Where Did Jesus Die? — Page 109
Chapter Nine—Paganism and Paul 109 The result of his overstepping the limits laid down by Jesus for preaching, was what Jesus had foretold, saying: Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. 1 When St. Paul began to preach to the Gentiles, the latter’s atti- tude compelled him to modify the principles taught by Jesus. He presented the crucified Jesus in the way they believed in their gods. I mention below, by way of example, a few gods in which the Pagans believed. 1. At the festivals of Adonis, which were held in western Asia and in Greek lands, the death of the god was annually mourned with a bitter wailing, chiefly by women; images of him dressed to resemble corpses were carried out for burial and then thrown into the sea or into springs. In some places his revival was cele- brated on the following day. At Alexandria they sorrowed not without hope, for they sang that the lost one would come back again. In the great Phoenician Sanctuary of Astarte at Byblus the death of Adonis was annually mourned—but next day he was believed to come to life again, and ascend to heaven in the presence of his worshippers. 2 1. Matt. 7:6 2. Sir James Frazer Adonis, Attis. Osiris, edition 2, page 183–84 Macmillian & Co. , Ltd. , London, 1907.