Dionysus was a god of wine and happiness. In the ancient artifacts, he holds a cup in his hand as symbol of his power. The main followers of this male god were women. This religion involved dances, banquets, masquerades, and singing. The religion appealed to wealthy women. Ancient pictures and inscriptions reveal that these women would remove their clothes and participate in sexual activities. This was a religion that appealed to women. It had a feminine touch.      There were two gods who dealt with health. The first was Serapius. He was the god of healing and fertility. He could deliver a person from danger and disease. He was called the savior god. Mystical revelations were important in this religion.      Asclepius was the god of medicine. This may be one the most significant religions of the ancient world. The temple was white and circular with a covered dome. Snakes were a common symbol of this worship. The most significant symbol was a rod with a snake wrapped around it. It is the same symbol used today by medical doctors. This god was called the “savior from sickness.” The temple area included trees, baths, theaters, gyms, and the library. This religion was concerned with the physical and mental health of each man and woman. It included culture, reading, the arts, cleanliness, and healing. There are ancient testimonies of men and women who say they were cured of blindness and ulcers. The ancient records reveal that hypnosis, diet, bathing, and various medicines were commonly used to help people feel better and to “heal” their diseases.       What Is Your Religion? Religion was more than worship at some temple. Religion was important to life and culture. A person could belong to several religions. Religion was connected to every part of daily life. It was the key to social success, food, happiness, the theater, literature, and even sex. While one religion provided for your mental and physical health, another was the key to pleasing the Roman caesar. The library, theater, medical doctor, bath house, and gardens were all part of the culture or religion of the day. The people determined the moral standard of the society and it was evil.      Religion is not very different today. For example, in the Society of Iobacchus, a person had to apply in order to be a member. The society voted on their admission on the ninth day of each month. If they were accepted, they had to make a monthly contribution. They had moral standards; members were not permitted to fight, swear, or be disorderly. The priest controlled the worship service. He determined who spoke. This group had a treasurer who collected dues. Does this sound like religion today? They worshipped the gods of health, the cultural arts, sports, and pleasure. When they gathered together, they expected the citizens to worship “god,” donate money, practice some form of holiness, be cared for by a priest, and hear inspiring religious messages.         < Back   Next >
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