Why No Easter Celebration? A. M. Daniel, UK We have the ultimate right to celebrate what we believe. It is not my business to interfere, even though I and everyone can criticize. As a Christian, from an Islamic background, my newly found faith meant doing much research and examination at all spiritual levels, and it continues to be so after more than half a century; I enjoy the sweetness of faith and am excited about it! I value St. Anselm calling the Christian faith, “The faith that does not throw the brain out”. I expect a committed Christian, at least, to try to understand why, as we remember the events surrounding Christ's suffering and triumph, especially, what Jesus went through in His last days here in the flesh. I personally do not celebrate Easter because I am a Christian, and you may wonder why. My Story To clarify, unlike, assumingly, the majority of Christians, I grew up learning about and observing loads of myths, by sheer destination, and I was also fond of Greek mythology by choice. I had the delight of visiting and seeing many fabulous temples and fascinating statues of various gods and goddesses as well. In my fine arts classes, I have sculpted my bust and crafted a model of Aphrodite - the Greek goddess of beauty. The Romans had Venus with similar attributes and a goddess of fertility. By saying that, one may see that I am not a statue breaker, but an art admirer. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “The English word Easter, which parallels the German word Ostern, is of uncertain origin. One view, expounded by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century, was that it derived from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility.” This makes the name close to one of my favorite and more ancient, love stories, Astarte and Adonis. Pagan origin In brief, Easter was a pagan festival celebrated in spring long before the advent of Christ. The name was adopted by some English Christians in the 7th or 8th century and made to associate with the Passover, which originally occurred in Spring in the Hebrew month of Nisan - April in the Gregorian calendar (Exodus 12:1-14); during which the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead took place. So, from Anglo-Saxons’ pagan feast in honor of the goddess Easter (associated with hare and eggs) to the resurrection of Jesus! Forgive me to say, as a Bible student I cannot see the connection, except, losing the real story. Because celebrating Passover has its ancient biblical roots and multiple prophecies that are fulfilled in Jesus. (Acts 2: 23 – 27; 1 Cor. 5:7) On a social level, whether my neighbors celebrate Easter or Fitr… I would love to, politely and very sincerely, wish them well. I am delighted to greet you, as early Christians did, Cristos anesti, "Χριστός ἀνέστη" Christ is Risen / Resurrected. The reply comes, alithos anesti "αληθώς ἀνέστη" truly / indeed risen. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Grace & Peace e-periodical Vol. 19 No. 3| March 2024  In this issue: - Perspective: The Death of Christ Outline: -1 Sufferings of Christ according to Peter Outline:-2   Results of the Resurrection Anecdote: Substitute Soldier  Practical: - 1 Appropriating the Death of Christ as a Believer Practical: -2  Resurrection Ground: A Believer’s Perspective Meditation: The Resurrection Power of Christ Exhortation: Resurrection: Practical implications Reflection: Why No Easter Celebration? Gospel:How to Escape Death?

22/02/24

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