Mithras Mysteries and Initiation Rediscovered

D. Jason Cooper

ISBN 10: 0877288658 / ISBN 13: 9780877288657

Published by Weiser Books June 1996, York Beach, Me, 1996

Fine Trade Paperback. First Edition. 8vo Great condition. Illus. One of the few books to explore this important faith that stretched from Persia to Arthurian Britain. Many Illus. Clean great condition. NOT a library copy. See our scans. Seller Inventory # 014216

Synopsis:

Known as Mitra to the Indians, Mithra and Zarathustra (Zoroaster in Greek) to the Iranians, and Mithras to the Romans, this is the oldest of all living deities. Mithras was recognized as the greatest rival of Christianity, a greater threat even than the religion of Isis. If Rome had not become Christian, it would have become Mithrasian. Mithraisians had a sacrament that included wine as a symbol of sacrificial blood. Bread in wafers, or small loaves marked with a cross, was used to symbolize flesh. The priestly symbols were a staff, a ring, a hat, and a hooked sword/ members were called brothers, and priests were called "Father." Mithras was born on December 25th. He offered salvation based on faith, compassion, knowledge, and valor. He appealed to the poor, the slave and the freeman, as well as to the Roman aristocracy, the militia, and even to some emperors. The Christians sacked his temples, burned his books, and attacked his followers--they desecrated his temples, and built their own churches on the same foundations as the old Mithraic temples. Cooper examines Mithras and his religion in the most complete study ever done. He explores the various forms of this godworshiped from Lisbon to modrn Bangladesh, from the Scottish border to the Russian Steppesand investigates the worship. This is an exciting journey into living mythology, the history of a living god, and will fascinate modern Western readers who want to know more about the spiritual pathwhether they want to better understand contemporary Christianity, the basis of many contemporary ideaologies, mythology, or the Western Mystery Tradition.

About the Author:

D. Jason Cooper is the author of Mithras 

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mithras Mysteries and Initiation Rediscovered
Publisher: Weiser Books June 1996, York Beach, Me
Publication Date: 1996
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Fine
Edition: 1st Edition