Before the common era, people had different beliefs and practices around the world. In Europe, during the Roman Empire and its predecessor’s rise to power, a large sect of the population was practicing a form of ritualised Catholicism. Many of the same practices and beliefs would later emerge in the Christian movement, creating similarities between the two.
In its most basic form, Catholicism before Christianity was centred around worship in a temple, primarily as an assortment of deities, both unknown and well-known, with the commonalities in the deities of the Mediterranean region. Priests would perform regular services, offerings, and sacrifices in the temples, sometimes to ward off evil or to bring in positive fortune. While considered somewhat ‘pagan’ in nature, it had many similarities to later religious traditions.
One of the most striking similarities between Catholicism before Christianity and Christianity is the relationship between Heaven and Earth, and the intermediary role of the God. Both religions view God as the protector of the world, the ultimate being which all other beliefs revolve around. Catholicism before Christianity also believes that Heaven is a place outside of the world, where the Gods can be found in order to receive guidance, aid, or answers. It also teaches that Heaven is the location of ultimate success and prosperity, and that believers can earn a place in Heaven if they live according to the rules of their faith.
Both religions also share the belief that the world is subject to certain laws, or fate. This fate can be altered by offering sacrifices and making petitions to the Gods to change the future for believers, as well as to teach believers how to live according to their beliefs. This is seen in the ancient practice of divination, which allowed believers to seek out the divine will in order to determine what certain omens, events, or sacrifices meant.
Although there are many similar elements between Catholicism before Christianity and later Christianity, the primary difference between the two is that Christianity is an organised religion. While Catholicism before Christianity was organised in aspects, such as Temples, priests, and festivals, it was not as unified as Christianity is. This is evidenced by the fact that concepts and practices varied greatly among different regions and cultures.
Finally, there is also the matter of morality. Catholicism before Christianity was a heavily ritualised faith, where certain acts were considered sinful or improper. Christianity, however, is a much more moral code based faith, with certain acts being seen as morally wrong or unacceptable. One of the primary reasons that Christianity was able to spread and become the predominant force in society was because of its moral code, which provided a set of standards for believers to adhere to.
Theology
Catholic theology before Christianity revolved largely around the idea of a higher being, rather than the belief in multiple deities common with the polytheistic practices of the time. The belief in this higher being was expressed in a variety of ways, including personal prayer and meditation, as well as devotional activities towards the different deities, such as festivals and pilgrimages.
The concept of original sin is also present in Catholicism before Christianity. Through this, believers were able to reconcile the two opposing forces of good and evil, and seek to redeem themselves from whatever wrongdoing they had committed. This no doubt served as an important foundation for early Christianity
In addition to the concept of an heavenly being and original sin, there is also the concept of fate. Catholicism before Christianity believed that the world was subject to the whims of fate, and that it was the responsibility of believers to attempt to alter this fate through prayer and offerings. The belief in fate was seen as a way to reconcile the randomness of life with belief in a higher, all knowing being.
Despite the similarities between the two, Catholicism before Christianity was largely focused on a personal expression of faith, rather than the organised structure that would come with Christianity. This is evidenced by the focus on individual rituals, rather than a unified mass ritual, as well as not having an overarching hierarchy.
Biblical Influence
It is impossible to ignore the influence the Bible had on Catholicism before Christianity. Although the Old Testament predates the Christian movement, it did help to shape the ways in which Catholicism before Christianity was expressed. There are various explanations as to why this was, including the shared beliefs amongst the Jews and Christians in things like the afterlife, morality, and fate.The Bible also provided a source of inspiration for much of the iconography of Catholicism before Christianity, including paintings and sculptures of angels, demons, and mythology. In addition, the Old Testament is believed to have been the source of many religious symbols, such as the cross and the fish symbol. Finally, the Bible was also used to teach believers the moral codes and rules of their faith.
Hermetic Philosophy
The hermetic philosophy is another major influence on Catholicism before Christianity. This philosophy was based in ancient Egypt, and focused on metaphysical and spiritual ideas, many of which were later adopted by the Catholic Church. These include concepts such as reincarnation, the afterlife, and other esoteric ideas.
In addition, the hermetic philosophy also embraces the idea of astrology, as well as numerology, both of which were seen as important aspects of understanding the world and one’s place in it. Many of these beliefs were used to influence the rituals and practices of Catholicism before Christianity, as a way to understand the workings of the world and seek comfort in difficult times.
Symbology
Symbology was also an important part of Catholicism before Christianity. Symbols, such as the cross, the crown of thorns, the snake, and the dove, all held religious and spiritual significance, as well as representing different aspects of faith and devotion. This was especially true in ancient Rome, where symbols had a strong place in society.
Symbology was also used in Catholic festivals and rituals, as a way to create a spiritual connection between the individual and their deity. For example, symbolism was used to represent the death and resurrection of the Son, as well as the coming judgement and mercy of the Father. Symbols were also used as a way to seek blessings from the Gods, or as an offering of protection.
Impact
The impact of Catholicism before Christianity can still be felt today. The similarities between it and Christianity are in many ways why Christianity was able to spread and become the world’s most popular religion. The use of rituals and symbols, as well as the belief in a higher being, all contributed to the overall beliefs and practices of the time.
In addition, Catholicism before Christianity had a strong influence on the culture and societies of the time. Many of the same myths and legends have survived and been adapted throughout the centuries, as have some of the same teachings and practices. These have changed and developed in different ways, but are still present in many religions and belief systems today.
