However this was somewhat different for the mystery religions. The main characterization of these religions is the secrecy associated with the particulars of the initiation and the cult practice, which may not be revealed to “outsiders”. The most famous mysteries of Greco-Roman antiquity were the Eleusinian Mysteries (Crystal, David). The Eleusinian Mysteries were initiation ceremonies held every year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone based at Eleusis in ancient Greece. Of all the mysteries celebrated in ancient times, these were held to be the ones of greatest importance. The rites, ceremonies, and beliefs were kept secret, as initiation was believed to unite the worshipper with the gods and included promises of divine power and rewards in the afterlife. Due to the secret nature of the cult, and because of the mystery religions of Late Antiquity; a period used by historians to describe the transitional centuries from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages, it would be very difficult to keep a religion like this alive (Martyr, Justin). This also shows why Christianity and Judaism flourished like they did. By being realistic and open to all mankind these two religions will never die out.
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