Page 267 - Foundations

origin. The New Testament reveals no practice of Christ, His apostles, or the early disciples observing
holidays at the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, but pagan religions have done so from ancient
times. The date of the Jewish Passover is determined in an entirely different manner from that of
Easter, and it has distinct rites and symbols that are not present in Easter traditions.

Though the Bible does not state plainly when Christ was born, clues in the gospels point to an
Autumn birth that likely occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles. Early Christians in Rome began
celebrating the birth of the Son of God in December to appease current practice among sun
worshipers of holding a great celebration at the time of the Winter solstice. The Romans worshiped
the sun under the name Sol Invictus, “the unconquered sun.” In late December they observed Dies
Natalis Solis Invicti, a holiday that translates as “the birthday of the unconquered sun.”

Sol Invictus Stele, circa 150-200 A.D.

Note the sun rays circling the head of Sol Invictus. A female moon goddess can be seen next to Sol
Invictus, bearing a crescent moon on her head. The similarity between Sol Invictus and the Statue of
Liberty standing in New York’s harbor is not coincidental. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the
Freemasons of France to the United States. Freemasonry is one of many human institutions that have
kept alive the ancient Babylonian teachings, symbols, and customs.

If we strip away all the pagan trappings that have been incorporated into Christianity in the past 2,000
years, we will find that the customs, traditions, and doctrines of the apostles bear little resemblance
to what is observed in Christianity today. Nevertheless, there are still basic tenets of the apostolic faith
that did appear in pagan religions that pre-date the New Testament by centuries. Following are some
examples.

Divine Trinity
One of the most ancient civilizations that arose in the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia was Sumeria.
Historian H.S. Hooke informs us that over 4,000 years ago the Sumerians believed in a divine trinity.
Anu was the great god of heaven, the “Father,” and the “King of the Gods.” Enlil was the creator god
and god of the earth. Ea was the god of the waters and “lord of wisdom.” One can perceive some
parallels to the God of the Bible in this Sumerian trinity. Yahweh is the “Father” and His throne is
in the heavens. His Son, Yahshua created all things. The Holy Spirit reveals to man the mind, or
“wisdom” of God, and the first mention of the Holy Spirit in the Bible speaks of Him as brooding
over the waters of the earth.