The ‘Plagiarism by Anticipation’ Argument
The early years of Christianity were characterised by a confluence of cultural, social, and religious influences that enriched the developing faith, but also led to significant tension and conflict. Among these tensions lies the relationship between Christianity and various mystery religions prevalent during the Roman Empire, particularly the cult of Mithras. The similarities between the stories of Mithras and Jesus—ceremonial practices, the notion of a dying and resurrected saviour, and themes of light versus darkness—have prompted some Christian fundamentalists to adopt a controversial apologetic stance known as “plagiarism by anticipation.”
Understanding Plagiarism by Anticipation
The concept of “plagiarism by anticipation” posits that the narrative of Jesus was not merely a copying of older stories but was preemptively countered by Satan’s foreknowledge of the biblical narrative. According to this argument, Satan, aware of the divine plan for humanity’s redemption through Jesus Christ, purportedly orchestrated the creation of similar myths, notably that of Mithras, to confuse and mislead people away from the Christian faith.
This reasoning serves multiple purposes within Christian fundamentalist discourse:
Affirming Divine Foreknowledge: It reaffirms a fundamental belief in God’s omniscience and the idea that the story of Jesus is part of a divine blueprint. If God’s plan is eternal, then Satan’s attempts to thwart it must also be seen as part of the narrative.
Reinforcing the Authenticity of Christianity: This argument seeks to cement Christianity as the ultimate truth, claiming that the existence of similar stories before the life of Jesus was a form of Satanic deception to undermine the uniqueness of the Christian message.
Creating a Dichotomy: By framing the origins of other religious stories as satanic counterfeits, fundamentalists draw a clear line between the truth of Christianity and the falsehood of other philosophies and religions, positioning believers in a battle against spiritual deception.
The Story of Mithras
Mithras, alongside many other deities in the pantheon of ancient mystery religions, was worshipped by Roman soldiers and ultra-orthodox factions seeking secret knowledge and initiation rites. His narrative involved a birth, suffering, and resurrection, sending a compelling mythos that resonated with many of the Hellenistic cultures of the time. For example, the symbolism of light, resurrection, and the fight against chaos were all integral themes that, on the surface, bear striking similarities to the story of Jesus.
Critiques and Controversy
While the plagiarism by anticipation argument presents a method of answering critiques surrounding the origins of Christian stories, it faces significant scrutiny. Critics argue that:
Historical Context Matters: The academic community holds that cultural exchanges were common in the religious milieu of the ancient world. Stories often evolved symbiotically rather than in opposition, with ideas circulating through trade, conquest, and conquest.
Mythological Patterns: Common themes such as resurrection, divine sacrifice, and the death/rebirth cycle recur in various religious traditions, not exclusively linked to one another or a singular source. These patterns hint at a collective human experience rather than an artificial creation by a malevolent force.
Satanification of Other Beliefs: This approach can lead to an oppressive perspective that alienates and demonises those following different spiritual paths. It does not engage in genuine dialogue; rather, it reinforces division.
The argument of plagiarism by anticipation illustrates how deeply entrenched theological perspectives can shape interpretations of historical events and narratives. While it serves to defend and bolster fundamentalist beliefs, it invites a broader reflection on how religious traditions intertwine, overlap, and evolve over time. Understanding these complex interactions requires a more nuanced approach that appreciates the historical depth and sociocultural context of all belief systems.
Acknowledging the rich tapestry of religious narratives can lead to a more inclusive dialogue about faith, spirituality, and the shared human experience.
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