Christianity, Freemasonry, and the Myth of Mithraism: A Perspective by an Iranian-American Ex-Muslim Christian
By Bobby Darvish – darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
Growing up in Iran, I witnessed the complex interplay of religions, ideologies, and the often-unseen power of narratives shaped by those with agendas. As an ex-Muslim, now a Christian and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I am familiar with how various ideologies, especially Islamism and communism, seek to undermine both Christianity and Freemasonry. One recurring myth they propagate is the claim that Christianity, and at times Freemasonry, have their roots in the ancient mystery religion of Mithraism. But this argument has little basis in historical truth and often serves as a tool to discredit both Christianity and Freemasonry, either by presenting them as derivative or by framing them as ideologically foreign and morally compromised.
Understanding the Mithraism Myth
Mithraism, an ancient Persian mystery religion that gained some popularity among Roman soldiers from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD, was centered around the god Mithras, a figure associated with light, oaths, and the sun. The faith involved secret rites, possibly involving initiation rituals, and was exclusive to male practitioners. Over time, some scholars—usually those outside mainstream Christian and Masonic thought—have proposed that Mithraic practices heavily influenced early Christianity and the rituals of Freemasonry. This notion has become popular among critics and conspiracy theorists who seek to undermine Christianity and Freemasonry by claiming they merely repackaged older pagan ideas.
Yet, despite surface similarities, such as communal gatherings and certain ceremonial aspects, Christianity’s core beliefs—monotheism, the resurrection of Christ, and salvation through faith—are distinctly different from Mithraism. In fact, Christianity’s roots lie within Judaism, a faith that predates Mithraism and serves as the clear foundational source for Christian doctrines, beliefs, and practices.
Historical Foundations of Christianity and Freemasonry
Christianity emerged as a direct continuation and fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Its moral framework and theological underpinnings can be traced to the teachings of Jesus Christ, a historical figure whose life and resurrection are documented by multiple sources beyond the Bible. Any connections between Christianity and Mithraism are speculative at best, and they often rely on ambiguous similarities without substantial evidence of direct influence.
Freemasonry, meanwhile, draws from a different lineage. Emerging from medieval stonemason guilds, it developed as a fraternity emphasizing moral teachings, brotherhood, and the pursuit of knowledge. Its rituals and symbols draw from a blend of ancient philosophies, but they are more closely aligned with Biblical allegories and historical events rather than pagan deities or Mithraic rites. Freemasonry’s moral framework is consistent with Judeo-Christian values, such as brotherly love, charity, and truth, rather than the esoteric and secretive nature of Mithraism.
Why the Myth Persists
The claim that Christianity and Freemasonry derive from Mithraism often serves an ideological purpose rather than an academic one. Islamists, for instance, frequently leverage this myth to argue that Christianity and Freemasonry are corrupted, "man-made" faiths, effectively positioning Islam as the only “true” monotheistic religion. This narrative is part of a broader attempt to delegitimize Christianity, especially in regions where Islam holds political and social power. By equating Christianity with Mithraism, Islamists attempt to portray it as a pagan deviation rather than a revelation rooted in God’s truth. Communists, on the other hand, employ this line of attack to undermine religious and fraternal organizations that emphasize moral and ethical frameworks that stand in opposition to Marxist materialism and collectivism.
Historically, both Islamists and communists have used similar tactics to erode Western values, especially those embedded in Christian and Masonic traditions. Christianity advocates for individual worth and freedom through Christ, while Freemasonry promotes individual moral development and personal responsibility. These ideas challenge collectivist ideologies, making both Christianity and Freemasonry targets of slander from anti-Western and anti-Christian movements.
The Truth Behind Christianity and Freemasonry
As an ex-Muslim who has found solace, purpose, and truth in Christianity and Freemasonry, I am deeply troubled by the way misinformation is used to attack these institutions. Christianity, far from being an offshoot of Mithraism, is a faith born from divine revelation and rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, drawing directly from Judaism. Likewise, Freemasonry, while eclectic in its symbolism, bases its moral and philosophical teachings largely on the Bible and respects the religious values of its members.
The real reason Islamists and communists target these institutions is because they represent individualism, moral freedom, and spiritual integrity—values that threaten the authoritarian aims of both Islamist theocracies and communist states. By asserting a false connection to Mithraism, these groups aim to de-legitimize Christianity and Freemasonry, casting them as inherently flawed or foreign to Western heritage. The truth, however, remains: both Christianity and Freemasonry draw on the moral and spiritual insights of Judeo-Christian teachings, not ancient pagan rituals.
Conclusion
As someone with roots in Iran, I understand the power of tradition and the strength found in a shared belief system. Yet, I also see the dangers of allowing myths to distort the truth. The persistent but unfounded narrative that Christianity and Freemasonry are derived from Mithraism is a tool used by adversaries of freedom and faith. It is time we recognize this claim for what it is—a deliberate attempt to weaken two of the world’s most steadfast sources of moral guidance and brotherly unity.
References
- Cumont, Franz. The Mysteries of Mithra. Dover Publications, 1956.
- Ulansey, David. The Origins of the Mithraic Mysteries: Cosmology and Salvation in the Ancient World. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- Davis, Robert. Freemasonry and Christianity: Are They Compatible? Cornerstone Publishing, 2003.
- Latham, Jacob. "Explaining the Mysteries of Mithras." Journal of Early Christian Studies, vol. 20, no. 1, 2012, pp. 79-100.
- Lataster, Raphael. Questioning Jesus and the Christian Origins. Brill, 2020.
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