The story of Jesus was ripped off of other religions.

I apologize for not posting last round. I did not have time last week.It is not merely enough for there to be vague similarities between other gods and Jesus. But there is a god that is VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL to Jesus.Let me introduce you to the Zoroastrian deity of Mithras (also spelled Mithra).NOTE: Mithraism predates Christianity, thus, it was the latter borrowing from the former. [2]I. Comparison:1. Birth and birthdateBoth were born to virgin mothers; both were supposedly sons of god.Mithra was born on December 25. This date was celebrated every year.Now there is NO EVIDENCE to support the claim that Jesus was born on this date, yet, for some reason, his birthday is celebrated on December 25. Perhaps it is merely a 1/365 coincidence... [1], [3], [5], [6]In fact, Mithra was born in EXACTLY the same manner as Jesus:"The babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger and attended by shepherds." [1]2. 12 DisciplesMithra, like Jesus, had exactly twelve disciples to whom he preached and through whom he spread his teachings. Jesus did the exact same thing to the same number of disciples. [1], [3], [6]3. Performed MiraclesSelf explanatory. [1], [3], [6]4. BaptismsMithraism includes the first baptisms of sorts, many years before Christianity. Yet Christianity adopted these practices."Mithras seems to have owed his prominence to the belief that he was the source of life, and could also redeem the souls of the dead into the better world ... The ceremonies included a sort of baptism to remove sins, anointing, and a sacred meal of bread and water, while a consecrated wine, believed to possess wonderful power, played a prominent part." [6]5. Names"Mithra was called 'the good shepherd,' 'the way, the truth and the light,' 'redeemer,' 'savior,' 'Messiah.' He was identified with both the lion and the lamb." [6]Jesus, exactly like Mithra, was called 'the good shepherd,' 'the way, the truth and the light,' 'redeemer,' 'savior,' 'Messiah.' He was identified with both the lion and the lamb. [8]"The Christian litany to Jesus could easily be an allegorical litany to the sun-god. Mithras is often represented as carrying a lamb on his shoulders, just as Jesus is. Midnight services were found in both religions. The virgin mother...was easily merged with the virgin mother Mary. Petra, the sacred rock of Mithraism, became Peter, the foundation of the Christian Church." [4]6. The Holy DayMithra, like Jesus, had a holy day.And like Jesus, it was observed on Sunday. [1]7. Death and BurialBoth were crucified for the sins of humanity. Both were buried on tombs after their deaths. [1], [3]8. ResurrectionBoth rose from the grave after EXACTLY three days. [1], [3]II. Ties:1. VaticanThe first Christian place of worship at the modern Vatican City was a Mithraic worshipping site. [6]2. ContactMithraic texts and and worshipping sites were extant during the early formation of Christianity. Thus, it is entirely plausible for contact between the two to have occurred. Mithraic strongholds were extant in the Middle East and Persia, as well. [2]3. Pagan Practices in Rome"A central feature of the ceremonial associated with Mithras was the taurobolium, the ritual slaughter of a bull which commemorated and repeated Mithras' primeval act. The initiate was baptized in its blood, partaking of its life-giving properties. It may be noted that this part of the ceremonial closely resembled the ritual of the cult of Cybele, the Great Mother of Asia Minor, which had been brought to Rome three centuries before Christ.." [7]Some scholars have gone so far as to say the two are the same entity.Conclusion:I have shown all that is known of Mithra to be IDENTICAL, not merely similar, but IDENTICAL to Jesus on many levels. This cannot merely be written off as coincidence (as my opponent surely will). One cannot look, judging even solely on the comparison, at the body of evidence and claim logically there is no connection or correlation.In addition to this. I have shown the plausibility of contact between Mithraism and Christianity and have shown definite contact between the two.My opponent must disprove the majority of my claims to even begin to have a case against it.Sources:1. http://www.truthbeknown.com...2. http://en.wikipedia.org...3. http://www.infidels.org...4. Gerald Berry, Religions of the World5. http://www.near-death.com...6. http://freethoughtpedia.com...7. Ninian Smart, The Religious Experience of Mankind8. http://en.wikipedia.org...