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Question
I am a Christian and celebrate Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. I have had several of my Christian friends come and tell me that Easter was actually a pagan holiday. I know this can't be entirely true. Could you clarify this question for me, Is Easter a pagan holiday?
It has elements of paganism in it such as the fertility symbols of rabbits and eggs. The one link below shows it has other origins as well and then there is my blog entry. There are many versions of its origins and the original intent based on whether you are for or against it. ;-)
The point really is that if we are people of the Book and stand for the truth why not celebrate the Resurrection during the holiday when it really happened rather than make up one and add a bunch of hoo-ha? Truth is truth. He is the Passover Lamb, not the Easter Lamb.
After all, God went to a lot of trouble to create the Passover with its own symbolism with a cross of blood over the doorpost as a precursor to the Cross of Calvary. Why not play it His way rather than a man made tradition regardless of origin or intent?
We have lots of traditions that have little to do with Book depending on your affiliation or location. If tradition is truth, treasure it. If tradition is just tradition then trash it especially if it is not truth.
We need a second Reformation for the first did not go far enough. As I grow in my understanding of the Word I am amazed how we got so tangled up in junk. A real puzzler is that Baptists tend to be highly critical of Catholic doctrine and yet they celebrate all the Catholic holidays. None of them match up with history or the Book. They were just created. Go figure.
Will you go to Hell if you eat bunny ears and colored eggs on Easter? No, salvation is by grace, but if the Apostles had followed our logic they would have missed Pentecost because they would have been in the Upper Room a week early or a week late. God is a pretty precise person so does it make sense to be accurate when we celebrate something HE tied to a certain period of time? I would reckon He would appreciate our cooperation with Him.
Anyway, I hope this has been of some help or at least stimulated your thinking. Blessings to you as you seek His will in all things.
http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/the-meaning-of-easter-faq.htm
http://bbclgt.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/happy-passover/
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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