Easter

[Rhonda]

Doing research on the holidays and such is one of the things that had me questioning Christianity as I knew it. Most, if not all, of the so-called Christian holidays seem to merely be repackaged pagan holidays. The story just changes to reflect their beliefs instead of those that came before them. The Pagan Origins of Easter I mean really, what do bunnies and eggs have to do with Jesus? I'm just saying ...

What are your thoughts about Easter (and perhaps Christianity) and Deism?

[Dad]

Friday and Monday are holidays at Easter. Three cheers for Christianity!

[gainesvillecathy]

Friday and Monday are holidays at Easter. Three cheers for Christianity!

Yes, Cheers! I will share a drink with you, others, and that pesky poltergeist!

[Pipedreamer]

Yeah, I agree with you, Cathy. I was just thinking, isn't it kinda strange that a religion that touts itself as the true way came in and adapted local pagan ceremony into their "truth"?

[driver]

All of the pagan mystery religions became part of Christianity. There's really nothing new in Christianity that wasn't said or practiced in the pagan mystery religions. All the others had God/Man saviors, but they knew that they were a myth. Jesus was the only one made into a God that became literal. The Jesus Seminar dedicates itself in researching the historical Jesus. Of all the sayings that are attributed to Jesus only 17 to 18% are believed to be of Jesus and this includes the book of Thomas. I read "The Jesus Mysteries" and the authors don't even believe that Jesus existed. They offer some compelling arguments on this. I'm not saying that I by it, but can we ever know for sure who this man called Jesus was?

[gainesvillecathy]

we ever know for sure who this man called Jesus was?

I think you hit the nail on the head, Driver.

For me, Jesus was a real man, a humble teacher who gave his followers a sense of hope in a very difficult time. His death was like so many others during that time. And I think of that very much like I think of the tomb of the unknown soldier. I have always recognized a solemn few days during this time of year in memory of the innocent dead throughout history. It has nothing to do with the date, or how many days away from any other date, as I could set aside any day or days to solemnly think about the tragedies, but I use these days because it is easier to revive in spirit when I wake up and see that it is a beautiful Spring morning. Life is sadness, and it is also renewal.

That is what Easter means to me.

[driver]

Very interesting Cathy.

[cclendenen]

Yes, Cheers! I will share a drink with you, others, and that pesky poltergeist!

I thought it was a pelty postergeist.

[Nada]

Some people criticize Christians for stealing ideas and concepts from other local religions, but I think they were on to something. I see it that most religions have more in common than they would like to think. Most religions have major holidays to celebrate the seasons. Winter (festival of light(s)), Spring (life, rebirth), Summer (growth), Fall (feasting, bounty, then penitence and fasting). and is based on our solar calendar and human experience.

[mystic444]

For my part, I think that Nada has a very valid point; there is a common thread running through most religions. It's not really surprising that the common ideas get recognized by adaptations of each others rites and holidays. On the other hand, it is rather ironic that a religion, such as orthodox Christianity, that proclaims itself entirely separate from all other religions - and that it is the only true religion, everyone else will be condemned to eternal hell for their heathenish ways - should be so quick to adopt those 'heathenish rites' in order to make 'conversion' to Christianity easier!

For those Christians, though, who just focus on the resurrection on 'Resurrection Sunday', perhaps with a sunrise service (which is supposed to be the time of day some of the women disciples discovered the 'empty tomb', and when Jesus is supposed to have made himself known to Mary Magdalene), the celebration is perfectly legitimate. For a 'liberal' Christian, who repudiates the notion of Christianity being the 'only way', and all other religions being 'evil heathenism', it is also legitimate to join the celebration of Jesus' resurrection with other 'new beginnings' traditions and symbols.

[gainesvillecathy]

For my part, I think that Nada has a very valid point; there is a common thread running through most religions. It's not really surprising that the common ideas get recognized by adaptations of each others rites and holidays. On the other hand, it is rather ironic that a religion, such as orthodox Christianity, that proclaims itself entirely separate from all other religions - and that it is the only true religion, everyone else will be condemned to eternal hell for their heathenish ways - should be so quick to adopt those 'heathenish rites' in order to make 'conversion' to Christianity easier!

For those Christians, though, who just focus on the resurrection on 'Resurrection Sunday', perhaps with a sunrise service (which is supposed to be the time of day some of the women disciples discovered the 'empty tomb', and when Jesus is supposed to have made himself known to Mary Magdalene), the celebration is perfectly legitimate. For a 'liberal' Christian, who repudiates the notion of Christianity being the 'only way', and all other religions being 'evil heathenism', it is also legitimate to join the celebration of Jesus' resurrection with other 'new beginnings' traditions and symbols.

All very good points, Mystic and Nada.


Chuck, what is a "pelty" poltergeist? I think you must have meant "petty"? or "piety"? Is the poltergeist now inhabiting your keyboard?

Nevermind! It took me a minute, but I got it!

[cclendenen]

...
Chuck, what is a "pelty" poltergeist? I think you must have meant "petty"? or "piety"? Is the poltergeist now inhabiting your keyboard?

Nevermind! It took me a minute, but I got it!

Just a play on Dad's comment about a "postergeist". It's a form of humor called "backing talkwards".