“Why Don’t You Celebrate Easter?”

There are a number of reasons that we do not celebrate Easter. First, while Jesus Christ did instruct His disciples to commemorate His death (Luke 22:19-20), He never told them to observe or celebrate His resurrection. Also, careful reading of the New Testament shows that Christ was resurrected on Saturday—not Sunday, the day on which Easter is kept.

In addition, the customs surrounding Easter have pagan roots that extend to times well before the life of Christ. The word Easter itself comes from Ishtar, the name of a Babylonian fertility goddess. Also, eggs, rabbits, hot-cross buns and other symbols of the season are linked to fertility rituals. Scripture clearly states that those who seek to worship God should not be involved with paganism (Jer. 10:2).

Also in this issue…

• I have recently been informed that one of my biology lessons in the next school term will “touch on the basics of the subject of evolution.” Should I cautiously go through or refuse to participate in this lesson?
• Should I cancel any future “medical attention” that has been planned for me?
• Would God consider it a sin to visit my uncle, who is a Mason?