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Why Celebrate Easter
Has the most profound event in Christian history and the axis upon which all history turns been relegated to a backseat behind chocolate bunnies, decorated baskets, and egg hunts? Author Steve Russo sets the record straight in Why Celebrate Easter. Russo brings his readers back to the heart of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, placing the focus where it belongs. Russo looks at the history of Easter, Easter practices around the world, the authenticity of the resurrection claim, and the different responses to Easter. Why Celebrate Easter offers a solid biblical perspective that places the focus back on the real meaning of Easter.
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
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August 13, 2024
A HISTORICAL EXAMINATION OF EASTER, INCLUDING ITS "PAGAN ORIGINS"
Steve Russo is an evangelist, author, and speaker on the TV program "24/SEVEN." He has also written books such as 'Keeping Christ in Christmas: Helping Families Find Their Focus.'
He notes early in the book, "The origin for the name `Easter' is not certain. Some say the name comes from the German goddess of rebirth, Eostara... Other scholars believe the word Easter comes from an ancient German word eostarum, meaning `dawn.' In the early church, Easter week was called ... `white week,' because of the white garments the newly baptized wore at Easter. Later, the plural of `white' was misunderstood as the plural of `dawn,' and thus it was translated as eostarum. Many scholars accept the proposal of eighth-century English scholar St. Bede ... [that `Easter' is] derived from the Scandinavian Ostra and the Teutonic Ostern or Eastre... Whatever the origin may be for the name `Easter,' it is a reference to the east and the rising of the sun." (Pg. 6-7)
He admits, "The early church struggled with the gods of the pagans and non-Christians. Some of the traditions to honor these gods were tough to break, and many found their way into early Easter customs." (Pg. 9) He states, "The Easter rabbit has connections to a time when people worshiped the sun and moon. The white rabbit is a symbol of spring fertility... and it supposedly brought gifts of brightly colored eggs to children who had been good." (Pg. 39) He notes, "Hot-cross buns are a customary Easter food with pagan origins." (Pg. 43)
He argues that "it is possible to allow our children to have the Easter bunny as part of their holiday tradition and not miss out on the real reason for celebrating Easter," and suggests that "Let's remember it's extremely difficult to make the connection between the modern-day Easter bunny and ancient pagan rituals... let's remember all the things that are such an integral part of our culture, things like birthday cakes and even calendars and the days of the week---all of which have pagan roots." (Pg. 52-53)
He concludes, just because there are pagan elements in the early history of Easter does not mean that it automatically disqualifies a Christian from participating in some modern-day form of these elements... Easter is, in fact, an example of a holiday that was derived from a pagan celebration. It is interesting to note that throughout history the church has appropriated these rituals and others and made them `Christian.' Even though the remnants of ancient paganism still endure, the practices and anti-Christian beliefs once associated with Easter and other holiday customs have long since disappeared... Can you imagine not celebrating our Lord's resurrection on Easter Sunday because of a fertility ritual?" (Pg. 145)
This is an excellent defense of the Christian celebration of the Easter holiday.
Steve Russo is an evangelist, author, and speaker on the TV program "24/SEVEN." He has also written books such as 'Keeping Christ in Christmas: Helping Families Find Their Focus.'
He notes early in the book, "The origin for the name `Easter' is not certain. Some say the name comes from the German goddess of rebirth, Eostara... Other scholars believe the word Easter comes from an ancient German word eostarum, meaning `dawn.' In the early church, Easter week was called ... `white week,' because of the white garments the newly baptized wore at Easter. Later, the plural of `white' was misunderstood as the plural of `dawn,' and thus it was translated as eostarum. Many scholars accept the proposal of eighth-century English scholar St. Bede ... [that `Easter' is] derived from the Scandinavian Ostra and the Teutonic Ostern or Eastre... Whatever the origin may be for the name `Easter,' it is a reference to the east and the rising of the sun." (Pg. 6-7)
He admits, "The early church struggled with the gods of the pagans and non-Christians. Some of the traditions to honor these gods were tough to break, and many found their way into early Easter customs." (Pg. 9) He states, "The Easter rabbit has connections to a time when people worshiped the sun and moon. The white rabbit is a symbol of spring fertility... and it supposedly brought gifts of brightly colored eggs to children who had been good." (Pg. 39) He notes, "Hot-cross buns are a customary Easter food with pagan origins." (Pg. 43)
He argues that "it is possible to allow our children to have the Easter bunny as part of their holiday tradition and not miss out on the real reason for celebrating Easter," and suggests that "Let's remember it's extremely difficult to make the connection between the modern-day Easter bunny and ancient pagan rituals... let's remember all the things that are such an integral part of our culture, things like birthday cakes and even calendars and the days of the week---all of which have pagan roots." (Pg. 52-53)
He concludes, just because there are pagan elements in the early history of Easter does not mean that it automatically disqualifies a Christian from participating in some modern-day form of these elements... Easter is, in fact, an example of a holiday that was derived from a pagan celebration. It is interesting to note that throughout history the church has appropriated these rituals and others and made them `Christian.' Even though the remnants of ancient paganism still endure, the practices and anti-Christian beliefs once associated with Easter and other holiday customs have long since disappeared... Can you imagine not celebrating our Lord's resurrection on Easter Sunday because of a fertility ritual?" (Pg. 145)
This is an excellent defense of the Christian celebration of the Easter holiday.
Displaying 1 of 1 review