The Growth Of The Mystery Cult Of Mithraism - 1664 Words

This paper would focus on the growth of the mystery cult of Mithraism and its popularity in Ancient Rome. Mithraism was popular in Ancient Rome for its similarity in views that the actions and lifestyle of a person determined whether a person would be a reward or punished in the afterlife. A reward is happiness and peace and being able to ascend to the stars while a punishment is being tortured somewhere underground. It is hard to understand why Mithraism became popular in Ancient Rome or is there is any actual textual evidence that can link the religion origin. All the information gather is derived from depiction on monuments and the limited mentions of the cult in literary sources. We see mention of the cult in the Persian religion†¦show more content†¦There is no date, but the inscription tells us that it was dedicated by a certain Alcimus, steward of T, Claudius Livianus. Vermaseren and Gordon believe that this Livianus was a commander of the praetorian guard in 101CE, which would give an early date of approximate 98 CE. The Principles of Mithraism To understand the structure of Mithraism’s and its belief of the afterlife, we need to know the principles that govern this cult. One principle that I will focus on will be the principle of the immortality of the soul. Mithraism believes that the soul was immortal and was in the body for a short period, like Plato’s view of the soul. The worshipper’s actions determined the fate of the soul, sins lead to punishment and actions of good lead to rewards. Mithra, of course, did try to seek good and truth for everyone. There is a belief that the soul came from the eternal home of light at birth through the gate of Cancer, bypassing the seven planetary spheres to earth. As the soul passed through each sphere it becomes more and more impure. When the worshipper is initiated, their first period on earth is to gain purity by practicing courage and truth. Afterward, the person dies, and their souls are judged. Of course, Mithra the protector of truth is there to judge. If the soul has livedShow MoreRelatedThe Fullness of Time1279 Words   |  6 Pagesmultifaceted, but predominately political. At the height of the empire around 200 A.D., there was a period of great peace known as Roman Peace or â€Å"Pax Romana.† Initiated under Caesar Augustus, this era was a time of cultural and economic growth. â€Å"With its borders secure and a stable central government, the Roman Empire enjoyed a period of prosperity, technological advance, great achievements in the arts, and flourishing trade and commerce.† As the empire widened, imperial powerRead MoreEssay The Pagan Faith and Christian Holidays3419 Words   |  14 Pagesempire, it easily shows growth and reformation in ideas. Christianity began only two thousand years ago, but has already grown to become one of the worlds major religions. It began in Palestine, a small country in the Middle East on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (Noss 589). It quickly spread southward into Northern Africa and westward into Europe.    Christianity began in what was the Roman Empire. Largely ignored by the masses, it was a small monotheistic cult in a polytheistic societyRead MoreA Picatrix Miscellany52019 Words   |  209 PagesMagic Aphorisms Extracts on Planetary Ritual Clothing Twenty Two Benefic Astrological Talismans Astrology, Magical Talismans and the Mansions of the Moon Ritual of Jupiter An Astrological Election of Mercury in the First Face of Virgo for Wealth and Growth XIV. Invocation of Mercury On the Decans and Tarot XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. A Brief History of Tarot The Decans in Astrology Overview of Recent Tarot Works That Reference the Picatrix Magical Uses of the Tarot Colophon VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII.