Christianity

Anyone who really studies the Bible, especially the Old Testament, realizes how bloody a religion Christianity really is. Today, it seems people ignore the gory parts of the religion and its sinister underlying foundation, almost as if Christians have been ashamed about that part of Christianity. Recognizing several parallels between Christianity and vampirism, could Christ have been a vampire?

The First Question

First, why are we so obsessed with vampires? What does it say about our culture and our religious identity? Are the intersections between these questions and the greater narratives of Christ's life important?

Consider things like:

• The parallels between drinking blood and holy communion;
• The cleansing of our souls with blood;
• Jesus's rise from the dead after being crucified

Christianity's link to vampires

The sacramental drinking of blood, everlasting life, and resurrection of the dead are all concepts embedded in Christianity - and embedded in vampire culture. The now popular concept of a royal bloodline supposedly linked to that of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, a bloodline from whence the European concept of Divine Right Monarchy can also be added to the mix. The prototypical Transylvanian vampire Dracula (Vlad the Impaler) was hereditarily linked to that supposed bloodline - so some historians say. Dracula literally means "Dragon King", a title by which many early European monarchs ruled, including the legendary Pendragon and King Arthur himself... all under the heavy-handed auspices of the Roman Christian Church. ^[1]

While the early Christian Church abused there link to the supernatural over early European monarchies, so did these princes and kings with strong links to an equally pagan past lord divine right over their often terrified vassals.

This peasantry, was terrified with good reason. Many of these divinely ordained principalities had more than just a passing fancy for blood. Whether drinking or bathing in it, blood was definitely part of the picture ... and so was the Church, whether directly or indirectly. The Crusades, The Inquisitions, and acts such as the burning of an innocent peasant girl (Joan of Arc) at the stake were only highlights of the historical blood-lust... where Church and vampires meets politics.

This twist on Christianity was an offshoot of the Holy Roman Empire, courtesy of Emperor Constantine who "Romanized" the Christian Church. The Last Supper may have been the heralding dawn of sacramental blood drinking (in a process known as transubstantiation whereby wine is transformed to the blood of Christ) amongst early Christians. However the Church that evolved (from Constantine's ordaining it the official religion of the Holy Roman Empire) came to bear little resemblance to the original body of believers. ^[2]

In many Christian denominations "The Church" is understood theologically as the institution founded by Jesus for the salvation of humankind. This understanding is shared between Catholic and Orthodox traditions. They see in the Church a foundation of Christ, who continues to live in it, through the Holy Spirit. In the Catholic tradition, the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ. Protestant churches generally view all Christians to be the Body of Christ.(A body both dead yet alive) Some Protestant theologians call this High Church. In contrast, Low Church denominations generally emphasize the personal relationship between a believer and Jesus Christ. (The maker and his children) Other Christians, however, would say that the Church is not an institution at all. Instead, it is the gathering of believers,(A vampiries coven) individually, and ultimately in heaven where all believers from all nations and times will be gathered together; so, church history is not just about the history of institutions, but the major happenings amongst believers throughout the world, throughout time.

Faith Forever

Christian concepts that bear a strong resemblance to what one would expect of vampire culture abound. "Drink of Christ's Blood to attain everlasting life." Die in Christ to be reborn. Many believe in Everlasting Life, the Resurrection of the Dead, and the life-giving, healing properties of Christ's blood. There is a certain "romantic" element in vampire lore, though it may be a matter of faith^[3]

Vampire culture is alive today

Crucifixes, holy water and communion wafers all factor into vampire lore. Popular legend has it that vampires cannot tolerate the presence of such holy particulars, yet many denizens of contemporary vampire culture adorn themselves with crucifixes as talismanic jewelry and fear no holy water nor blessed host. Gothic-style churches and hallowed graveyards are amongst their favorite haunts ... some of their most popular "watering holes" include former churches that have been converted to nightclubs (such as the Limelight in Manhattan) where vampire regulars meet and greet at the bar or undulate on the dance floor. What'll it be tonight - a Bloody Mary or goblet of full-bodied, red wine? Or may I suggest some Sangria? Ever wonder how Sangria got its name? It comes from "Sang Real" which means "the true blood", referring to that of Christ. ^[4]

Connected Origins

Incidentally, the concept of Sang Real (which could also be interpreted as "royal", holy or sacred blood) is an old one present not only in the Christian traditions (whether or not Jesus ever sired offspring). The ancient Egyptians also had a divinely ordained ruling class, as did many other ancient cultures ... resulting in much intermarriage to keep bloodlines pure.

Symbolism

The ankh is a symbol which has been shared alike by Christians and members of today's vampire culture with almost identical symbolism. The ankh, an Egyptian cross, was frequently used as an early Christian symbol. It is also worn by many vampires, and is symbolic of everlasting life. Incidentally, the swastika (an ancient Syrian symbol) was also used as an "underground" Christian symbol, especially during the time when early Christians were hiding in catacombs to escape Roman persecution ... ^[5]

The Final Connection

J.G Eccarius wrote a lengthy tome about Christ the Vampire:^[6]