Church Chronicles: Christian Faith vs. Easter Origins: Can They Harmonize?
Join Connie Morris in the finale of "Church Chronicles by the Diary of a Black Woman" as she delves into the thought-provoking debate surrounding Easter's origins titled "The Easter Controversy, Pagan Origins vs. Christian Faith." This episode offers an honest reflection on the differing Christian perspectives about Easter celebrations and their debated roots.
Explore biblical insights and personal convictions from Romans and Colossians that invite us to focus on the essence of our faith rather than rituals. Consider how symbols like eggs and bunnies are viewed among believers and the impact of personal traditions.
Connie emphasizes the importance of honoring personal beliefs while extending grace to others. Discover practical ways to center your Easter celebration around Christ, including intentional worship, scripture gatherings, and acts of kindness. Seek to foster open conversations about faith and use this season as a moment of reflection and growth.
As Easter approaches, Connie invites listeners to reflect on their own traditions and how they align with their faith in Christ. Remember, it's not about the labels but the heart and grace behind them.
00:05 - Introduction to the Easter Controversy
01:38 - Understanding the Debate
03:26 - Personal Conviction and Grace
04:33 - Keeping Christ at the Center
06:40 - Practical Ways to Focus on Christ
08:00 - Reflection and Spiritual Growth
00:00:00.017 --> 00:00:05.497
Welcome back to Church Chronicles by the Diary of a Black Woman.
00:00:05.777 --> 00:00:09.857
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and today we're wrapping up our series on Easter
00:00:09.857 --> 00:00:15.537
with an honest and reflective discussion titled, The Easter Controversy,
00:00:15.857 --> 00:00:18.757
Pagan Origins vs. Christian Faith.
00:00:19.337 --> 00:00:24.597
Can we do both? In this episode, we'll dive into the ongoing debate about Easter
00:00:24.597 --> 00:00:29.757
origins, exploring differing Christian perspectives, and reflect on how we can
00:00:29.757 --> 00:00:33.817
navigate this topic with wisdom and grace.
00:00:34.417 --> 00:00:42.977
Romans 14, 5-6 in the NIV, it reads, One person considers one day more sacred than another.
00:00:43.217 --> 00:00:49.097
Another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in
00:00:49.097 --> 00:00:57.077
their own mind, whoever regards one day as a special does so to the Lord.
00:00:57.737 --> 00:01:02.717
So it's like one person might think this day is better. One person might think another day is better.
00:01:02.937 --> 00:01:09.917
One might say they all are the same. But whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.
00:01:10.137 --> 00:01:18.017
So don't you be the police of what someone decides to decide what day is best.
00:01:18.157 --> 00:01:20.457
Okay? That's what I want to leave you with.
00:01:21.017 --> 00:01:25.997
Easter brings joy and reflection. but it also raises an important question about
00:01:25.997 --> 00:01:27.757
what it means to honor God.
00:01:28.037 --> 00:01:33.177
Some believers embrace traditional celebrations with focus on Christ.
00:01:33.377 --> 00:01:38.037
In contrast, others reject the holiday entirely due to its pagan roots.
00:01:38.417 --> 00:01:45.157
Today, we'll explore both perspectives and ask, can we celebrate Easter while
00:01:45.157 --> 00:01:48.197
remaining faithful to our convictions?
00:01:48.937 --> 00:01:54.077
Understanding the debate. Some believers feel strongly that Easter should be
00:01:54.077 --> 00:01:56.957
purged of any pagan associations.
00:01:57.917 --> 00:02:03.097
They argued that the use of symbols like eggs and bunnies dilute the sacredness
00:02:03.097 --> 00:02:04.857
of Christ's resurrection.
00:02:05.297 --> 00:02:13.097
Others believe that these symbols can be repurposed to point to a new life in Christ.
00:02:13.317 --> 00:02:18.897
They emphasize that it's the heart behind the celebration that matters most.
00:02:19.871 --> 00:02:24.111
Colossians 2, verse 16 to 17 out of NIV reads, it says, Therefore,
00:02:24.431 --> 00:02:30.591
do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious
00:02:30.591 --> 00:02:34.011
festival, a new moon celebration on a Sabbath day.
00:02:34.351 --> 00:02:38.511
These are a shadow of things that were to come. The reality.
00:02:40.711 --> 00:02:46.791
However, is found in Christ. Paul reminds us that our focus should always be
00:02:46.791 --> 00:02:50.871
on Christ, not the outward custom or ritual.
00:02:51.311 --> 00:02:55.631
You see how we get lost in things? We should worship like this.
00:02:55.731 --> 00:03:00.791
We should praise God on this day, and we should do this holiday, but it's not about that.
00:03:00.911 --> 00:03:03.911
These are a shadow of things that were to come.
00:03:04.071 --> 00:03:06.411
In reality, however, it's found in Christ.
00:03:06.651 --> 00:03:12.731
So Paul reminds us to not be focused on the outward customs or ritual.
00:03:13.171 --> 00:03:18.411
Question to you is, what traditions do you observe that bring you closer to Christ?
00:03:18.651 --> 00:03:23.691
Are there any that distract you from him? That's the key. Are they bringing
00:03:23.691 --> 00:03:25.851
you closer? Are they taking you away?
00:03:26.151 --> 00:03:29.271
Number two, personal conviction and grace.
00:03:29.771 --> 00:03:35.151
Romans 14 teaches us the importance of honoring our personal conviction while
00:03:35.151 --> 00:03:36.631
extending grace to others.
00:03:36.911 --> 00:03:41.431
Not everyone will agree on how to approach Easter, and that's okay.
00:03:41.671 --> 00:03:47.571
The key is to remain humble, avoid judgment, and ensure that whatever we do
00:03:47.571 --> 00:03:51.091
is done for the glory of God.
00:03:51.491 --> 00:03:57.451
I love that. Whatever you do, you do it for the glory of God.
00:03:58.091 --> 00:04:03.671
1 Corinthians 10 31 out of the NIV says, so whatever you eat or drink,
00:04:03.891 --> 00:04:07.471
whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.
00:04:07.711 --> 00:04:11.651
Whether we choose to observe a certain tradition or abstain from them,
00:04:11.911 --> 00:04:15.591
the goal should always be to glorify God.
00:04:15.871 --> 00:04:19.151
How can you create space for grace
00:04:19.151 --> 00:04:24.511
in discussions with others who may have differing beliefs about Easter?
00:04:25.236 --> 00:04:33.436
So remember, you ain't the Easter police. And so how can you create a space for grace for others?
00:04:34.016 --> 00:04:38.656
Number three, keeping Christ at the center. Regardless of where we stand in
00:04:38.656 --> 00:04:42.636
the debate, we must keep Christ at the center of our celebrations.
00:04:43.096 --> 00:04:50.196
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. It represents victory, hope, and eternal life.
00:04:50.556 --> 00:04:55.116
By focusing on Jesus, we avoid being caught up in debate.
00:04:55.236 --> 00:05:00.316
Debates, and instead testifying to the power of his resurrection.
00:05:01.336 --> 00:05:05.216
You know, some people like to debate, whether it's good, bad, or ugly.
00:05:05.396 --> 00:05:11.216
I mean, that's really up to you. But some things don't really require a debate. I'm worshiping Jesus.
00:05:11.556 --> 00:05:15.276
You worshiping Easter. Okay, we don't have to argue about that.
00:05:15.476 --> 00:05:18.136
We're not going to have this debate over it, right?
00:05:18.356 --> 00:05:23.016
We're going to just stay in grace. We're going to have a space for grace.
00:05:23.976 --> 00:05:27.096
We're going to have a space for grace because tomorrow is over.
00:05:27.136 --> 00:05:28.996
It's a day. It lasts a day.
00:05:29.356 --> 00:05:36.176
Are you going to still be connected with Jesus tomorrow after the holiday is over?
00:05:37.536 --> 00:05:44.616
So practical ways to stay focused instead of fussing and making someone make a decision or debating.
00:05:44.916 --> 00:05:49.636
You want to have an intentional worship. Start your celebration and worship
00:05:49.636 --> 00:05:51.916
and pray to send your heart on Christ.
00:05:52.356 --> 00:05:59.536
Once you do that, then you will allow room for God to work in your life for others, right?
00:05:59.676 --> 00:06:03.996
So you're not going to be the, you can't, you cannot be the grace police because
00:06:03.996 --> 00:06:09.396
you are not the Holy Spirit, but you will leave a space for grace for others
00:06:09.396 --> 00:06:14.076
to come in and be able to like do what they do.
00:06:14.731 --> 00:06:18.411
Right? I mean, because you learn the information, everybody ain't ready.
00:06:18.671 --> 00:06:23.531
You do you and let them do them. Number two, scripture-focused gathering.
00:06:23.731 --> 00:06:28.151
Read this resurrection story with family and friends. We cover that in all the episodes.
00:06:28.531 --> 00:06:34.411
Not just read it, know it. Like, know that story, you know, because that's part of your story.
00:06:34.611 --> 00:06:39.211
If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, that then becomes part of your story.
00:06:40.031 --> 00:06:45.331
Number three, service to others. Use the Easter season as a time to demonstrate
00:06:45.331 --> 00:06:47.631
Christ's love through acts of kindness.
00:06:47.931 --> 00:06:52.051
And the Easter season is pretty long, right? So you have that Friday,
00:06:52.591 --> 00:06:54.531
good Friday, and then you have that Saturday.
00:06:54.811 --> 00:07:00.231
No, it starts Thursday. It starts that Maury Thursday. You got that Friday. You got that Saturday.
00:07:00.471 --> 00:07:06.351
You got that Sunday. So you have a lot of time to have space for grace,
00:07:06.351 --> 00:07:09.071
to have a reconnection with God.
00:07:09.211 --> 00:07:15.071
To walk your Christian walk and to do it all unto God and to draw others,
00:07:15.251 --> 00:07:17.411
to be a service to others.
00:07:17.831 --> 00:07:22.831
And so that's good. An open conversation. Be willing to explain the significance
00:07:22.831 --> 00:07:26.291
of the resurrection to those who may not understand.
00:07:26.731 --> 00:07:29.391
They may have thought it was all about the eggs and the bunny,
00:07:29.531 --> 00:07:32.891
and you're going to know it's about Jesus. I've never heard of Jesus.
00:07:33.151 --> 00:07:36.511
And then you can actually say, well, let's read this story together,
00:07:36.511 --> 00:07:38.971
or let's watch the passion of the Christ.
00:07:39.211 --> 00:07:44.631
You know, let's do that together. And that can be your introduction to that
00:07:44.631 --> 00:07:49.191
family, that friend, and to the relationship with Jesus.
00:07:49.531 --> 00:07:54.491
So practical ways to stay focused is intentional worship, scripture-focused
00:07:54.491 --> 00:07:59.891
gatherings, service to others, and open conversations.
00:08:00.511 --> 00:08:05.211
The controversy surrounding Easter origins doesn't have to divide us.
00:08:05.391 --> 00:08:09.351
Instead, it can be an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth.
00:08:09.591 --> 00:08:13.751
The most important thing is to remain faithful to God's truth.
00:08:14.131 --> 00:08:20.331
Worship him in spirit and truth and extend love and grace to others.
00:08:20.651 --> 00:08:27.451
I love, I mean, what does that mean? It means to leave a space for grace.
00:08:28.586 --> 00:08:32.326
Leave a space for grace, like God left a space for grace for you.
00:08:32.746 --> 00:08:37.186
So take some time this week to reflect on how you celebrate Easter,
00:08:37.186 --> 00:08:39.266
how you celebrate Jesus.
00:08:39.646 --> 00:08:44.646
What practices help you grow in your faith? And consider how you can create
00:08:44.646 --> 00:08:50.726
meaningful traditions that reflect your love for Christ. Remember, it's a personal thing.
00:08:51.426 --> 00:08:56.726
That's why I leave it to you to decide how that works, not make it a rule.
00:08:57.526 --> 00:09:03.566
You know, people don't like a rule. Relationships are organic. They're not automatic.
00:09:04.126 --> 00:09:08.826
They're organic. And so having a relationship with God, when you're having this
00:09:08.826 --> 00:09:13.006
new conversation, you can say, Lord, what do you think about this Easter thing?
00:09:13.346 --> 00:09:18.246
You know, tell me about that. And how can I keep my focus on you and not be
00:09:18.246 --> 00:09:22.506
distracted by all the stuff that's going on around me? You know?
00:09:22.746 --> 00:09:24.946
And so that's good.
00:09:25.226 --> 00:09:30.246
I thought it was good. Hope you enjoyed the Church Chronicles.
00:09:30.566 --> 00:09:34.426
Of course, I always keep them fresh and new, and there's more to come.
00:09:34.846 --> 00:09:39.866
But I don't know what that series will be. We'll see. But I'd like to say thank you.
00:09:41.006 --> 00:09:46.406
And we'll explore some other holidays and historical or spiritual complexities, as always.
00:09:46.806 --> 00:09:50.546
And we'll discuss how to approach it with discernment and faithfulness.
00:09:50.646 --> 00:09:56.226
So stay tuned as we continue this exciting journey with Church Chronicles.
00:09:56.946 --> 00:10:01.886
And also, I want to thank you for joining me today for Church Chronicles by Diary of a Black Woman.
00:10:02.106 --> 00:10:06.806
If you found this episode to be meaningful, you know, subscribe and leave a
00:10:06.806 --> 00:10:10.786
review and share with someone who could benefit from this conversation.
00:10:11.446 --> 00:10:13.946
Otherwise, see you on the next podcast.