Ep 2. Greco-Roman Gods Who Became Human

In this episode of How Jesus Became God, titled "Greco-Roman Gods Who Became Human," we delve into the overlap between ancient Greek and Roman mythology and the emergence of Christianity in the Mediterranean world. We explore how, in the context of the Roman Empire, the idea of a god or gods becoming human was not only possible but even somewhat common.

We begin by looking at some examples of Greco-Roman gods who were believed to have taken on human form, such as Dionysus, Apollo, and Zeus. These gods were often portrayed as having a dual nature – embodying both divine and human qualities – and were revered for their ability to bridge the gap between gods and mortals. We also examine how these same ideas about divine incarnation and transformation were later incorporated into Christian doctrine.

Next, we examine the idea of "divine adoption," a concept that was central to the Roman imperial cult. In this context, an individual could be adopted as the son of a god or goddess, and it was believed that this divine status could be passed down through the generations. We see how this idea of adoption was adapted and transformed in early Christian theology, particularly in relation to the concept of Jesus as the "Son of God."

Finally, we explore the ways in which early Christian writers consciously borrowed from Greco-Roman mythology and philosophy in order to make their own theological arguments. For example, we learn how the concept of the Logos – a term used in Greek philosophy to describe the ordering principle of the universe – was adopted by early Christian writers to describe Jesus as the embodiment of God's wisdom and reason. We also examine how the idea of the resurrection – a key Christian belief – was influenced by ancient beliefs in bodily transformation and renewal.

Throughout the episode, we hear from scholars and experts who offer insights and perspectives on this complex and fascinating topic. We gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which early Christianity was shaped by the broader cultural and philosophical traditions of the Mediterranean world, and we come away with a greater appreciation for the rich and complex history of the world's largest religion.