Christ of the Holy Bible and Dionysus of Euripides
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Christ of the Holy Bible and Dionysus of Euripides
Christ resembles Dionysus in many ways. Is it possible that Christ is simply an extension of the Dionysian myth? Though the concepts of wine and faith unite the two, the idea of revenge compared to self-sacrifice separates the two deities. Dionysus fits the Greek understanding of vengeful and selfish God that bear more anthropomorphic traits than Godly traits. Christ, however, transcends human desires for revenge and acts in self-sacrifice. This is the key separation between them.
The similarity between the two Gods is striking. Dionysus is associated with wine and revelry. Christ forever associated himself with wine and celebration through the act of Communion and the Wedding at Cana. Contrary to many popular beliefs, Christ is a celebratory God. The Bible lists many occasions where God accepted the gift of his followers' song and dance. 2 Samuel 6:14, "David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might." Dionysus also encourages festivities. "I came to this city of Greeks when I had set ...