The image, Jung contended, came from the ancient Hellenic mystery cult of Mithras, a pagan god associated with sun worship.
22.
Charles-Fran�ois Dupuis, in the late 18th century, went further by claiming that all Christianity originated in the mystery cults.
23.
Some aspects of the mysteries of Isis and of other mystery cults, particularly their connection with the afterlife, resemble important elements of Christianity.
24.
Although it was Roman practice to incorporate other religions instead of trying to eradicate them, the secrecy of some mystery cults was regarded with suspicion.
25.
The most distinctive trait of Christian communion the belief that the god himself was the victim of the sacrifice was not present in the mystery cults.
26.
Then, as now, devotion to private and mystery cults was acceptable within limits; excessive or exclusive devotion to one cult were marks of superstition and obsession.
27.
Temples to Isis in Greece may have developed their mysteries in response to the widespread belief that the Greek mystery cults had originated with Isis and Osiris in Egypt.
28.
The 17th-century Protestant scholar Isaac Casaubon brought up the question again by accusing the Catholic Church of deriving its sacraments from the rituals of the mystery cults.
29.
Gardnerian Wicca and other forms of British Traditional Wicca operate as an initiatory mystery cult; membership is gained only through initiation by a Wiccan High Priestess or High Priest.
30.
The later Principate saw the rise in popularity among the military of Eastern mystery cults, generally centred on one deity, and involving secret rituals divulged only to initiates.
