician StoryOr in other words – Or in other words – o God – (For Cronus, whom the Phœnicians God – (For Cronus, whom the Phœnicians

call Il, and who after his death was deified_call Il, and who after his death was deified_o Impregnated a young girl -, had by a nymph Impregnated a young girl -, had by a nymph

of the country called Anobretof the country called Anobreto Had one son - (who on that account is Had one son - (who on that account is

styled Ieoud, for so the Phœnicians still call styled Ieoud, for so the Phœnicians still call an only son:an only son:

o And in in time of danger, declared the son And in in time of danger, declared the son the king, (and when great dangers from war the king, (and when great dangers from war beset the land he adorned the altar, and beset the land he adorned the altar, and invested this son with the emblems of invested this son with the emblems of royalty) royalty)

o And then he for salvation was killed - and And then he for salvation was killed - and sacrificed him.sacrificed him.


The concept of the sacrifice of God, or The concept of the sacrifice of God, or the son of God, is core to Christianity, the son of God, is core to Christianity, but was in fact, anathema to Judaism but was in fact, anathema to Judaism (or at least the Judaism of the (or at least the Judaism of the dominate Returnee Jews.)dominate Returnee Jews.)

To the Jews of the time, the idea of To the Jews of the time, the idea of human sacrifice, was the root cause human sacrifice, was the root cause of God’s anger at the Jewish people of God’s anger at the Jewish people (and the destruction of their (and the destruction of their Kingdoms and their exile to Babylon.Kingdoms and their exile to Babylon. ) )

Influences on Early ChristianityInfluences on Early Christianity

Missing influence – Phoenician – Key Factor –Missing influence – Phoenician – Key Factor –

In time of crisis, God sacrificed his only In time of crisis, God sacrificed his only begotten son” … Where did the idea come begotten son” … Where did the idea come from? from?

• It was contrary to Jewish concepts (post It was contrary to Jewish concepts (post exile) – cause of God’s Wrathexile) – cause of God’s Wrath

• It was not found in Egypt It was not found in Egypt • It was not found in death and dying cults It was not found in death and dying cults

(they may have died and reborn - but the (they may have died and reborn - but the gods were not sacrificed)gods were not sacrificed)

• It was not found in Persian concepts It was not found in Persian concepts

It is only seen in Phoenician cultural beliefs It is only seen in Phoenician cultural beliefs - the rites of Ba’alism - the rites of Ba’alism

Jesus as Ba’alJesus as Ba’al

Indeed the story the Christians rolled Indeed the story the Christians rolled out was ancient and the details well out was ancient and the details well known to the people of Phoenicia and known to the people of Phoenicia and all the lands the influenced ..all the lands the influenced ..

As found in the newly found and As found in the newly found and translated writing of the Phoenicians translated writing of the Phoenicians … the details of the Christ story were … the details of the Christ story were part of the Ba’al epicpart of the Ba’al epic

Jesus as Ba’alJesus as Ba’al

In a 1921 edition of the Journal of the Royal In a 1921 edition of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, a scholar named H. Asiatic Society, a scholar named H. Zimmern … described …"stage-directions Zimmern … described …"stage-directions for a sort of miracle-play" performed at the for a sort of miracle-play" performed at the temple of Bel-Marduk (i.e., Ba’al) annually. temple of Bel-Marduk (i.e., Ba’al) annually. In this play,In this play,

Ba’al was … "bound and brought before the Ba’al was … "bound and brought before the tribunal which awaits mankind on the bank tribunal which awaits mankind on the bank of the river of death." of the river of death."

He was scourged, condemned to death, and He was scourged, condemned to death, and then led away to a prison-house.then led away to a prison-house.

Jesus As Ba’alJesus As Ba’al Another "malefactor was led also away to Another "malefactor was led also away to

execution," while a second one was execution," while a second one was released. released.

Once Ba’al was put in prison, Once Ba’al was put in prison, • "the city was plunged in confusion" and his "the city was plunged in confusion" and his

clothes were stripped from his dead body. clothes were stripped from his dead body. • A goddess then washed away blood that had A goddess then washed away blood that had

flowed from a "wound in the side" of Ba’al; flowed from a "wound in the side" of Ba’al;

and eventually he rose from the dead after and eventually he rose from the dead after his followers lamented. his followers lamented.

See wSee www.tektonics.org/copycat/baal01.htmlww.tektonics.org/copycat/baal01.html

Ba’al RecreatedBa’al Recreated The ancient story of the Phoenicians was The ancient story of the Phoenicians was

simple retold in a new setting with a new simple retold in a new setting with a new name name

• Lord is Ba’al and Ba’al is Lord and Jesus is Lord is Ba’al and Ba’al is Lord and Jesus is Ba’al, Ba’al is Jesus.Ba’al, Ba’al is Jesus.

It was a familiar story to all peoples in the It was a familiar story to all peoples in the area and familiar enough to all the religions area and familiar enough to all the religions of the Western World at the time … of the Western World at the time …

But the story was too close to human But the story was too close to human sacrifice for the New Jews sacrifice for the New Jews

• The Sacrifice of the “son of man” was the cause of The Sacrifice of the “son of man” was the cause of Yahweh God’s wrath in the past. Yahweh God’s wrath in the past.

Jews in PowerJews in PowerAs we have seen As we have seen 325 – 150 BC Hellenistic (Greek) conquests Eastern – 325 – 150 BC Hellenistic (Greek) conquests Eastern –

bring the Greek culture - that challenged the view of bring the Greek culture - that challenged the view of both Ba’alist and Yahwahist both Ba’alist and Yahwahist

• While the Phoenicians had faired far better than the While the Phoenicians had faired far better than the Yahwahist in the previous 1,000 years of invasions Yahwahist in the previous 1,000 years of invasions - this time the got the worst- this time the got the worst

Alexander destroyed Phoenicia --- Phoenicia had Alexander destroyed Phoenicia --- Phoenicia had been a major ally in the Persian been a major ally in the Persian

Alexander wanted revenge for the burning of Alexander wanted revenge for the burning of Athens by the Persians Athens by the Persians

• However – the Jewish “colony” offered no resistance However – the Jewish “colony” offered no resistance to Alexander and he had no get distaste for themto Alexander and he had no get distaste for them

Jews in PowerJews in PowerFor the next 150 years or so …For the next 150 years or so … The Jewish colony is passed The Jewish colony is passed

between rival successors of between rival successors of Alexander Alexander

• Mainly left alone – the colony Mainly left alone – the colony prospers and the populations grows prospers and the populations grows

• Many Jews like the new lifestyle and Many Jews like the new lifestyle and start to “become Greek” start to “become Greek”

But soon a new challenge is But soon a new challenge is createdcreated

Jews in PowerJews in PowerThe Syrian based Greek king tries to make everyone The Syrian based Greek king tries to make everyone

“Hellenized” - “Hellenized” -

Requiring Jews to abandon rituals and engage in Requiring Jews to abandon rituals and engage in sacrifices to Greek Gods and the living King sacrifices to Greek Gods and the living King

• Some Jews seem willing to accept (or feel they Some Jews seem willing to accept (or feel they have not choice) have not choice)

• Others start a revolt - and much to the surprise of Others start a revolt - and much to the surprise of all - They win. all - They win.

In a long hard series of wars of the Maccabean In a long hard series of wars of the Maccabean revolt, revolt,

• … … the Jews establish a truly independent kingdom the Jews establish a truly independent kingdom (some 350 years after the fall of the first state)(some 350 years after the fall of the first state)

Jews in PowerJews in PowerCritical fact we need to know - Between 140 Critical fact we need to know - Between 140

BC – 140 AD there were a least four major BC – 140 AD there were a least four major rebellions , and perhaps dozens of other rebellions , and perhaps dozens of other revolts against Greek and Roman rule and revolts against Greek and Roman rule and culture by the Jews.culture by the Jews.

Being a “new Jew” was an important Being a “new Jew” was an important rallying point that sustained the first revolt rallying point that sustained the first revolt – and all the other future revolts – and all the other future revolts

• These Jewish wars of resistance against These Jewish wars of resistance against Classical domination (Greek then Roman) Classical domination (Greek then Roman) changed both the nature of Judaism and changed both the nature of Judaism and how the new rulers of the “world” viewed how the new rulers of the “world” viewed the people and the religionthe people and the religion

First SuccessFirst Success““The Second Jewish Commonwealth” under The Second Jewish Commonwealth” under

strong new Jewish “orthodox religious” strong new Jewish “orthodox religious” control …control …

Expanded to include most of what is now Expanded to include most of what is now Israel, Jordan, and parts of Syria and Israel, Jordan, and parts of Syria and Lebanon Lebanon

as the new nation expanded – as the new nation expanded – It force converted peoples of the new areas It force converted peoples of the new areas

(including Galilee and Southern Phoenicia to (including Galilee and Southern Phoenicia to the New Jewish Religion the New Jewish Religion • These areas were only “new Jewish” for These areas were only “new Jewish” for

about 100 years at the time of Christ about 100 years at the time of Christ • The repression was brutal and focused on The repression was brutal and focused on

all out of favor practices – including the all out of favor practices – including the “old” Jewish” and Ba’alist concept of the “old” Jewish” and Ba’alist concept of the need for human sacrificeneed for human sacrifice

New Jewish Rule FailsNew Jewish Rule Fails

Starting about 65 BC –the second Starting about 65 BC –the second Commonwealth falls apart in dynastic Commonwealth falls apart in dynastic infightinginfighting

Roman slowly absorbs the state -Roman slowly absorbs the state -From ally – to client - to colony From ally – to client - to colony • The Jews are once again faced with The Jews are once again faced with

a crisis as Romans Hellenistic a crisis as Romans Hellenistic culture competes and then fights culture competes and then fights against the “new Jews” religionagainst the “new Jews” religion

Loss of PowerLoss of Power The areas that were forced converted The areas that were forced converted

and held as Jewish for 100 years slip and held as Jewish for 100 years slip away from central control …away from central control …

• The land becomes one of both political The land becomes one of both political and religious revolt and religious revolt

• The old faiths are revised under new The old faiths are revised under new acceptable formatsacceptable formats

Wrapped in new Jewish traditions – Wrapped in new Jewish traditions –

the Ba’alist traditions of the need for the Ba’alist traditions of the need for human sacrifice is revived human sacrifice is revived

Rejection of ChristiansRejection of Christians The traditional answer for the Jewish The traditional answer for the Jewish

rejection of Jesus is that he failed rejection of Jesus is that he failed

• as a physical messiah to liberate the as a physical messiah to liberate the country from the Romanscountry from the Romans

But the cornerstone to the issue of But the cornerstone to the issue of the rejection was the story line the rejection was the story line developed by the Christians for the developed by the Christians for the need for human sacrifice to god ---need for human sacrifice to god ---

Rejection of ChristiansRejection of Christians

Early Christians even saw Christ as the Early Christians even saw Christ as the continuation of the Isaac story – only this continuation of the Isaac story – only this time the sacrifice was completedtime the sacrifice was completed

Christians have stated over the centuries Christians have stated over the centuries that the failure of Abraham to sacrifice that the failure of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac was the root cause of God’s Isaac was the root cause of God’s displeasure with the Jews displeasure with the Jews

Christ “sacrifice” competed the deal for a Christ “sacrifice” competed the deal for a new covenant new covenant • Something right out the Ba’alist concepts Something right out the Ba’alist concepts

Jewish RejectionJewish Rejection

In that time … with the history of the In that time … with the history of the Jews and the explanation for the Jews and the explanation for the destruction of the first temple being destruction of the first temple being the practice of human sacrificethe practice of human sacrifice

• No wonder the Jews could not accept the No wonder the Jews could not accept the new Christian story new Christian story

• It was to them a revival of the practice of It was to them a revival of the practice of passing the children through the fire … in passing the children through the fire … in a new story line. a new story line.

Response to Political and Response to Political and Religious CrisesReligious Crises

In response to crises such as culture conflicts In response to crises such as culture conflicts as the Classical/Jewish wars we find some as the Classical/Jewish wars we find some universal responses ..universal responses ..

1) Accepters – those who went “Greek” 1) Accepters – those who went “Greek”

2) Resisters (active and passive) – 2) Resisters (active and passive) – Maccabees, the EssencesMaccabees, the Essences

3) Mergers, Philo of Alexandria3) Mergers, Philo of Alexandria

4) Morphers – those who attempted to 4) Morphers – those who attempted to maintain the old ways, by masking them maintain the old ways, by masking them with “the new terms.” with “the new terms.”

Response to CrisesResponse to Crises

What happened to each of the groups What happened to each of the groups among the Jews ---among the Jews ---

1) Accepters – Merged into new world 1) Accepters – Merged into new world order - became part of the new Classical order - became part of the new Classical culture - and later the Christian worldculture - and later the Christian world

2) Resisters – destroyed in series of wars 2) Resisters – destroyed in series of wars (mainly ending in the Bar Kochba revolt – (mainly ending in the Bar Kochba revolt – 2/3 of Jews in the empire killed)2/3 of Jews in the empire killed)

3) Mergers, - concept failed and was 3) Mergers, - concept failed and was mainly rejected by both sidesmainly rejected by both sides

4) Morphers – That is the question … was 4) Morphers – That is the question … was Christianity the “morphed” version of the Christianity the “morphed” version of the Ancients world viewAncients world view

Jewish DestructionJewish Destruction

And as history played out …And as history played out …

With the return of the concept of human With the return of the concept of human sacrifice needed to appease god into the sacrifice needed to appease god into the area (through the Christians) in factarea (through the Christians) in fact

• From about 60 AD to 145 AD - As From about 60 AD to 145 AD - As Christianity became more wide spread Christianity became more wide spread

The Jewish State, the second temple and The Jewish State, the second temple and almost all the Jews were destroyed almost all the Jews were destroyed

Judaism Almost EliminateJudaism Almost EliminateThe end of the resisters – The end of the resisters –

From 66AD – 135 AD Rome crushed a From 66AD – 135 AD Rome crushed a series of three major and a number of series of three major and a number of minor Jewish revolts and destroyed minor Jewish revolts and destroyed Judea, the Second Temple,) and Judea, the Second Temple,) and nearly exterminates the Jews in much nearly exterminates the Jews in much of the Eastern Mediterranean worldof the Eastern Mediterranean world

In 135 AD Jews were barred from the In 135 AD Jews were barred from the “holy land” and the city Jerusalem “holy land” and the city Jerusalem was renamed after a Roman god. was renamed after a Roman god.

Proof of Initial Success of Proof of Initial Success of RevoltsRevolts

Coins of the FirstCoins of the FirstRevolt (apx 66 AD)Revolt (apx 66 AD)

Coins from the Coins from the Third Great RevoltThird Great Revoltapx 135 ADapx 135 AD

Notice temple in firstNotice temple in firstNo temple in secondNo temple in second

Judaism Almost EliminatedJudaism Almost Eliminated Through the centuries of revolts … in Through the centuries of revolts … in

the Roman worldthe Roman world

• Jews went from being a curious accepted Jews went from being a curious accepted group (which soon gain followers that group (which soon gain followers that were as much as 10% of the whole were as much as 10% of the whole Empire’s population)Empire’s population)

• To the most hated group in the Empire (at To the most hated group in the Empire (at least by the rulers of the Empire.)least by the rulers of the Empire.)

The great coliseum in Rome was actually paid The great coliseum in Rome was actually paid for by the spoils of the conquest of the Jews, for by the spoils of the conquest of the Jews, and built primarily by Jews slaves who survived and built primarily by Jews slaves who survived the wars (after the crushing of the 66-70 the wars (after the crushing of the 66-70 revolt)revolt)

From the Arch of Titus in RomeFrom the Arch of Titus in Rome The wealth of Jerusalem is displayedThe wealth of Jerusalem is displayed

Christians Sit Out RevoltsChristians Sit Out Revolts The early Christian movement The early Christian movement

(although not called such yet) “sat (although not called such yet) “sat out” the great revolt of 66-70 – one of out” the great revolt of 66-70 – one of the few Jewish Groups to do so the few Jewish Groups to do so

In part the early rejection of the In part the early rejection of the “Christians” by the Jews can be found “Christians” by the Jews can be found in those politics …in those politics …

• When all were needed to fight the When all were needed to fight the Romans – the followers of Jesus refused Romans – the followers of Jesus refused to help.to help.

Why the Anti-Jewish Vent in GospelsWhy the Anti-Jewish Vent in Gospels

And as the first revolt failed and more revolts And as the first revolt failed and more revolts developed – developed –

The defeat of the Jews, the non-The defeat of the Jews, the non-participation of the Christians and the anti-participation of the Christians and the anti-Jewish policies of the Empire can be seen Jewish policies of the Empire can be seen reflected in the Gospels reflected in the Gospels

• The earliest written (before the great revolt (66-The earliest written (before the great revolt (66-70 AD – or just after) was less clear on the “guilt 70 AD – or just after) was less clear on the “guilt of the Jews” in the death of Christof the Jews” in the death of Christ

• The later Gospels … written after the wars … The later Gospels … written after the wars … blamed the Jews and held the Romans harmless. blamed the Jews and held the Romans harmless.

The Gospels reflected the political realities The Gospels reflected the political realities of the times. of the times.

New Religions Arises in the New Religions Arises in the Roman WorldRoman World

As Rome expanded, many religions As Rome expanded, many religions (old and new) become popular with (old and new) become popular with the Roman people. – Christianity had the Roman people. – Christianity had many competitors.many competitors.

• From Egypt - IsisFrom Egypt - Isis• From Persia - MythraFrom Persia - Mythra• And before the revolts - the Jewish godAnd before the revolts - the Jewish god

And also in many forms – And also in many forms –

From the old Phoenicia and Syria - Ba’al From the old Phoenicia and Syria - Ba’al

Three Thousand Years Before Three Thousand Years Before JesusJesus

Isis and Horus Isis and Horus

as the model as the model

for Jesus and for Jesus and

MaryMary

New Religions Arises in the New Religions Arises in the Roman WorldRoman World

These were the really popular gods These were the really popular gods for --- hundreds of years of the for --- hundreds of years of the Roman Empire – after the beginning Roman Empire – after the beginning of Christianity of Christianity

• And once again contrary to the Christian And once again contrary to the Christian history of the world - Christianity was at history of the world - Christianity was at first very slow to prosper and was not first very slow to prosper and was not widely embraced by the Roman world for widely embraced by the Roman world for centuries (if at all) centuries (if at all)

Roman CrisisRoman Crisis

To try and compete to be more popular – To try and compete to be more popular – the Christians morphed by taking elements the Christians morphed by taking elements from other popular religionsfrom other popular religions

• From Isis - Mary worshipFrom Isis - Mary worship• From Mithra – the Christmas Holiday From Mithra – the Christmas Holiday

(Birthday of Mithra – 25(Birthday of Mithra – 25thth of December) of December)• From Hercules (and Ba’al) – the suffering From Hercules (and Ba’al) – the suffering

of Christ –defeating death and much more of Christ –defeating death and much more • From many gods of history – death and From many gods of history – death and

rising rising

And from Ba’al – the concept of sacrificing And from Ba’al – the concept of sacrificing of one’s son for the needs of the worldof one’s son for the needs of the world

Conflict Within ChristianityConflict Within Christianity

Despite some strong objections on Despite some strong objections on part of some “fathers,” the Church part of some “fathers,” the Church eventually incorporated the “Old eventually incorporated the “Old Testament” as part of the Christian Testament” as part of the Christian ReligionReligion

But – There are extensive denouncing But – There are extensive denouncing in the New Jew’s “Old Testament” of in the New Jew’s “Old Testament” of the use of Human Sacrifice – and the use of Human Sacrifice – and worship of Ba’al (the Lord).worship of Ba’al (the Lord).

Answering ConflictsAnswering Conflicts

When the Church was developing – When the Church was developing – human sacrifice was still used – it human sacrifice was still used – it was not a rite of the deep pastwas not a rite of the deep past

• The Roman Emperor Elegabalus was The Roman Emperor Elegabalus was sacrificing the children of senators in sacrificing the children of senators in 220 AD (as part of his worship of Ba’al 220 AD (as part of his worship of Ba’al as the one true god) as the one true god)

Both Jews and others saw the Christ Both Jews and others saw the Christ story as one of a human sacrifice to story as one of a human sacrifice to a demanding Goda demanding God

Answering ConflictsAnswering Conflicts To defend the new Church from the linking To defend the new Church from the linking

to the rite of human sacrifice to the rite of human sacrifice

• Despite multiple references in the New Despite multiple references in the New Testament to Christ being a sacrifice (and Testament to Christ being a sacrifice (and completing the non-sacrifice of Isaac, completing the non-sacrifice of Isaac,

The early Church fathers solved this The early Church fathers solved this apparent problem by saying apparent problem by saying

• Christ could not be a human sacrifice Christ could not be a human sacrifice because … He was not human.because … He was not human.

Answering ConflictsAnswering ConflictsTo defend the new Church for being so similar To defend the new Church for being so similar

to so many of the older religions (a charge to so many of the older religions (a charge frequently set on the new religion)frequently set on the new religion)

The early Church did not deny the similarities The early Church did not deny the similarities they simple said – they simple said –

it was the Devil’s workit was the Devil’s work

• The Church claimed all similarities were The Church claimed all similarities were based on the trick of the Devil. The Devil based on the trick of the Devil. The Devil had planted these religions among men had planted these religions among men from earliest time to trick people from from earliest time to trick people from accepting Jesus when he did come.accepting Jesus when he did come.

Answering ConflictsAnswering Conflicts To try and avoid completely alienating the To try and avoid completely alienating the

“pagans” the Church did not deny the “pagans” the Church did not deny the existence of the traditional gods existence of the traditional gods

• They claimed they were in fact not gods but They claimed they were in fact not gods but

demonsdemons

These three explanations These three explanations

• No human sacrifice cause Jesus was not No human sacrifice cause Jesus was not humanhuman

• Similarities to other religions was the trick Similarities to other religions was the trick of the devil andof the devil and

• Old gods were really demons Old gods were really demons

Is still the official doctrine of the Catholic Is still the official doctrine of the Catholic Church today … Church today …

Precursor for the Western Model Precursor for the Western Model of what Jesus looked likeof what Jesus looked like

The Emperor The Emperor Hadrian so loved Hadrian so loved his male companionhis male companionAntinousAntinousthat when he died(130 AD)that when he died(130 AD)he had him deified he had him deified and his image wasand his image wasplaced through the placed through the Empire … some Empire … some speculate that thespeculate that theimage was popular image was popular that the Christiansthat the Christianstook it as the Westernized took it as the Westernized version of the newversion of the new man/godman/godJesusJesus

Roman CrisisRoman Crisis Christianity only grew as the Empire fell Christianity only grew as the Empire fell

apart – with one crisis after anotherapart – with one crisis after another

• As “this” world failed, people became far more As “this” world failed, people became far more interested in the “next world.”interested in the “next world.”

Slow death of Roman Empire (200-476 AD)Slow death of Roman Empire (200-476 AD)

• Crisis of the Third Century – military dictatorshipsCrisis of the Third Century – military dictatorships• Plagues Plagues • Invasions Invasions

Later emperors made efforts at stability by Later emperors made efforts at stability by becoming absolute monarchs - based on becoming absolute monarchs - based on the Persian style. the Persian style.

Roman CrisisRoman CrisisAs the Emperors move towards absolutism As the Emperors move towards absolutism They needed a theoretic justificationThey needed a theoretic justification

• Monotheism - seemed the solutionMonotheism - seemed the solution

Earth should reflect HeavenEarth should reflect Heaven One God in Heaven – one Emperor on One God in Heaven – one Emperor on

Earth Earth

This movement towards Roman monotheism This movement towards Roman monotheism was started by the Emperors around 200 – was started by the Emperors around 200 –

• It at first had nothing to do with It at first had nothing to do with ChristianityChristianity

Same on Earth as it is in HeavenSame on Earth as it is in Heaven

Justinian’sJustinian’s

courtcourt

imitating imitating

their image their image

of Heavenof Heaven

Roman Response to CrisisRoman Response to Crisis

But Which God? But Which God? •First effort Ba’al (220’s) First effort Ba’al (220’s) •Then Mithras and laterThen Mithras and later•Sol and also Sol InvictusSol and also Sol Invictus

It was Sol Invictus that was the It was Sol Invictus that was the god of Constantine – Not Jesus.god of Constantine – Not Jesus.

Finally about 350-400 Finally about 350-400 ChristianityChristianity won out won out

They All Started to Look AlikeThey All Started to Look Alike

SolSol

InvictusInvictus

Not Not

Jesus Jesus From the timeFrom the time

Of ConstantineOf Constantine

They All Started to Look AlikeThey All Started to Look Alike

Jesus as Jesus as

the good the good

Shepherd – Shepherd – Directly copiedDirectly copiedFrom the GreekFrom the Greek

HermesHermes

And PersianAnd Persian

Mithras art ofMithras art of

centuries centuries

beforebefore

How Christians WonHow Christians Won The Christians say they won the internal religions The Christians say they won the internal religions

war because of the truth of their storywar because of the truth of their story

However they won becauseHowever they won because

• In a very dangerous world – where violent death In a very dangerous world – where violent death became common – became common –

• They put far more emphasis on afterlife, and fate They put far more emphasis on afterlife, and fate of souls then any other previous religion, of souls then any other previous religion,

They also opened the “joys” of the afterworld They also opened the “joys” of the afterworld to everyone … not just heroesto everyone … not just heroes

• And they willing supported the Emperor’s claim to And they willing supported the Emperor’s claim to absolutism on earth .. To match God’s absolutism absolutism on earth .. To match God’s absolutism in heaven. – they did so after extensive bribes in heaven. – they did so after extensive bribes

Answering ConflictsAnswering Conflicts

Church attacked challenger by calling all Church attacked challenger by calling all who do not accept teachings as “heretics” who do not accept teachings as “heretics”

Eventual the religion becomes the “cult Eventual the religion becomes the “cult religion” of the Emperors (fourth effort at religion” of the Emperors (fourth effort at One Emperor, One God)One Emperor, One God)

The Emperors start to demand conformity The Emperors start to demand conformity

• Non-Belief (in the power of the Emperor on earth Non-Belief (in the power of the Emperor on earth and God in heaven) becomes a capital crimeand God in heaven) becomes a capital crime

Christians in PowerChristians in Power Once power is obtained, Christians Once power is obtained, Christians

strongly repress “Classicalist” with strongly repress “Classicalist” with extensive killings, “burning of books” extensive killings, “burning of books” and other overt acts to repress the and other overt acts to repress the concepts of the Classical world concepts of the Classical world

Perhaps 100 times more people were Perhaps 100 times more people were killed in Christian efforts to repress killed in Christian efforts to repress the remaining believers in other the remaining believers in other religions then Christians killed by religions then Christians killed by Rome during the efforts to repress Rome during the efforts to repress Christianity . (300,000 vs. 3,000)Christianity . (300,000 vs. 3,000)

Roman CrisisRoman Crisis Solution didn’t work in the WestSolution didn’t work in the West

• After great resistance to the imposition of After great resistance to the imposition of Christianity in the West … it did little to Christianity in the West … it did little to help the Empire survive (Last of a long help the Empire survive (Last of a long line of weak emperors in 476 CE)line of weak emperors in 476 CE)

Christian in fighting created chaos Christian in fighting created chaos

and much loss in the Eastand much loss in the East• Religions conflicts in the East over the Religions conflicts in the East over the

nature of Christ and much more … lost nature of Christ and much more … lost the Empire all of the Middle East and the Empire all of the Middle East and Africa --- Africa ---

The people accepted Persian and Muslim rule The people accepted Persian and Muslim rule rather then the tyranny of the central church in rather then the tyranny of the central church in Constantinople Constantinople

Success of Christianity Leads to Success of Christianity Leads to End of Classical Learning in the End of Classical Learning in the

WestWest Extensive internally fighting among Extensive internally fighting among

Christians continued concerning the Christians continued concerning the rites and rituals of the new religion, rites and rituals of the new religion, leading to extensive division leading to extensive division

Arian Christianity and many other Arian Christianity and many other “heresies” repressed with increasing “heresies” repressed with increasing violence violence

• East and West church final split about East and West church final split about 1000 AD 1000 AD

West in ShamblesWest in Shambles – Thought – Thought RepressedRepressed

500 – 1492 Reduced Western Christian world is mostly 500 – 1492 Reduced Western Christian world is mostly devoid of importance and knowledge devoid of importance and knowledge

For hundreds of years, they focus on fending off For hundreds of years, they focus on fending off Muslims, Vikings, Mongols and a host of other Muslims, Vikings, Mongols and a host of other peoples, andpeoples, and

• Seeing each of these invaders as the “Wrath of Seeing each of these invaders as the “Wrath of God” the Christians create efforts at conformity God” the Christians create efforts at conformity and not allowing for any thought not represented and not allowing for any thought not represented as good in the Bible.as good in the Bible.

When on the offensive against Muslim world and When on the offensive against Muslim world and Eastern Church and heretics Western Christians Eastern Church and heretics Western Christians destroy all that does not conform – and murder destroy all that does not conform – and murder millions – millions –

• Based on God Wills itBased on God Wills it

Outcomes of Christianity in the Outcomes of Christianity in the WestWest

From the Old Testament - the Church adopts Jewish fears From the Old Testament - the Church adopts Jewish fears concerning wrath of Godconcerning wrath of God

Each new invasion, plague or earthquake – became Each new invasion, plague or earthquake – became “evidence” of God’s wrath for failure to live by “his “evidence” of God’s wrath for failure to live by “his rules”rules”

They took the requirements of the Second Jewish They took the requirements of the Second Jewish Commonwealth of the responsibility of every single Commonwealth of the responsibility of every single one to conform of God with punish all one to conform of God with punish all

To protect the whole Christian world from God’s Wrath To protect the whole Christian world from God’s Wrath --- The Church supported --- The Church supported

• Forced conversionForced conversion• Religious terror (Inquisition)Religious terror (Inquisition)• Wholesale killings of “non-believers” Wholesale killings of “non-believers”

OutcomesOutcomesIn Europe In Europe

All thought not in the Bible is condemned as All thought not in the Bible is condemned as being hereticalbeing heretical

The traditional image of Ba’al evolves into The traditional image of Ba’al evolves into the model for the Devilthe model for the Devil

And all reference to the Phoenician And all reference to the Phoenician contribution to the world is suppressed and contribution to the world is suppressed and

Jews become “the untouchables”Jews become “the untouchables”

Religious Terror to State TerrorReligious Terror to State TerrorThe rational and techniques to enforce religious The rational and techniques to enforce religious

conformity were eventually adopted by “States” of conformity were eventually adopted by “States” of 20th Century to enforce national conformity20th Century to enforce national conformity

The justification of mass killings of “citizens” of The justification of mass killings of “citizens” of states by their own rulers is found in the concepts of states by their own rulers is found in the concepts of the small Jewish colony and then expanded by the the small Jewish colony and then expanded by the Christians – toward of God’s Wrath or in modern Christians – toward of God’s Wrath or in modern terms terms

• To protect the RevolutionTo protect the Revolution• To secure the nation from minorities, radicals … To secure the nation from minorities, radicals …

“the other”“the other”• To keep racial or religious purity To keep racial or religious purity

The great mega deaths of the 20The great mega deaths of the 20thth century are all century are all based in the justification of the Church to kill non-based in the justification of the Church to kill non-believers --- to protect the “good” believers --- to protect the “good”

Morphing RecognizedMorphing Recognized Modern religious historians and Modern religious historians and

researchers all recognized the researchers all recognized the “evolution” of religions.“evolution” of religions.

• They see the transitions from spirit They see the transitions from spirit worship to goddess worship to sky gods worship to goddess worship to sky gods worship to modern versions of all the old worship to modern versions of all the old storiesstories

• They see the influence of Persian They see the influence of Persian religions taken into the West and retold religions taken into the West and retold

• They see how rites basically stay the They see how rites basically stay the same with variations in story line and same with variations in story line and meaningsmeanings

Same as BeforeSame as Before If an ancient person from Egypt or Phoenicia If an ancient person from Egypt or Phoenicia

came back today and went to a Roman came back today and went to a Roman Catholic Mass –Catholic Mass –

Perhaps 80% or more would seem Perhaps 80% or more would seem recognizable from their religious riterecognizable from their religious rite

• Some acts would be symbolic rather then actual Some acts would be symbolic rather then actual • They would clearly see the Christ figure as a They would clearly see the Christ figure as a

telling of a human sacrifice – right out of their telling of a human sacrifice – right out of their traditions traditions

But the stories would be the same – with But the stories would be the same – with names changed names changed

Morphing Not Explored - in Morphing Not Explored - in SPAINSPAIN

While the “morphing of religion is generally accepted – While the “morphing of religion is generally accepted – few historians include the issues of human few historians include the issues of human sacrifice…. But it clearly there … for example sacrifice…. But it clearly there … for example

In 1500 BC till at lease 150 BC or so … in what is now In 1500 BC till at lease 150 BC or so … in what is now Spain Spain

• Every so often there be a big public holiday – Every so often there be a big public holiday – which ended with the burning of people in the which ended with the burning of people in the name of their godsname of their gods

In 1500 AD till about 1870 AD or so --- in what is In 1500 AD till about 1870 AD or so --- in what is now Spain now Spain

• Every so often there be a big public holiday – Every so often there be a big public holiday – which ended with the burning of people in the which ended with the burning of people in the name of their god (actually Three gods in one) name of their god (actually Three gods in one)

In SpainIn Spain The first burning of people was done in the The first burning of people was done in the

name of Ba’al or equivalent Gods (and name of Ba’al or equivalent Gods (and lasted in Spain from perhaps as early as lasted in Spain from perhaps as early as 2000 BC to about 150 BC – (When Rome 2000 BC to about 150 BC – (When Rome took over)took over)

The second burning of people was done in The second burning of people was done in the name of Jesus (and lasted until about the name of Jesus (and lasted until about 1870’s)1870’s)

• The estimates of the actual numbers of persons The estimates of the actual numbers of persons burned in “the Auto de Fe” of the Spanish burned in “the Auto de Fe” of the Spanish Inquisition range from a few thousand to Inquisition range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands – but there is no dispute hundreds of thousands – but there is no dispute that ceremonies took place that ceremonies took place

Art Shows the Auto De FeArt Shows the Auto De Fe

A painting A painting

of a 1476 of a 1476

Auto De FeAuto De Fe

See See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoAuto_de_fé_de_fé

Ba’al Rituals ContinuedBa’al Rituals Continued - - Morphed Morphed

The rituals of Ba’al were morphedThe rituals of Ba’al were morphed• The rational and justification of the The rational and justification of the

rituals were changed to meet “Christian rituals were changed to meet “Christian concepts” but …concepts” but …

• The burnings of the Inquisition are the The burnings of the Inquisition are the same rites and purposes of the burnings same rites and purposes of the burnings of the children of the of the children of the Phoenicians/Carthaginians Phoenicians/Carthaginians

Not only was Jesus Ba’al – but the rites of Not only was Jesus Ba’al – but the rites of Ba’al became the rites of Jesus. Ba’al became the rites of Jesus.

In Europe Under the ChristiansIn Europe Under the Christians In 800 years of Christian domination in Europe – In 800 years of Christian domination in Europe –

(1000 AD to 1800 AD)(1000 AD to 1800 AD)

• Between the Inquisitions and witch hunts and Between the Inquisitions and witch hunts and Pogroms against JewsPogroms against Jews

A conservative figure of 500,000 people were A conservative figure of 500,000 people were publicly burned to death in ceremonies similar to publicly burned to death in ceremonies similar to only one other religious group - that of Ba’alism only one other religious group - that of Ba’alism

• These burnings took place in the areas where the These burnings took place in the areas where the Ba’alist and their allies/off shoots - the Celts were Ba’alist and their allies/off shoots - the Celts were dominant for centuries … therefore the burning of dominant for centuries … therefore the burning of people had been common for centuries -- these people had been common for centuries -- these were were

Religious rites continued in a morphed form Religious rites continued in a morphed form

Burning of People Became Burning of People Became “Common”“Common”

In the late middleIn the late middle

Ages witch burningsAges witch burnings

became “common”became “common”

in Europe within Europe with

estimates rangingestimates ranging

from a some 30,000from a some 30,000

to 5 million burnedto 5 million burned

Jesus Is Ba’al’s Rituals MorphedJesus Is Ba’al’s Rituals Morphed

We have shown --- We have shown --- That to the Jews, (the new Jews) the That to the Jews, (the new Jews) the

idea of human sacrifice was what idea of human sacrifice was what caused the most wrath of God –caused the most wrath of God –

That to the Phoenicians - and many That to the Phoenicians - and many other ancient religions …(including other ancient religions …(including the old Jews) human sacrifice was the the old Jews) human sacrifice was the highest form of all rituals - an act highest form of all rituals - an act loved by the Gods loved by the Gods

Jesus Is Ba’al Rituals MorphedJesus Is Ba’al Rituals Morphed

We have shownWe have shown

The efforts to repress the rituals of the Old The efforts to repress the rituals of the Old Jews and the Phoenicians resulted in the Jews and the Phoenicians resulted in the religions –morphing the stories and ritualsreligions –morphing the stories and rituals

• The destruction of the Jews and the openness of The destruction of the Jews and the openness of the Romans allowed for this morphing to take the Romans allowed for this morphing to take shape in which the central part of the “ancient” shape in which the central part of the “ancient” religions are made symbolic religions are made symbolic

The Christ Sacrifice is the final human The Christ Sacrifice is the final human sacrifice needed sacrifice needed


We have shownWe have shown The symbolic ritual was changes into the The symbolic ritual was changes into the

actual revival of the Ba’alist ritual of actual revival of the Ba’alist ritual of burning people to appease the gods or god.burning people to appease the gods or god.

• In the name of Christ hundreds of thousands of In the name of Christ hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions of people were killed in people, if not millions of people were killed in public burnings public burnings

And please not this is not counting the millions of And please not this is not counting the millions of others killed in religious based wars … this others killed in religious based wars … this number is only those publicly burned for being number is only those publicly burned for being “the other” … to appease or protect us from the “the other” … to appease or protect us from the Wrath of God. Wrath of God.


And we have shownAnd we have shown

That the ideas of Christianity was not based That the ideas of Christianity was not based in Jewish thought or rituals but in Ba’alist in Jewish thought or rituals but in Ba’alist thought and rituals thought and rituals

• The Jews abhorred human sacrificeThe Jews abhorred human sacrifice• The Christians saw the human sacrifice as the The Christians saw the human sacrifice as the

center of their religion – as did the Ba’alistcenter of their religion – as did the Ba’alist

Therefore we must conclude that Therefore we must conclude that Christianity was Ba’al revitalized – morphed Christianity was Ba’al revitalized – morphed into another retelling of ancient stories into another retelling of ancient stories

• Christ was and is Ba’al retold –Christ was and is Ba’al retold –


And in the end … And in the end …

Through the success of Through the success of Christianity the rivalry of Christianity the rivalry of Ba’alism and Yahwahism was Ba’alism and Yahwahism was won by Ba’alism won by Ba’alism

Addendums Addendums

Various World Views of the Major Various World Views of the Major Religious Groups of the “Ancient Religious Groups of the “Ancient World”World”


FrameFrame ““Persian View” – A world of Persian View” – A world of

constant conflict between good constant conflict between good and evil – Two separate deities and evil – Two separate deities (dualism)(dualism)

Sacrifices as far less important – Sacrifices as far less important – Good deeds and right living are far Good deeds and right living are far more valued more valued

The rule of evil prevails now – but The rule of evil prevails now – but soon good will come to rule-soon good will come to rule-

There will be a time of final There will be a time of final judgment and the dead will be judgment and the dead will be resurrected and judged, this world resurrected and judged, this world of evil will end. of evil will end.

Religious Conflicts During Time FrameReligious Conflicts During Time Frame

Pre-Exile Jewish View Pre-Exile Jewish View • Jewish view on human sacrifice unclear. Jewish view on human sacrifice unclear.

All the first opens the Matrix is mineAll the first opens the Matrix is mine Hero sacrifices daughterHero sacrifices daughter Whole cities are slaughter to please GodWhole cities are slaughter to please God David hangs seven men (to God) to end drought David hangs seven men (to God) to end drought

• Isaac story classic foundation myth with the Isaac story classic foundation myth with the human sacrifice to solidify contract between human sacrifice to solidify contract between man and god. man and god.

Was Isaac sacrifice?Was Isaac sacrifice?

• Reforms of Josiah – In kingdom of Judah – Do Reforms of Josiah – In kingdom of Judah – Do not holdnot hold

When was the book of Deuteronomy written? When was the book of Deuteronomy written?


Ancients and Classical “Death and Ancients and Classical “Death and Rising Gods” Rising Gods” • Most often associated with the cycle Most often associated with the cycle

of the crops – God dies in winter, of the crops – God dies in winter, revived in spring – etc. Multiple revived in spring – etc. Multiple examples, including the Ba’al cycle examples, including the Ba’al cycle found in ancient Phoenician text.found in ancient Phoenician text.

Jewish concepts of “monotheism” Jewish concepts of “monotheism” and ten commandments, etc. and ten commandments, etc.


FrameFrame ““Jewish View – Post Babylonian Exile - Jewish View – Post Babylonian Exile -

One God – All rulers of the world operate One God – All rulers of the world operate as his agent as his agent • Sacrifices needed for many occasions – for Sacrifices needed for many occasions – for

same issues – as Ancientssame issues – as Ancients• Human Sacrifice seen as cause for God’s wrath Human Sacrifice seen as cause for God’s wrath

– and destruction of previous states – and destruction of previous states Role of everyone to enforce all of the Role of everyone to enforce all of the

rules of God – not just priest, or kings, rules of God – not just priest, or kings, but all people – but all people –

Allowing for non-conformity of anyone Allowing for non-conformity of anyone threatens the return of God’s wrath and threatens the return of God’s wrath and the destruction of all.the destruction of all.


Persian – dual conflicts between good Persian – dual conflicts between good and evil – the existence of the devil, and evil – the existence of the devil, coming resolution … resurrection of coming resolution … resurrection of the dead. (All element of the dead. (All element of Zoroastrianism, especial the sect Zoroastrianism, especial the sect called Zurvanism) called Zurvanism)

Mystery Cults of Egypt and Greece – Mystery Cults of Egypt and Greece – much of the elements of the “mass” much of the elements of the “mass” are found in the practices of the cultsare found in the practices of the cults


Knew this concept, and understood Knew this concept, and understood the concept of God’s sacrificing his the concept of God’s sacrificing his only son in time of Crisis and saw this only son in time of Crisis and saw this concept to be one the most ancient of concept to be one the most ancient of their stories - going back to the very their stories - going back to the very foundation stories of their foundation stories of their (Phoenician) culture –(Phoenician) culture –

But this concept was completely But this concept was completely opposite of the Jewish world view of opposite of the Jewish world view of the time. the time.

The Ba'al Theory of Christianity

Spiritual

Transcript of The Ba'al Theory of Christianity