Mithraism and Christianity ==

The Mithraic branch of Zoroastrianism also heavily influenced Christianity.  It should not be neglected that Aramaic was the language of administration of the Persian empire, and it is the same language used to write the bible.  Zoroastrianism was the state religion of a large and continious empire in based out of Mesopotomia and Iran for up to 1000 years, with brief periods of Selucid and Parthian rule.  This religion had a tremendous influence on all middle eastern culture and thought for the next 2600 years.

Monotheism, the prayer 5 times a day, the resurrection, judgement day, the saviour (Saoshyant in Persian, it's originally a Persian word). 

If you need references, read these books.  There are many many more.

Zoroastrianism, a Shadowy but Powerful Presence in the Judaeo-Christian World, Mary Boyce, London, 1987.

and
 
Peake's Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Black and H.H. Rowley, ed., Revised edition, NY:Nelson 1982, section 607b.

==