Is Baal like Jesus?
Article author: Jay Zeke Malakai
Article editor: Jay Zeke Malakai
Introduction
The only real connection I am aware copycat theorists make between Baal and Jesus is that both die and resurrect. In this (short) article, we will examine this claim.
Other sources I find claim that Baal's resurrection is an annual occurance, much like Adonis' "resurrection". Spiritual, not physical.
No matter which version of Baal's death and resurrection is closest to the actual myth, none of them bear any resemblance to Jesus. Jesus' death is not so much a personal battle with the devil as it is a willing sacrifice of his own life for his beloved. His resurrection is also of his own accord: He chose to rise again as freely as he chose to die. He did not need someone to slay the devil for him. His resurrection is also permenant, and it gives life to all who believe in him.
Conclusion
Baal's death and resurrection do not resemble Jesus' death and resurrection. While Baal's death is in a personal battle with the god of death, Jesus' death is a willful sacrifice for sins. Baal's resurrection may not have been bodily, and is not permenant, whereas Jesus' resurrection is eternal, and was in the body. Baal cannot have inspired Christianity.
Who was Baal?
Baal was a Canaanite god of weather and fertility. Worship of Baal spread throughout the Middle East. He is mentioned and condemned several times in the Old Testament.
Baal's death
Of the over 70 texts concerning Baal, only one appears to have Baal dying and resurrecting. From what we can gather, Baal is slain in a personal battle with the Canaanite god of death, Mot.
Baal's resurrection
From the few pieces of information I can gather from the internet, there is a huge gap in the text between Baal's death and Baal suddenly appearing alive again. Apparantly, Baal's consort kills Mot, enabling Baal to return.
