How many ways are there to say it? The dying/resurrected vegetation god was a common motif in the Ancient Mediterrranean. "Jesus" was nothing special. In fact, the only thing that sets xtianity apart from the other cults was the viciousness of their followers in stamping out earlier religions.
http://www.denverseminary.edu/article/th...urrection/
( I deliberately put Professor Hess' position at the Denver Seminary in the quote so that xtians can shit bricks.
I like that even more than muffins.
http://www.denverseminary.edu/article/th...urrection/
Quote:The origins of the dying and rising gods are to be found in the Sumerian and Akkadian myths associated with Dumuzi and his borrowing of vegetation forms from Ningishzida and possibly Damu. The result is a god who is celebrated as one who does go into the underworld for part of the year and then re-emerges. That such rituals did take place among West Semites as early as 18th century Mari is shown from texts there. This certainly could have influenced the Baal myths at Ugarit and Dumuzi remained a force in the background of the Phoenician and later Mediterranean rituals and myths associated with vegetation. Mettinger has provided the reader with a valuable guide of all important ancient sources relevant to this question. From a great mass of diverse data he has judiciously argued a conclusion that may not persuade everyone but becomes a primary source for future discussion.
Richard S. Hess, Ph.D.
Professor of Old Testament
Denver Seminary
( I deliberately put Professor Hess' position at the Denver Seminary in the quote so that xtians can shit bricks.
I like that even more than muffins.
