Jesusism - Just Another First Century Mystery Cult

[RoadRunner79]

Ok... it seems that the consensus is that Mithraism didn't become poplular until about the mid 1st century.    Is this discovery changing that?   Is it now thought to be more extensive earlier?
If I am remembering correctly it is thought to be some speculation of differences between the Mithra found much earlier in Egypt (and of which we know little about, since there isn't written records), and the later Greek mystery religionm which became popular.

Well ideas baby,

strange birth,
redemption and renewal,
death and resurrection.

An idea prevalent around the same time of Messianism.

Accepted by the the Romans,

Prevalent around the Roman world, from my country to Palestine.

Only really died out post Constantine.

Ok... this is a bit choppy (partial sentences and all), but I'm getting the idea a little bit.
Concerning your critieria... 1.) strange birth - This seems to be a little vague. If a leader today, had a strange birth, then would this qualify? 2.) Redemption and renewal - I think that you will find this common to many compelling stories, and is hardly unique to mystery religions. 3.) Death and resurrection - This is a part, that from what I have researched, is often stretched and strained in trying to make a comparison to Christianity.

The problem seems to be, that this theory, is difficult to make a connection with, without some evidence of either change in the group that is said to have borrowed from, or some other strong tie. You had mentioned, an archeological find around the beginning of the first century. I am guessing that this hasn't changed the view that mithra didn't become common in Rome until the mid 1st century. I would agree, that the group was present before we have strong evidence to it (either written or archeological). That it is likely that it didn't just appear suddenly and in force, the moment that we show a strong presence of it in history. However it needs to be shown that it was a strong influence, to make the case that is being attempted. Do you think the archeological find you mentioned shows this kind of presence at that time? It does seem that there is some indication that Mithraism started from the Roman military (kind of a secret club), but it still seems to be the consensus that it gained momentum after Christianity later in the 1st century.

And I think this brings up another criticism of this view of mythacism. An error of composition. Where all the mystery religions are compiled and treated as one. And whatever part that is needed to claim influence from whatever group is then picked and utilized. However much of the prominence of these regions came after and is even sometimes criticized for being influenced the other way by the story of Christ.

This is what I gather from respected historians anyways, and why this view is held in much regard by the majority of the field.