Investigating the Similarities between Jesus and Pagan Figures

In this section, we will investigate the alleged similarities between
Jesus and other deities which leave critics speculating aspects of
Jesus' life were borrowed from other figures of antiquity. After
examining the actual texts of the religions in question most
similarities will be found to not even exist but to have been
fabricated by authors who prey upon the reader's ignorance of
foreign religions.

The outline for this discussion is as follows:
1)     Introduction
2)     Cautions of Discernment
3)     Krishna
4)     Buddha
5)     Horus
6)     Zoroaster
7)     Mithras
8)     Attis
9)     Dionysus-Bacchus
10)   Alleged Crucified Deities
11)   Conclusion

If you search the web for similarities between Jesus and pagan deities, you will be met with countless results
presenting the same erroneous material which provide no original religious sources to validate their claims.
However, if you search the religious texts of the figures in question you will be presented with straightforward
information that reveals the claim that the story of Jesus was stolen from pagan myths to be utterly false. For the
reader's convenience, I supply links throughout this discussion to the original religious texts so you can see for
yourself that the "Pagan Copycat Theory" has been completely fabricated.

Skeptic Interjection: But these figures existed before the alleged life of Jesus. Chronology alone makes this
entire discussion pointless.
Answer: An important fact to keep in mind while reading this section is the approximate 300 detailed Messianic
prophecies regarding the life, death, and ministry of Jesus in the Old Testament. The prophecies span
approximately 450 to 1,500 years before His birth. The accusation of Christians plagiarizing the accounts of
other figures in the first century ignores the fact that concepts such as the virgin birth, the resurrection, and a
Father-Son, relationship precede most figures in this article.

Also, many of the religious texts containing the figures and the alleged similarities claimed by critics postdate
the completion of the Christian Bible. Most religious texts concerning these figures were added to over the
centuries, with aspects of their lives becoming more spectacular and suspiciously similar to Christianity. An
important difference between Jesus and the other figures in this article is the existence of verifiable facts
surrounding Jesus' life: we know the approximate year of His birth and death, numerous records exist which
verify His existence, accurate historical events that occurred around His lifetime are mentioned in the Christian
texts, and we can trace the origins of the Judeo-Christian beliefs. Most other figures in question have no
documented point of origin and mention no dates or approximate dates as to when the alleged events occurred.

Regardless, since we will show the copycat claims to be false, the argument of who came first
shows itself to be irrelevant.

Skeptic Interjection: How does the mention of historical events prove the accuracy of the Bible? Many authors
of fiction incorporate real people or places into their works to give the plot a feeling of reality. How is the Bible
different?
Answer: Historical accuracy alone is not proof of the Bible's inerrancy but it does attest to it's reliability. If the
Bible only mentioned spurious locations and people like many of the pagan texts do, it would certainly detract
from it's authenticity.

I want you to keep the following things in mind the next time you are presented with the pagan copycat theory.
Ask yourself the following logic-based questions and you will see that most claims instantly crumble.

TERMINOLOGY One thing to look out for when presented with copycat claims is the use of Judeo-Christian
terminology. There have been many religions throughout history whose members participated in ritual baths but
it was not baptism. Political and religious groups may have celebrated a communal meal but it was not a
Eucharist. Followers may consider their god a savior of some sort but they are not called Messiah. Religions may
speak of an afterlife but they do not consist of places known as Heaven and Hell. Critics may use such terms to
make their connections seem stronger but this is a misuse of terminology as these words are usually of
Judeo-Christian origins.

TIMING When presented with comparative evidence, ask yourself:
1) Did the figure precede the Old Testament Messianic Prophecies? (most do not)
2) Does the timing of the evidence precede Christianity? (many religious texts and reliefs post-date Christianity)
3) Does the figure precede the life of Jesus? (figures like Apollonius of Tyana do not)

LOCATION If critics claim a figure from South America, for example, (like Quetzalcoatl) influenced Christianity,
this is an obvious false claim if we can believe the Americas had not yet been discovered.

SYMBOLISM Ask yourself what the symbolism is behind such parallels. Like most religious and political groups of
antiquity, a sect might have celebrated a communal meal but it did not hold the same significance of the
Christian Eucharist. Members might consider their deity a savior but they did not consider the figure a savior
from sin and damnation, etc.

SOURCES See whether or not the claims actually come from the sacred texts of the religion in question (most
hardly ever do). Most references simply quote secondary sources by authors of the same ilk. When they do cite
a religious source, most critics will not the specify the book, volume, or verse number yet they readily quote
exactly where the "copy" can be found in the Christian Bible. Ask for specific references as to where the
evidence can be found in the actual religious texts. Lastly, as we will see throughout this discussion, most
religious texts do not have an official cannon like the Christian Bible. Their texts have been admittedly altered
and added to over the centuries. When critics cite a source from another text, ask yourself whether or not this
evidence is found in a text that predates Christianity (most do not).

In Hinduism, Krishna is believed to be the eighth avatar of Vishnu, the second aspect of the Hindu trinity. Almost
every correlation between Krishna and Jesus can be traced to Kersey Graves, a 19th century author who
believed Christianity was created from pagan myths. Though his works have been proven by scholars to be false
and poorly researched (Source), many still ignorantly refer to his arguments not knowing they are easily
disproved by simply comparing the Bible to the Hindu texts.

THE DEFINITION OF KRISHNA Although many critics allege Krishna means Christ, Krishna in Sanskrit actually
translates as Black (One) as Krishna was believed to have blackish-blue skin. The word Christ literally translates
as Anointed One. When skeptics, in turn, spell Krishna as Chrishna or Christna, this is a blatant attempt to
spread more misinformation and reinforce their erroneous theories.

A VIRGIN BIRTH A virgin birth is never attributed to Krishna as his parents bore seven previous children.
Furthermore, the virgin birth was not a new concept invented by Christians. The book of Isaiah (written about
700 B.C.) spoke of a Messiah who would be born of a virgin. This prophecy was in circulation 700 years before
Jesus and at least 100 years before Krishna. (Isaiah 7:14) Critics claim Krishna was born to the virgin Maia but
according to Hindu texts, he was the eighth son of Princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva: "You have
been born of the divine Devaki and Vasudeva for the protection of Brahma on earth." M ahabharata Bk 12, XLVIII

INFANT MASSACRE Critics claim a tyrannical ruler issued a decree to kill all infant males prior to Krishna's birth
but the Hindu legend states Devaki's six previous children were murdered by her cousin, King Kamsa, due to a
prophecy foretelling his death at the hands of one of her children. Unlike Herod who issued a decree to slaughter
all the males under two years old, the Hindu version tells us Kamsa only targeted Devaki's sons. He never
issued a decree to indiscriminately kill male infants: "Thus the six sons were born to Devaki and Kamsa, too,
killed those six sons consecutively as they were born." B hagavata , Bk 4, XXII:7

PARENTS FLEE Critics claim while Krishna's parents fled to Mathura to avoid Kamsa, Jesus' parents fled to
Muturea to avoid Herod. But the Bible tells us Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt- not to some unknown place called
Muturea. Furthermore, the Hindu texts tell us Krishna's parents never had a chance to flee- they were
imprisoned by Kamsa so he could kill Krishna once he was born: What faults had [Vasudeva] and his wife
Devaki committed? Why did Kamsa kill the six infant sons of Devaki? And for what reason did [Vishnu] incarnate
Himself as the son of Vasudeva in the prison house of Kamsa? B hagavata , Bk 4, I:4-5 and S ource

SHEPHERDS, WISEMEN, A STAR, AND A MANGER No mention of shepherds or wisemen appear at Krishna's
birth. Krishna was born in a prison (not a stable as critics suggest) where his parents bore him in secret. It is
unlikely such visitors would arrive only to alert Kamsa to Krishna's presence!

CARPENTER FATHERS Like Jesus' earthly father, Krishna's father was also said to be a carpenter. Yet nowhere
in the Hindu texts does it say Vasudeva was a carpenter. In fact, we are told he was a nobleman in the courts
of Mathura as he was married to Princess Devaki. When Krishna fled the wrath of Kamsa with his foster
parents, we are told his foster-father Nanda was a cow-herd: "Thou art the most beloved of Nanda, the Cow-
herd" B hagavata, Bk 8, I, pg 743

THE CRUCIFIXION Though critics claim Krishna was crucified, this is mentioned nowhere within the Hindu texts.
Instead, we are told exactly how he dies: Krishna is mediating in the woods when he is accidentally shot in the
foot by a hunter's arrow. Skeptics really try to streeetch this one by claiming the arrow that shot Krishna
impaled him to a tree, thus crucifying him. They also point out the similarity between his wound being in the foot
and Jesus' pierced hands and feet. However, if I was carving my initials into a tree and accidentally impaled my
wrist, the idea of saying I was crucified would be absurd. This story relates more to the death of Greek
mythology's Achilles than anything else: "A fierce hunter of the name of Jara then came there, desirous of deer.
The hunter, mistaking [Krishna], who was stretched on the earth in high Yoga, for a deer, pierced him at the heel
with a shaft and quickly came to that spot for capturing his prey." M ahabharata , Book 16, 4

THE RESURRECTION Although critics claim Krishna descended into the grave for three days and appeared to
many witnesses, no evidence of this exists whatsoever. Instead, the actual account says Krishna immediately
returns to life and speaks only to the hunter by forgiving him of his actions: "He [the hunter] touched the feet of
[Krishna]. The high-souled one comforted him and then ascended upwards, filling the entire welkin with
splendour... [Krishna] reached his own inconceivable region." Mahabharata , Book 16, 4 Some obvious
differences between the resurrections of Jesus and Krishna are as follows:

Jesus' resurrection defeated the power of sin and death. Krishna's resurrection had no real affect on
mankind.
Jesus appeared to approximately 500 eye witnesses in the New Testament. Krishna appeared only to the
hunter.
Jesus rose from the dead three days later. Krishna immediately returned to life.
Jesus did not ascend into Heaven until after the Great Commission. Krishna immediately "ascended" into
the afterlife.
Jesus was aware of what was to take place. Krishna had no foreknowledge concerning his death.
Jesus ascended into a physical realm (Heaven). Krishna transcended into a mental state (or inconceivable
region). The concepts between Heaven (Christianity) and Nirvana (Hinduism) differ greatly.

THE LAST SUPPER Krishna is said to have celebrated a last supper but two reasons offer evidence this event
never occurred:

There is no mention of Krishna having a last supper celebration in any of the Hindu texts.
Because Krishna had no foreknowledge of his death, there is no reason he would have celebrated such an
event!

DEPICTED AS BRUISING THE SERPENT'S HEAD Genesis 3:15 is a metaphorical Messianic prophecy which
refers to Jesus' spiritual battle with Satan. Though critics claim Krishna was also referred to as the seed of the
woman bruising the serpent's head, this phrase is never used as a reference to Krishna. The only thing that
occurs is a literal battle Krishna encounters with actual serpents. Mahabharata , Bk 7, LXXXI and M ahabharata
Book 8, XC

MISCELLANEOUS POSSIBLE REFERENCES

Krishna was the human incarnation of Vishnu. This appears to be somewhat accurate but the actual Hindu
triad consists of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Not Vishnu, Krishna, and a spirit deity.
Krishna was of royal birth. (While Krishna was directly born into the noble court of Mathura, Jesus was
from the royal Davidian line but born into poverty under the parentage of Mary and Joseph.)
Krishna was seen as a Savior. (While Jesus was an eternal-spiritual savior who saved His people from
damnation, Krishna was an earthly-warrior savior who freed his people from the tyrannical reign of
Kamsa).
Krishna often fasted in the wilderness. The only possible reference I could find to any such thing was that
he often retreated into the forest to meditate.

MISCELLANEOUS ERRONEOUS REFERENCES

Krishna was born in a cave. Actually, neither Jesus nor Krishna were born in caves. Krishna was born in a
prison cell and the only reference to Jesus being born in a cave is in noncanonical writings.
Krishna lived a sinless life. Whereas the Bible makes it clear Jesus committed no sin during His lifetime,
The Hindu texts admit to Krishna's promiscuity and numerous sexual affairs.
Krishna was born on December 25th. Actually, Krishna's birthday celebration, known as the Krishna
Janmaashtami, is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapadha which corresponds to the month of
August. Furthermore, it is unlikely Jesus was born on this date. Christmas is only celebrated on this date
due to tradition.
Krishna moved a small mountain to protect a village from disaster. Jesus states if you had faith as a
mustard seed you would say to the mountain uproot yourself and be cast into the ocean. Other than the
concept of moving mountains, anyone can see that these two statements have nothing essential in
common. One describes a physical feat while the other uses moving a mountain as a metaphor to the
power of faith.

CONCLUSION The Hindu texts have admittedly been altered and added to over the centuries. Many comparisons
of the newer and older texts regarding the story of Krishna reveal many tales being added in later texts known
as the Puranas (400-1000 A.D.), Bhagavata (400-1000 A.D.), and the Harivamsa, (100-1000 A.D.). These texts
have been proven by scholars to have been written after the life of Jesus.

Skeptical Interjection: According to Hindu tradition, the Bhagavata Purana is believed to have been written by
Vyasa in about 3100 BC. It mentions the Vedic Sarasvati River about 30 times which was believed to be dried up
around 2000 B.C.
Answer: This is often cited as an argument for an earlier date of the Bhagavata. However it does not hold up for
many reasons. The fact that the Bhagavata Purana mentions the non-extant Vedic Sarasvati River is no more
proof of an early date of authorship than it would prove an ancient date of authorship if I were to write a novel
centering around the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The mention of the ancient river proves nothing more than
the knowledge of its historical existence. There is also no record of any of these texts existing prior to the first
century A.D. Even when the older Hindu texts were in circulation, the books regarding many details about
Krishna's life were not included. Finally, the language and grammar of the Bhagavata Purana is not consistent
with the more ancient languages of India.

Gautama is believed to have lived between 563 - 483 B.C. Gautama was born into the warrior class under the
caste system of India and later achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (or enlightened one) and founder
of Buddhism. Like Zoroaster (below), very little was written about him during his lifetime, with the accounts
becoming more incredible over time.

VIRGIN BIRTH Gautama was born to Suddhodana and his wife of twenty years, Maya. Though critics claim
Maya was a virgin, we must assume she was not as she was the king's favorite wife. Also, The Acts of the
Buddha acknowledges Maya and Suddhodana as having sexual relations (the two tasted of love's delight...),
though I feel it is fair to point out most English translations do not contain this statement. A detailed account of
Gautama's birth may be found here. Though Maya is portrayed as being virtuous and pure-minded, a virgin
conception is never mentioned regarding the birth of the Buddha. At the very most, it was a womb
transference as in the story of Krishna:

The most Excellent of all Bodhisattvas fell directly from his place among the residents of Tushita heaven, and
streaking through the three worlds, suddenly took the form of a huge six-tusked elephant as white as Himalaya,
and entered Maya's womb. Buddha Karita 1:18

Skeptic Interjection: Does the resemblance between the names Maya and Mary hold any significance?
Answer: Though similar in their English translations, their original forms and translations are completely
different. Maya, from Sanskrit, means Illusion whereas Mary (Maryam) translates from Hebrew as Bitter.

WISEMEN I could find no mention of wisemen in any Buddhist text but I did find the following in Post-Chrisitan
writings:

Version 1: An ascetic (not wisemen) visits the king to relay the information he received from the gods that his
child will become a great religious leader. After hearing this, Brahmans (not wisemen) decide to dedicate their
sons depending on the outcome of the prophecy.

"A son has been born in the family of Suddhodana the king. Thirty-five years from now he will become a
Buddha...Whether the young prince become a Buddha or a king, we will each one give a son: so that if he
become a Buddha, he shall be followed and surrounded by monks of the warrior caste; and if he become a king,
by nobles of the warrior caste." J ataka I:55,57

Version 2: At Gautama's birth, a seer (not wisemen) tells Suddhodana that Gautama will become a great
religious leader:

"The great seer came to the palace of the king. 'Thy son has been born for the sake of supreme knowledge.
Having forsaken his kingdom, indifferent to all worldly objects, he will shine forth as a sun of knowledge to
destroy the darkness in the world.'" Bu ddha -Ka rita 1:54,62,74

PRESENTED WITH GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH Again, I find no mention of such an occurrence
except for a far-fetched correlation in a Post-Christian writing. We are told the gods (not wisemen) presented
Gautama with sandalwood, rain, water lilies, and lotus flowers (Buddhist symbols). This should come as no
surprise as royal births are often celebrated with festivals and gifts!

"As soon as he was born the thousand-eyed one took him gently, bright like a golden pillar. Two pure streams of
water fell from heaven upon his head with piles of Mandara flowers. The yaksha-lords stood round guarding him
with golden lotuses in their hands. The great dragons gazed with eyes of intent devotion, and fanned him and
strewed Mandara flowers over him. And from a cloudless sky there fell a shower full of lotuses and water-lilies,
and perfumed with sandalwood." B uddha Karita 1:27,36,38,40

GUIDED BY A STAR There is no mention of a celestial sign but I did find far-fetched similarities in Post-
Christian texts:

Version 1: The Brahmans look for signs of the Buddha on Gautama to determine if he will be a king or religious
leader. The signs do not imply celestial omens but physical markings a Buddha would have:

"They asked [the Brahmans] to observe the marks and characteristics of the Future Buddha's person, and to
prophesy his fortune. If a man possessing such marks and characteristics continue in the household life, he
becomes a Universal Monarch. If he retire from the world, he becomes a Buddha." J ataka 1:56

Version 2: Though the gods sent miraculous signs through nature, the appearance of a star is never said to
have guided the prophet. However, we are told precisely what the signs are:

"Two streams of water bursting from heaven, bright as the moon's rays, having the power of heat and cold, fell
down upon that peerless one's benign head to give refreshment to his body... The gods held up a white umbrella
in the sky and muttered the highest blessings on his supreme wisdom... Then having learned by signs and
through the power of his penances this birth of him who was to destroy all birth, the great seer Asita came to the
palace of the king. Thus the great seer beheld the king's son with wonder, his foot marked with a wheel, his
fingers and toes webbed, with a circle of hair between his eyebrows, and signs of vigour like an elephant."
B uddha Karita 1:35,37,5465

DECEMBER 25TH Gautama's birth is actually celebrated in the spring month of Vesak by his followers (though
we have already shown this date to be insignificant for Jesus).

ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE BY AN EVIL KING There is no mention of an attempt on Gautama's life. The only thing
we are told is his kingly father tries to persuade him away from a life of religious servitude by attempting to
entice him with royal privileges. When the prophet tells the king his son will see four signs leading to his religious
calling, the king orders guards to surround the child to prevent such an event. Source

"Then said the king, 'What shall my son see to make him retire from the world?' 'The four signs.' 'What four?' 'A
decrepit old man, a diseased man, a dead man, and a monk.' 'From this time forth,' said the king, 'let no such
persons be allowed to come near my son. It will never do for my son to become a Buddha. What I would wish to
see is my son exercising sovereign rule and authority...' And when he had so spoken he placed guards for a
distance of a quarter of a league in each of the four directions, in order that none of these four kinds of men
might come within sight of his son." J ataka 1:57

ROYAL LINEAGE Like Krishna, Gautama was an immediate royal descendant born into privilege. Jesus was
a distant descendant of King David born into poverty

MILESTONE AGES Contrary to Jesus who taught in the temple at the age of 12, began his ministry at 30, and
died at 33, Gautama's milestone ages differ from what the critics claim. He finished his education at 15, married
at 16, became a monk at 29, reached enlightenment at 35, and died at 80. Source

CRUCIFIXION Though critics claim some vague accounts mention Gautama being crucified, I can find no
mention of this in any Buddhist source. In fact, we are told Gautama dies of natural causes at the age of 80. His
followers accompany him to a river and provide him with a couch.

"'Be so good as to spread me a couch... I am weary and wish to lie down...' Then the [Buddha] fell into a deep
meditation, and having passed through the four jhanas, entered Nirvana." Source

RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION After his death, Gautama's body was cremated. Source

"And they burned the remains of the Blessed One as they would do to the body of a king of kings." Source
Gautama was said to transcend all meditation levels upon his deathbed before reaching Nirvana. But according to
Buddhism, Nirvana is not a physical place, but a mental state. Like we mention with Krishna, the concept of
Buddha transcending into Nirvana differs greatly from the Christian Heaven.

ERRONEOUS SIMILARITIES CLAIMED BY CRITICS:

He fed a multitude with a basket of cakes. There is no mention of this in any Buddhist text.
Transfiguration on a Mount. Though Gautama reached spiritual enlightenment, he did not experience a
physical transfiguration. Nor did this occur on a mount- Buddha obtained his enlightenment beneath the
Bodhi tree.
Crushing the Serpent's Head. Like Krishna, Buddha is never referred to by this title but a tale does
surface in a later text which mentions him literally slaying a serpent. But as stated, this was a
metaphorical title of Jesus.
Poverty Vows. Though some Christians may take vows of poverty, this was never taught by Jesus. He
only warned how the love of earthly possession could turn our focus away from eternal things. Matthew 6:
19-24
Similar titles: Good Shepherd, Carpenter, Alpha and Omega, Sin Bearer, God of Gods, Master, Light of the
World, Redeemer, Everlasting to Everlasting, etc. But Gautama never claimed to be a deity, rendering
these titles obviously false. The only titles he shared with Jesus that I could find mentioned in Buddhist
texts were Lord, Teacher and Holy One.

IN CONCLUSION Because Buddhism shares many concepts with Hinduism (and originated in the approximate
vicinity), there are actually more similarities between the stories of Buddha and Krishna than Buddha and Jesus.

According to Egyptian mythology, Horus was originally believed to be the son of Ra and Hathor and the
husband/brother of Isis. Later he was seen as the son of Osiris and Isis once Hathor and Isis were merged into
one being. Horus was considered the sky, sun, and moon god represented by a man with the head of falcon.

VIRGIN BIRTH There are two separate birth accounts in regards to Horus (neither depict a virgin birth):
Version 1: Hathor, the motherly personification of the milky way, is said to have conceived Horus but we are
told her husband, Ra, was an Egyptian sun god. Hathor (a sky goddess) was represented by the cow whose milk
brought forth the milky way. By the will of her husband Ra, she gave birth to Horus:

"I, Hathor of Thebes, mistress of the goddesses, to grant to him a coming forth into the presence [of the god]...
Hathor of Thebes, who was incarnate in the form of a cow and a woman." Source and Source

Version 2: When we examine Isis as Horus' mother, we are told Isis was not a virgin, but the widow of Osiris.
Isis practices magic to raise Osiris from the dead so she can bear a son that would avenge his death. Isis then
becomes pregnant from the sperm of her deceased husband. Again, no virgin birth occurs:

"[Isis] made to rise up the helpless members [penis] of him whose heart was at rest, she drew from him his
essence [sperm], and she made therefrom an heir [Horus]." Source and Source

THE FATHER AND SON UNITY Critics suggest the Christian trinity was adapted from the notion of Osiris, Ra,
and Horus being one god in essence. Because Horus was born after the death of Osiris, it came to be believed he
was the resurrection, or reincarnation, of Osiris:

"He avengeth thee in his name of 'Horus, the son who avenged his father." Source

Throughout the centuries, the Egyptians eventually considered Osiris and Horus as one and the same. However,
this son-as-the-father comparison more closely resembles the metamorphosis of Hathor into Isis than it does the
Christian trinity. We see Horus first as the son of Ra, then being the equivalent of Ra, then Ra finally becoming
just as aspect of Horus. Similar to Hathor and Isis, we simply see a merger of one being into another. In
Egyptian mythology, each god had a distinct beginning by being conceived from other gods. In Christian
theology, God and Jesus always existed as one and the same, neither having a beginning or an end. Jesus' birth
did not represent His creation- only His advent in human from. Furthermore, the father-son concept was not
created by first-century Christians. Prophecies in the Old Testament referred to the future Messiah as the Son of
God up to 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. I Chronicles 17:13-14

CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION Horus is never said to have been crucified, nevertheless to have died.
The only connection we can make to Horus being resurrected is if we consider the eventual merger of Horus and
Osiris. But such a theory results in an catch 22, apparently noticed by the Egyptians as they later altered their
beliefs to fix the contradictions. In the Egyptian tale, Osiris is either dismembered by Set in battle or sealed in a
chest and drowned in the Nile. Isis then pieces Osiris' body back together and resurrects Osiris to conceive an
heir that will avenge Osiris' death (although technically Osiris is never actually resurrected as he is forbidden to
return to the world of the living). Source and Source

"[Set] brought a shapely and decorated chest, which he had caused to be made according to the measurements
of the king's body... Set proclaimed that he would gift the chest unto him whose body fitted its proportions with
exactness... Then Osiris came forward. He lay down within the chest, and he filled it in every part. But dearly was
his triumph won in that dark hour which was his doom. Ere he could raise his body, the evil followers of Set
sprang suddenly forward and shut down the lid, which they nailed fast and soldered with lead. So the richly
decorated chest became the coffin of the good king Osiris, from whom departed the breath of life." Source

BORN ON THE 25TH OF DECEMBER Horus' birth was actually celebrated during the month of Khoiak,
(October/November). Though some critics claim Horus was born during the winter solstice, this shows more of a
relationship to other pagan religions which considered the solstices sacred.

TWELVE DISCIPLES Superficially this similarity seems accurate until we see Horus' "disciples" were not disciples
at all- they were the twelve signs of the zodiac which became associated with Horus, a sky god. However
Jesus' disciples were actual men who lived and died, whose writings exist to this day, and whose lives are
recorded by historians. Because Horus' "disciples" were merely signs of the zodiac, they never taught his
philosophy or spread his teachings. The fact that there are twelve signs of the zodiac (twelve months) as
compared to Jesus' twelve apostles is an insignificant coincidence.

MOUNTAINTOP ENCOUNTER Critics point out the similarity of both Jesus and Horus having an encounter on a
mountaintop with their enemies. Instead of dissecting this piece by piece, I will simply give each version of
events and let the reader observe the (obvious) differences:
Jesus: After Jesus completes His fast in the wilderness, Satan tries to tempt Jesus by offering Him all the
kingdoms of the world if Jesus agrees to worship him, but Jesus refuses. Matthew 4:1-11
Horus: During battle, Horus rips off one of Set's testicles while Set (sometimes called Seth) gorges out Horus'
eye. Set later tries to prove his dominance by initiating intercourse with Horus. Horus catches Set's semen in his
hand and throws it into a nearby river. Horus later masturbates and spreads his semen over lettuce which Set
consumes. Both Set and Horus stand before the gods to proclaim their right to rule Egypt. When Set claims
dominance over Horus, his semen is found in the river. When Horus' dominance is considered, his semen is found
within Set so Horus is granted rule over Egypt:

"O that castrated one! O this man! O he who hurries him who hurries, among you two! These- this first
corporation of the company of the justified... Was born before the eye of Horus was plucked out, before the
testicles of Set were torn away." Source "It is the day on which Horus fought with Set, who cast filth in the face of
Horus, and when Horus destroyed the powers of Set." Source "Then [Set] appeared before the divine council and
claimed the throne. But the gods gave judgment that Horus was the rightful king, and he established his power in
the land of Egypt, and became a wise and strong ruler like to his father Osiris." Source

Skeptic Interjection: Does the similarity between the names Set and Satan hold any significance?
Answer: Set's variant names include Seth, Sutekh, Setesh, and Seteh. The root Set is usually considered to
translate into dazzler or stable pillar. The different suffixes of his name add the meanings majestic, supreme, and
desert. The name Satan comes from the Semitic root Stn which represents opposition. Before his fall, Satan's
original name was Lucifer, or angel of light. The term Satan represents a general adversary, hence his accepted
identity. Though both names consist of an S and a T, their meanings have nothing in common. The spellings are
only a result of the original root words which represent their character. Source and Source

SIMILAR TITLES Critics allege Horus held similar titles used to identify Jesus such as Messiah, Savior, Son of
Man, Good Shepherd, Lamb of God, The Way, the Truth, the Light, and Living Word. However I can find no
evidence of any of these names ever being used in reference to Horus. I am especially suspicious of the word
Messiah since it is Hebrew in origin.

IN CONCLUSION We can see the differences between Jesus and Horus far outweigh any superficial correlations.