Gina+-+Proposal

The sign of the cross is the most powerful symbol of the world; it’s both religious and political. The cross is the symbol of Christianity. It is seen as redemption, hope and eternal life. Yet, the cross was used for cruel and unusual punishment. It was a symbol of terror and intimidation as far back as 300 B.C. with the Persians.

Greek historians tell us that the Persians invented crucifixion around 2500 years ago, but other empires soon adopted it. The Persians invented or first used this mode of execution in 300-400 B.C. The interaction with the Persians and the Greeks crucifixion was adopted as a military strategy.

Crucifixion was practiced by Alexander the Great in his wars against the Persians from 336-323 BC. During the Punic Wars (264-146 B.C.), the Romans encountered the Phoenician version of crucifixion and swiftly appropriated it as a means of capital punishment for slaves. Straying away from the purpose the Persians intended it for, the Romans converted it into a brutal torture machine. Dionysius of Halicarnassus (first century B.C.) described this ancient practice very similar to the way the Romans used it throughout B.C. and A.D. It was Constantine who introduced the abolition of crucifixion as a way of execution (it was replaced by hanging). The crucifixion and cross then became symbols of Christianity.

Crucifixion is still be used in the 20th century, for example Hitler used it during World War II and Suddam Hussein used it as well.Instead of crucifixion, what about torture? Or shall I just focus on my fishing program and run with that?

As a proposal, this is an interesting beginning. How, though, will you focus this topic on the Mystery Religions? Where does crucifixion play a role in the ancient Mysteries? Do you recall the suffering of Dionysus? Wasn't he torn apart? Weren't his body parts scattered in a river or ocean? Isn't there even a version where Dionysus is hung on a tree?

In Euripides play __The Bacchae__, Dionysos returns to his mother's (Semele) home town (Thebes) and appears in human form. The reigning ruler (Pentheus) does not appreciate the wildness of the followers of Dionysos, most of whom are women. His grandfather, Cadmus, warns him that he should give the women some space. But Pentheus does not, and he accuses the female cultists of licentious behavior, including his own mother Agave who belongs to the worshipers of Dionysos. Before crushing the rituals militarily, Pentheus goes to spy on the worship rites. He is captured by Dionysos (who has taken on human form) and given over to the wild women (maenads) who tear him to pieces. His mother Agave brings the head of her son back to town impaled on a stick (tree branch?). Cadmus warns all those who would try to outlaw the god of wine and festivals. **You can find excerpts from Euripides Bacchae** in our Meyer source book.

You might look up this topic in Freke and Gandy. They may have mentioned this part of the Dionysus story. You need to connect with some of our primary sources to make your proposal relevant to the Mysteries. -Mike

Thesis: The use of the cross as a religious symbol in pre-Christian and non-Christian people was used universally as some form of nature worship. The Eleusian Mysteries of Greece were given a cross at the time of initiation. Pagan mysteries had ceremonies of initiations were crucifixion was used on people. Crucifixion was known to be upon ancient secret traditions of severe unjust punishment and/or the surrender of self-will.

Books: Jesus and the Lost Goddess by Freke and Gandy Ancient Mystery Cults by Walter Burkert

My local library did not have much on crucifixion, I will continue to look. Other than I will be researching through the internet until I find useful information that will go with my proposal.