SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Christianity is not the first world religion.
In ancient times this title went to Isis. Isis was the first pan cosmic deity to transcended national boundaries, cultures, language and time periods. During Classical times she became syncretised with foreign goddesses across three continents and was associated with various gods as well (1).
The renowned English academic R. E. Witt (2) described in detail the deep and profound influence Isis had upon the Classical Greek and Roman world. The spiritual culture surrounding Isis laid a foundation which was later adapted by Christianity into a universal (catholic) church.
The connections and similarities between the two religions are truly staggering! These connections are too numerous to describe here, but if you go to the SPIRITUALITY section of my web site there are articles that provide greater detail.
What really distinguished the worship of Isis was its universality.
Isis could be worship in any form or by any name. In fact one of her many titles, Isis Myrionymos (Isis of a myriad names) neatly illustrates this point.
The worship of a single god or goddess to the exclusion of all others was not a common practice in ancient times. Rather than destroying or dominating, Isis blended with other religions in a way that is difficult for modern minds to grasp.
There is a lot to say in favour of syncretism (3)!
In the Western hemisphere history has been seen through Eurocentric (4) eyes.
This worldview sees everything in European terms and paints a picture of European culture evolving exclusively amongst white European peoples. The influence of other cultures, particularly from (black) Africa and the Near East upon early Europeans is either grossly understated or ignored.
To appreciate the legacy of our ancestors, I believe, requires us to have a balanced understanding of the customs, traditions and beliefs that have come down to us. Part of this understanding is about recognising the true origin and source of that legacy.
When we view our past only through European eyes, we effectively miss a lot of detail. We become blind to the influence of older, more established cultures.
The Classical Greeks and Romans were profoundly influenced by the ancient world of their day. As we in the modern world look to Greco-Roman culture for inspiration, so too did the Greeks and Romans look to those who preceded them.
During Classical times Egypt and Mesopotamia were already ancient. Recognising the cultural legacy of the Middle East is the first step to understanding European history.
The teaching of history in our schools should be changed to include these facts.
Helping the young to better appreciate the cultural legacy of the ancient Middle East not only provides a more accurate and rounded understanding of their own history; but also encourages them to see how one thing is connected to another. The truth is not limited by cultural, political or geographic boundaries!
The values symbolised by Isis have the same relevance today as they had in ancient times.
Isis symbolised many things: the mystery of life, fate (providence), motherhood, love, loyalty, nature, growth, regeneration, spirituality, agriculture, peace, the sea, medicine, healing, the stars and the Universe – to name but a few.
She represented creation itself. Above all else Isis symbolised a unifying force that could be addressed by any name or portrayed in any form. Her universality was a model of tolerance and acceptance.
In a world dominated by violent extremism the relevance of these values requires no explanation.
(1) Osiris, Serapis, Dionysus and Mithras in particular.
(2) Isis in the Ancient World (1971) by R. E. Witt.
(3) The reconciling or union of different principles, practices or beliefs as in philosophy or religion. (from Greek synkretismos).
(4) A view of world events that assumes the primacy of European values and perspectives.
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