Did Christianity Borrow From Pagan Religions?
There is a popular view that Christianity borrowed its beliefs from pagan religions. You can find any number of articles and videos on the internet, proclaiming this idea. The implication is that Jesus did not really exist and that the things taught about Him were not really true but just a rehashing of earlier, pagan religions. Is there any evidence for that?
Was Christianity Copied From Pagan Myths? - James M. Rochford (Evidence Unseen)
Why The Pre-Jesus Mythologies fail To Prove Jesus Is A Myth - J. Warner Wallace (Coldcase Christianity)
Why We Shouldn't Be Surprised Some Pre-Christian Deities Are Similar To Jesus - J. Warner Wallace (Coldcase Christianity)
The Pagan Jesus - Chris Price (Apologetics Canada)
Zeitgeist, the Movie
Mithraism
Is Jesus Simply A Retelling Of The Mithras Mythology? - J. Warner Wallace
Did Christianity Steal From Mithraism? - (Come Reason)
Doesn't The Religion Of Mithra Prove That Christianity Is False? - Matt Slick (Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry)
Very vague similarities are not evidence of borrowing.
Here is one attempt to say that Christianity borrowed its ideas from Mithraism. But note the following:
the early Christians were strongly opposed to Mithraism
much of the Mithra cult comes from later than Christianity. It might be that Mitraism copied from Christianity but it is impossible that Christianity borrowed from Mithraism. The church fathers were upset that Mithraism was parodying Christianity.
even where there are suggestions that Mitraism was old, very vague language is used e.g. "his origins could be much more ancient"
parallels are spotted where they do not exist.
A meal of chickens, bread and wine must be Communion! Wow, as if people did not often eat bread and drink wine!
Being born from a rock or a living egg equals a virgin birth!
Was December 25 chosen as the date for Christmas because it was Mithra's birthday? No, it was the Winter solstice. And who said it was Mithra's birthday?
So, is there really any credible evidence that Christianity got its ideas from Mithraism?
Osiris
To get an idea of some of the claims, watch this video. Then watch the ones underneath.
Further Resources
There is a collection of resources on the movie ZeitGeist here.