"One mausoleum, designated mausoleum M, has sparked much debate because of the mosaics with which it is decorated. One figure in particular, depicting the sun-god, is often interpreted as Christ. [Christus helios, the mosaic of Sol in Mausoleum M, which is interpreted as Christ-Sol] This would make the mausoleum the single exception to the rule that all mausolea in the necropolis are pagan. However, this mausoleum has been the focus of some of my own research that deals with the Roman sun god, and I question the Christian interpretation given to its mosaics."
The Vatican contends that Sun-God symbols on the tomb of their founder are Christian when in fact these were insignias of Simon Magus. Note this from the Schaff-Herzogg Encyclopedia:
"[The] high fame which he [Simon Magus] enjoyed throughout Samaria reached its culmination in his identification with the Semitic sun god Shamash, whose cult was united with that of the moon goddess Astarte". [V 10; p 420; # 5]
This may very well explain the idolatrous attachment the Vatican has with their famous Sun-burst monstrances and other Sun God images that permeate its regalia. They were the emblems of Simon Magus who was probably buried in the shrine of the Sun God there on Vatican Hill that had to be demolished by Constantine when he built the first St Peters Basilica. If they check those bones again that came out of this Sun God mausoleum, they will probably find them to be Samaritan not Jewish.
And lest we forget our history, Constantine built the first Basilica over the tomb that he considered to be the founder of his newly formed Roman Christianity, and until the day he died he was dedicated to the cult of the Sol Invictus, the Invincible Sun God.
[Revelation 2:9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
From my post #1951.....as Josephus would say; "They call themselves Jews when it is to their benefit."
John, the Revelator knew this also, knew about Simon and his counterfeit religion (Remember, John wrote late in the first century), knew of the history of the Samaritans and knew that this was the beginning of a great apostasy. "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. [Revelation 3:9]
John repeats himself twice in calling these Samaritans the synagogue of Satan....just to let us know for sure where to look, I guess.
**Sun-burst monstrances and other Sun God images that permeate its regalia. They were the emblems of Simon Magus**
I differ with you on this opinion. I don't think the sunburst monstances have anything to do with a sun God or with Simon Magus -- he is a fly-by- night blip in this story.
Rather, to me, the monstrance represents the light of Christ coming forth from the consecrated host as from Christ himself.
Think about it for awhile. "The Lord is my light and my salvation."
Move from the darkness of unbelief to the light of believing in Jesus Christ -- is a repeated theme in many of Paul's letters, likewise.