If the story of Christ is true, how do you explain that all of the basic components of the story already existed in many pagan religions long before the birth of Christ even the cross?
With malice towards one & all
Most people realize and agree that the dates of holidays like Xmas and Easter were based on previous pagan holidays, and that some symbolism like Xmas Trees and Easter Eggs also have pagan origins. But almost all of the basic tenets of Christianity also existed in pagan religions, like the virgin birth, god becoming man, baptism, communion, the resurrection. Even many miracles depicted in the New Testament were present in pagan traditions. Like the water to wine, the fishes and loaves, walking on water, healing the sick and giving sight to the blind, raising the dead.
So, is it just coincidence that all of this well known pagan dogma actually then came true with the birth of Christ? If not, how do you explain it?