Prometheus and Christ

One of the most renowned figures in the world today is Jesus Christ; in ancient Greece it was Prometheus. Both figures were of great importance to the religion they represented. Christ is considered by those of the Christian faith to be the savior of the human race. He is the one who gave up His life to atone for the sins of man. He brought to the world His powers of healing, prophecy, and most important, a sense of new hope. In ancient Greece, Prometheus was the titan who stood up to the tyrannical god Zeus. He brought the human race not only fire, but a way to advance the lives of the people. By bringing them fire, he gave them a way to evolve scientifically; he also gave them the gift of hope. Both Christ and Prometheus are of great significance to the religion they represent. There are many parallels between the two, and both have made an enormous impact on the history of the human race.

One of the most obvious parallels between Christ and Prometheus is that they were both considered saviors to the human race. Until the death of Christ, there was no life after death for the human race. The sins of man were forgiven, and the human race was saved upon the crucifixion of Christ. In the Holy Bible, it is proclaimed that Christ is the only one who can redeem the human race. It is said that "there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). As was Christ, Prometheus was also considered a savior to mankind. In Greek mythology, Zeus refused to give man the gift of fire, so man was unable to advance as a species. Man was doomed to extinction. However, Prometheus defied Zeus and brought fire to man. Prometheus gave man the ability to advance scientifically in the world; he saved mankind form extinction.

Another similarity between Prometheus and Christ is that they were both viewed as criminals; they were also similarly crucified. Zeus was angry at Prometheus for defying him and bringing fire to man. Zeus ordered Prometheus to be punished by being nailed "to the high, craggy rocks in fetters unbreakable of adamantine chain" (Prometheus Bound 7). He is accused of stealing fire from Zeus, and it is proclaimed that he must be punished. Similarly, Christ was accused as a criminal too. He was brought in front of a council and accused of blasphemy. He was then sentenced to death by crucifixion. He was nailed to a cross where he hung until His death.

Both Christ and Prometheus were healers. There are many recounts of Christ's healings in the Holy Bible. For example, Christ was approached by two blind men who begged to be able to see again. Christ touched their eyes, and the men regained their sight. Also, while in Galilee, He was approached by a leper who wished to be cured; Christ cured him. Another example concerned a man who was paralyzed. The man was lying in his bed, and Christ told him to "get up, pick up your bed, and go home" (Matthew 9:6). The man was no longer paralyzed. Prometheus also was a healer to mankind. The sickness that he was able to cure man from was from foreseeing doom. He brought to man blind hope and enabled man to live a happier life.

Another aspect Prometheus and Christ had in common was that they were both teachers. By bringing fire to man, Prometheus enabled man to learn many crafts. By giving the gift of fire, Prometheus taught mankind to advance scientifically and become more civilized. He taught them how to build brick houses and work with wood. He taught them how to use language and numbers. He showed them how to use ships and showed them a map of the stars. He taught them how to use animals to help them with their labor. He showed them how to take metal from the earth. He introduced medicine, prophecy, and divination through dreams, birds, sacrifice, and fire. Christ was also known to be a teacher. It is said that He "was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 9:35). There are many accounts of Christ teaching the word of God throughout His life.

Both Christ and Prometheus said similar things. While talking to the Pharisees, Christ lectured them on their inability to see things as they should. "Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear" (Mark 8:18)? Prometheus also uttered similar words. When describing to the chorus all that he had done to benefit mankind Prometheus proclaimed that man did not know anything until he gave them fire. "First they had eyes but had no eyes to see, and ears but heard not" (Prometheus Bound 47-48). Both Prometheus and Christ had similar things to say about mankind.

Another thing that both Christ and Prometheus both had in common is that they were both destined to rise from their tomb. Both were able to foresee that this was their destiny. Prometheus claims that though Zeus may banish him to the depths of the underworld, he will never die. He will survive and come back again. Christ also prophesized that he would rise from the dead. He claimed that if He was to die, He would rise again in three days. According to the Holy Bible, Christ did indeed rise from the dead three days after He died on the cross.

Both Christ and Prometheus were visited and comforted by