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Handout #17 |
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The Mystery Religions
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| Plutarch (c.50 - 125 A.D.), who wrote in Greek, was
born and lived in Greece, but traveled a good deal. A moralist and
philosopher, he was particularly interested in religious problems:
belonged to the priestly college at Delphi.
At the moment of death, the soul has the same experience as those who are initiated into the great mysteries ... These are primarily random wanderings, painful detours, endless disconcerting journeys through the darkness. Then, before the end, the terror reaches its climax: shuddering, trembling, cold sweat, fright. However, at that point a marvelous light dawns and we pass on to the pure atmosphere of verdant meadows, over which songs and dances resound; sacred words and divine visions inspire a religious veneration. Thenceforth the initiate, in a state of perfection, becomes free and moves freely, celebrating the mysteries with a crown on his head. He lives with pure and holy men. He sees on earth the mass of those who are not initiated and purified; they batter and crush one another in the mire and the darkness, and in fear of death, persevere in evil doing for fear of what lies beyond. Plutarch (46-127),Treatise on the Soul. |
