Is Easter Pagan?

[Mo MHuintir]

Consider this:

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:16-18 KJV

Now if Paul, being lead by the Holy Spirit, would not allow a demon possessed person to announce a truthful statement about him (and Silas), why would God want to associate His gospel with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus? Obviously Paul felt this person's reputation would impune the purity of the Gospel. I would think, even if there were a hint of paganism behind Easter and Christmas (which there is) we should distance ourselves from these "holy-days."
I can see in advance by some of the posts here that expressing my view is a waste of time. But I will say this anyway, the true nature of worship is the act of honoring that which we love and have affection for. We don't have to physically bow down to an object (or idea). We can give that object or idea a place of prominance in our hearts and minds. I've talked with a number of my fellow Christians about this topic. Some feel this way and others do not. I think those who cling to these former pagan practices actually have affection for them.

[Vic]

(04-27-2011 06:38 PM)Mo MHuintir Wrote:  Consider this:

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:16-18 KJV

Now if Paul, being lead by the Holy Spirit, would not allow a demon possessed person to announce a truthful statement about him (and Silas), why would God want to associate His gospel with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus? Obviously Paul felt this person's reputation would impune the purity of the Gospel. I would think, even if there were a hint of paganism behind Easter and Christmas (which there is) we should distance ourselves from these "holy-days."
I can see in advance by some of the posts here that expressing my view is a waste of time. But I will say this anyway, the true nature of worship is the act of honoring that which we love and have affection for. We don't have to physically bow down to an object (or idea). We can give that object or idea a place of prominance in our hearts and minds. I've talked with a number of my fellow Christians about this topic. Some feel this way and others do not. I think those who cling to these former pagan practices actually have affection for them.

Bill, I would like the documentation that shows believers worship--in any way- a bunny. IF you read the thread you will see that the hearts and minds of believers is on Jesus Christ and what He did for us. IF you read the threads you will realise that the world does what it does. Christians do what they do, in the world but not of the world.

Your analogy does not fit the issue. Paul sat on Mars hill amongst idols and used the altar of their Unknown god to proclaim the True and only GOD and the truth of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins and being risen and He is Alive.

Now if you want to think that proclamation of that is pagan, that is your issue. However, It's fully in the Scriptures that the events took place when paganism was all around. People were worshipping idols all around when Jesus was crucified. Yet, believe it or not, those who believed HIm did not. Those who came and believed Christ, no longer worshipped or followed non existant gods. Or should we believe that Christ dying must then be a pagan thing, because of being surrounded by paganism? Is Christ pagan too, as some in HR like to proclaim? Is everything about Jesus pagan? If someone proclaims Christ, are they pagan, because there are those who proclaim another gospel and another Jesus? Are we sinning before God by proclaiming the fulfillment of the passover, the shadow of what was to come, in Christ?

If you wish to believe the 'easter bunny' actually exists that's your business. But we know it is nothing but a fable-which we are to have nothing to do with, aka promoting it as truth. It has nothing to do with Christ. And what is presented in the secular world of which it pertains, is merely one more of many worldly things that surround us.

Putting dye on something is not pagan. God had Israel dye things. Look it up. If I dye cotton, which is not naturally anything but white, I am not entering into a pagan practice am I? If dye is added to a food, is it a pagan practice? If you boil an egg with onion skins and it turns color---is that a pagan practice?

Is proclaiming the Truth of Jesus Christ a pagan practice? Is praying to God --regardles of which direction you might happen to be facing, a pagan practice? If you face east and pray to Almighty God are you a pagan?

It's all or nothing. Either you are or you aren't a pagan. Read the examples and questions given to Sarah, and answer them. YOu paint your walls--you are participating in a religious observance from egypt aka a pagan practice. You use bright colors in clothes or on your furniture or arrange your furniture, you are participating in pagan religious practice.

YOu want to accuse believers of being pagan because the world has cartoon rabbits, colored eggs and chocolate, and to the world in general that's all it is--and to some it's a fable-- while acknowledging the soleminity of Good Friday and joy of Easter sunday, being the day of remembering and proclaiming Jesus Christ's resurrection to the world and you are offended and call it pagan. That's your choice. But if you want to do that, then do not be hypocritical. Strip your walls and the outside of your home of any color. Get rid of all your clothes, including your wife and childrens clothes if they are anything but plain, neutral beige or white or grey, because otherwise you are involved in pagan practices.

You talk about not being listened to. You give your opinion and believe me, it is not the gospel. We are strangers and pilgrims in the world. Please stop saying you think the world offers the truth about things, and then saying that's what Christians believe. We don't. You might believe it, but we don't.

Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Act 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Act 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
Act 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Act 17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Act 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
Act 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Act 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Act 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.
Act 17:34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1Co 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1Co 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

It's about Christ. About relationship with Him, obedience to Him, obedience to the Word and proclaiming Him in every opporunity we can, regardless what the world thinks or does around it. The world doesn't know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We do. That's why the world, even the most ungodly know easter is about Christ. It's certainly too bad more who claim to be believers don't have that same knowledge.

[Mo MHuintir]

Vic, you wrote:

"Bill, I would like the documentation that shows believers worship--in any way- a bunny."

I doubt any Christians outwardly worship a bunny. The original point I was making is that the act of worship itself, does not have to include physically bowing to an object. Any person, or any thing, we have affection for can become an idol.

Jesus set the bar pretty high when he said:

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26 KJV

[Of course, this can also be translated as, if any man does not love me more than his father, mother, wife, and children.......]

So then, even those we love and have the greatest amount of affection for, must come after our love for God and his Christ.

You wrote: "Your analogy does not fit the issue. Paul sat on Mars hill amongst idols and used the altar of their Unknown god to proclaim the True and only GOD and the truth of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins and being risen and He is Alive."

It’s true, Paul did preach to the intellectuals and philosophers of Greece on Mars Hill. He considered their polytheism to be nothing but mere superstition. Paul didn’t use the altar of their “UNKNOWN GOD” (as you said), he didn’t share in their idolatry to make his point. He exposed their folly! Yet even so, only a few among them had their hearts stirred by the truth. Paul went to Corinth, Thessonilica, Ephesus, Phillipi, and Berea (among many other places) establishing churches as he went. But not in Athens, Greece. It appears they choose their superstitions over the truth of God.

That’s why Paul said to us (by extension);

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Cor 10:5 KJV

Since we are to cast down even ideas that are forming in our minds, that are in opposition to the truth, how much moreso should we cast down a practice which even resembles something that is (or was) pagan.

You wrote: "You want to accuse believers of being pagan because the world has cartoon rabbits, colored eggs and chocolate, and to the world in general that's all it is--and to some it's a fable-- while acknowledging the soleminity of Good Friday and joy of Easter sunday, being the day of remembering and proclaiming Jesus Christ's resurrection to the world and you are offended and call it pagan."

I re-read my post. I did not accuse believers of being pagan because “the world has cartoon rabbits, colored eggs and chocolate. My point was, Christians should distance themselves from known pagan practices. Even the worldly have a saying, “guilty by association.”
Does God need the Gospel “plus anything else” to reveal the truth to someone? We are not commanded in the scriptures to celebrate Easter Sunday, no less paint eggs and decorate baskets with bunnies.

You wrote, "You talk about not being listened to. You give your opinion and believe me, it is not the gospel. We are strangers and pilgrims in the world. Please stop saying you think the world offers the truth about things, and then saying that's what Christians believe. We don't. You might believe it, but we don't."

I didn’t say I’m not being listened to. I said that expressing my view (on this subject) is a waste of time. From the comments I’ve read, it appears to me that you and others have affection for the Roman Catholic Holy day of Easter. You would rather fight for its continued celebration, than to admit it has its roots in the oldest form of paganism (and superstition).

Neither did I say (as you said I did) that the world offers truth about things! The opposite is true. I consider this world, and it’s system to amount to nothing less than a counterfeit reality; started by lies, and maintained by even more lies. That is why, as a believer, I try my hardest to distance myself from pagan lies and superstitions that still have power over the minds of many believers. Contrary to what you said about me, I believe that even if a fellow Christian celebrates Easter with all of its traditions, that does not cancel out their walk with Christ, or the good things they’ve done in their life. But I do believe it is a hinderance in that persons relationship with the Father.

[Vic]

(04-29-2011 11:38 PM)Mo MHuintir Wrote:  Vic, you wrote:

"Bill, I would like the documentation that shows believers worship--in any way- a bunny."

I doubt any Christians outwardly worship a bunny. The original point I was making is that the act of worship itself, does not have to include physically bowing to an object. Any person, or any thing, we have affection for can become an idol.

Jesus set the bar pretty high when he said:

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26 KJV

[Of course, this can also be translated as, if any man does not love me more than his father, mother, wife, and children.......]

So then, even those we love and have the greatest amount of affection for, must come after our love for God and his Christ.

Exactly Bill. However just as something we have affection for can come before Christ, so too, something we have affection for can be in the right place of being after Christ. Having affection for or love of others is not a sin, otherwise we could not love others. Period. Giving good gifts to our children is acknowledged by Jesus---it wasn't a bad thing, but knowing that God can give far better than anything we can was the issue.

Worship was defined in the thread Bill, according to the Scripture. I also included the issue of idols of the heart, by linking to the article the Double Minded Man. IN that I had said anything that takes our focus from Christ can become an idol. Christians who follow Christ always need to make sure that what their focus is---is Christ. That's a foundational issue.

Quote:You wrote: "Your analogy does not fit the issue. Paul sat on Mars hill amongst idols and used the altar of their Unknown god to proclaim the True and only GOD and the truth of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins and being risen and He is Alive."

It’s true, Paul did preach to the intellectuals and philosophers of Greece on Mars Hill. He considered their polytheism to be nothing but mere superstition. Paul didn’t use the altar of their “UNKNOWN GOD” (as you said), he didn’t share in their idolatry to make his point. He exposed their folly! Yet even so, only a few among them had their hearts stirred by the truth. Paul went to Corinth, Thessonilica, Ephesus, Phillipi, and Berea (among many other places) establishing churches as he went. But not in Athens, Greece. It appears they choose their superstitions over the truth of God.

Bill, you are repeating things that have already been stated--as if they have not been stated. It was noted that Paul called them superstitious----and the analogy for the easer bunny is there---bunnies aren't magical---that's superstition to say they are. TO think they are anything but creatures God made.

Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Paul declared that the unknown God they worshipped in ignorance---to be God who created all things. Paul heard what they were doing, and evaluated it according to Truth. And then presented the Truth from creation to Christ and the resurrection. There were believers who listened --it says right in the passage.

Act 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Act 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Act 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.
Act 17:34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Whether there were a dozen or more---a church was established with them. Because where two or more ar gathered, Jesus is there. And many in many cities met in houses, which some call house churches. It did not mean a 'church' was not established. It means it started, and went from there.

Quote:That’s why Paul said to us (by extension);

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Cor 10:5 KJV

Since we are to cast down even ideas that are forming in our minds, that are in opposition to the truth, how much moreso should we cast down a practice which even resembles something that is (or was) pagan.

As has been stated repeatedly to you and others.There is no eostre, easter, ostara etc---that's all lies. There is no easter bunny that does magical things. That's all lies. What Christians declare is Christ, crucified and resurrected. That's also what Paul preached.

Yes we are to deal with all things that are in opposition to truth and in our own imaginations. However, this is where you err. Because if you make the standard what some pagan did or did not do with an egg or bunny, which God created in the first place--and allow their practice to dictate all usage---that means you had better never look at a bunny or an egg. And certainly no chocolate regardless what form it is--for you. And just as I stated previously. Don't be a hypocrite on it. From bright colors and patterns in clothing to painting your walls--you are guilty of pagan practices--if you do not apply that same standard to all you do.

Christians declare Jesus Christ at Easter, which is the fulfilled passover and New Covenant in Christ. It is not a pagan thing. It is fully a Christian declaration and celebration of a Scriptural truth and about the most important event in the whole of time. That you continue to equate it as being pagan, is something you have to deal with. Because my thinking about Christ dying and being resurrected is not a pagan thought. If it is to you, then I would be so bold as to suggest you do not know Him. Because He is not pagan. The Gospel is not pagan. Declaration of Christ is not pagan. Regardless of what pagans or the world do or have done around that time.

Quote:You wrote: "You want to accuse believers of being pagan because the world has cartoon rabbits, colored eggs and chocolate, and to the world in general that's all it is--and to some it's a fable-- while acknowledging the soleminity of Good Friday and joy of Easter sunday, being the day of remembering and proclaiming Jesus Christ's resurrection to the world and you are offended and call it pagan."

I re-read my post. I did not accuse believers of being pagan because “the world has cartoon rabbits, colored eggs and chocolate. My point was, Christians should distance themselves from known pagan practices. Even the worldly have a saying, “guilty by association.”
Does God need the Gospel “plus anything else” to reveal the truth to someone? We are not commanded in the scriptures to celebrate Easter Sunday, no less paint eggs and decorate baskets with bunnies.

You wrote, "You talk about not being listened to. You give your opinion and believe me, it is not the gospel. We are strangers and pilgrims in the world. Please stop saying you think the world offers the truth about things, and then saying that's what Christians believe. We don't. You might believe it, but we don't."

I didn’t say I’m not being listened to. I said that expressing my view (on this subject) is a waste of time. From the comments I’ve read, it appears to me that you and others have affection for the Roman Catholic Holy day of Easter. You would rather fight for its continued celebration, than to admit it has its roots in the oldest form of paganism (and superstition).

The world has a saying. "guilt by assocation" Jesus was falsely accused for being with 'sinners'. Paul and Peter etc were with the Gentiles and falsely accused. Here's what Paul wrote:

1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
1Pe 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
1Pe 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1Pe 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

1 Corinthians 9:18-23 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.


So now we have Easter not just being a made up god/celebration by Bede, which is proven fully false, but now we are following the RC church and all the errors it promotes?

I don't think so. Easter aka the death and resurrection of Christ was being proclaimed, celebrated and remembered by the apostles. They kept the Lord's Supper aka communion. They rejoiced because of Christ being alive. You are missing the truth of those things. Just because the RC church brought in idol worship, praying to idols, distorting communion, praying to mary etc--does not mean that is what true believers do.

You keep missing that those who love the Lord Jesus, follow Him. We have the mind of Christ. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world--surrounded by the world but not part of it. Because in our minds it is fully about Christ.

Quote:Neither did I say (as you said I did) that the world offers truth about things! The opposite is true. I consider this world, and it’s system to amount to nothing less than a counterfeit reality; started by lies, and maintained by even more lies.

Bill, you are making what Christians do as being equal to paganism. What the world does and believes is inconsequential to a believer. You are making the truth of Christ equal to and part of the world when it does not mean that to believers.

You are promoting the idea that proclamation of Christ on a particular day is a pagan thing.That means you are superstitious about a particular day being pagan or not.

Christians can proclaim Christ 24/7 every day of the year----regardless what the world does around us. The world does not dictate the truth of Christ. We have the freedom to declare Christ and even color and eat those eggs. Because it is about Christ. Nothing more and nothing less.

You are making the things of Christ into a pagan belief and celebration. That isn't what it is to Christians.

Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Quote:That is why, as a believer, I try my hardest to distance myself from pagan lies and superstitions that still have power over the minds of many believers. Contrary to what you said about me, I believe that even if a fellow Christian celebrates Easter with all of its traditions, that does not cancel out their walk with Christ, or the good things they’ve done in their life. But I do believe it is a hinderance in that persons relationship with the Father.

Bill, I have said many times in this thread, I have no interest in those things. None. Superstition is junk as are all the made up and non existant gods. But calling the proclamation and declaration of Jesus Christ part of that---is where you are hitting a brick wall with me. I don't know about others. But with me, trying to equate what Christians do in declaration and remembrance of Christ as being equal to paganism or part of paganism is where you are wrong. Because if that is true---then you must apply it to every aspect of your life. From the clothes you wear to the paint on your walls which the egyptians invented and believed was magical and provided healing. So either you take this to the logical conclusion based on your belief about paganism, or you are a hypocrite in what you say. Because paganism and things of the world can be found all around us.

But when our hearts belong to Jesus Christ, we do things to honor and glorify Him. And if someone colors eggs and is able to present the gospel by doing so--who are you to condemn them?

Who are you to condemn Christians from proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the grave---which the whole world knows because of it being declared a Christian event and celebration called easter.

Jesus said the Gospel would be declared and published throughout the world. But you want Christians to remain silent on this issue because some pagans or the world might do something at the same time--which means nothing to Christians but being what the world does?

Christ was crucified on a pagan cross---does that mean Christ is pagan Bill?

Christ fulfilled passover, the perfect sacrifice and our Passover Lamb, but you want to declare that pagan if spoken of at certain times?

Christ was crucified the exact day that was necessary and rose again, fulfilling passover the shadow of things to come, and so declaring that at a set time in each year is pagan?

Christ was crucified by pagan romans, does that mean He was pagan?

If dye is added to a food, is it a pagan practice?

If you boil an egg with onion skins and it turns color---is that a pagan practice?

Is proclaiming the Truth of Jesus Christ a pagan practice?

Is praying to God --regardles of which direction you might happen to be facing, a pagan practice?

If you face east and pray to Almighty God are you a pagan?

You focus on what the world does, Bill, and we focus on Christ, yet we are accused of being less than obedient and doing pagan things.

I see a problem there don't you?

[Mo MHuintir]

Vic, in closing I’ll say this one last thing. I think we agree on this, Easter is based on lies and superstition.
I hope that one day Christians will stop buying chocolate bunnies, baskets, and dying eggs in honor of Easter. When they do, the commercial aspect of the holiday; the chocolate bunnies, baskets, and colored eggs will cease to exist. Their wouldn’t be anyone left to financially support it.
The gospel will still be there, ready to be proclaimed, without the help of the Easter bunny.

[Vic]

(05-02-2011 10:13 PM)Mo MHuintir Wrote:  Vic, in closing I’ll say this one last thing. I think we agree on this, Easter is based on lies and superstition.
I hope that one day Christians will stop buying chocolate bunnies, baskets, and dying eggs in honor of Easter. When they do, the commercial aspect of the holiday; the chocolate bunnies, baskets, and colored eggs will cease to exist. Their wouldn’t be anyone left to financially support it.
The gospel will still be there, ready to be proclaimed, without the help of the Easter bunny.

So, Bill, it's only the THE Christians who buy chocolate , baskets and make coloered eggs? I thought you said it was the world that was doing all that? So the Christians are entirely responsible for the commercial profits and losses at Easter? And other times too??? Could you please provide the official stats on that, because I would really like to see them.

Good thing the easter bunny isn't real and can't talk, cause I think he would say baloney! And since the easter bunny isn't part of any Gospel presentations that I have ever seen, please, oh please do provide the documentation that proves the easter bunny is the gospel or is used in an actual Christians presentation of Christ...

Oh, as an aside, I noticed you avoided all the comments and all the questions yet again. How's those pagan painted walls, and those clothes with patterns and color doing for ya? Supporting the pagan beliefs and customs and religious practices are you????

Oh and in case you think I am attacking or belittling you Bill, think again. I am merely responding to your posts and and addressing what you yourself have said. Including your take on what is paganism and of the world and applying it to Christians, and how we are to separate from anything any pagan has ever done ever because Christians are obviously of the same mindset at them and of the same purpose, even when eating an egg at 'easter'. And did I mention you are superstitious about particular days pagan and we can't mention Christ on those days? Live what you preach or....

[Mo MHuintir]

Here’s some stats [I didn’t post any url addresses per forum rules]:

From the (US) National Confectioners Association, and the US National Retail Federation.
These are real life organizations that deal with the make believe Easter bunny. Quote:

Last year, the 79.6% of Americans who celebrated Easter spent an average of $118.60 on the holiday. The overwhelming majority of that spending went right into the Easter baskets as food ($37.45), gifts ($18.16), and candy ($17.29). For such companies as Tootsie Roll (TR), Hershey's (HSY), and Kraft (KFT) -- which is on its second year of making Cadbury Creme Eggs -- Easter is a $1.9 billion basket of goodies with candy sales second only to Halloween's $2 billion, according to the National Confectioners Association.
"Easter is obviously a religious holiday, but many retailers have discovered that Americans consider Easter the official kickoff to spring," says Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation. -end.

Notice that 79.6% of Americans celebrate Easter. That number fits with the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) Poll that says 76.5% (Or 159 million) Americans identify themselves as Christians.
Isn’t that coincidental? About 4 out of every 5 Americans call themselves Christians, and about 4 out of every 5 American celebrate Easter. So the total number of Christians just about equals the total number of people who celbrate Easter. I would say that is empirical evidence that Christians create the demand for the Easter Bunny, colored eggs, and jelly bean market. Vestiges of this worlds pagan past.

I checked other sources and found similar results:

ABC News Money 4/2/11
"Whether the economy goes up or down, people are going to get that picture of their child with Santa or the Easter Bunny every year," says Mark Allen, president of Instant Photo Corporation of America, that partners with malls to run holiday promotions

Retail Industry. About.com
Americans continue to cling to tradition as a source of normalcy amidst the uncertainty of recession. While the Easter bunny basket might have been a little lighter this year, the mascot of candy and hard boiled eggs definitely didn’t sit this holiday out.

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rite Aid makes last-minute Easter shopping easy with holiday hours right through Easter Sunday and a wide selection of candy, baskets, stuffed plush animals, toys and novelties.
Easter is the nation's second top-selling candy holiday, according to the National Confectioners Association, which estimates that 16 billion jelly beans and 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced each year. Four in five Americans celebrate Easter and are expected to spend about $14.6 billion at all retailers nationwide this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

There was one thing that stood out to me in all of the secular news sources that commented about the Easter Holiday and its traditions (like the ones listed above). Not one of them mentioned Jesus. I thought you said that Easter was all about witnessing for Jesus and his resurrection?

Vic, if the Easter Bunny was real and could talk, he’d probably say thank you Christians for that $1.9 Billion dollars!

[Rose of Shushan]

Just wanted to comment also on these stats that you provided

Quote:Notice that 79.6% of Americans celebrate Easter. That number fits with the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) Poll that says 76.5% (Or 159 million) Americans identify themselves as Christians.
Isn’t that coincidental? About 4 out of every 5 Americans call themselves Christians, and about 4 out of every 5 American celebrate Easter.

Thats two different stats that you are merging together and coming up with your own conclusions.
4 out of 5 americans buying easter eggs..that's a stretch but ok seeing as secular people also buy eggs,however 4 out of 5 americans being christians..hmm somehow I don't think so.Not the America of today anyhow.

[Vic]

Bill, I can provide all manner of studies depending what you want asked and answered. For example, "Based on their stated beliefs rather than their religious identification in 2008, 70% of Americans believe in a personal God, roughly 12% of Americans are atheist (no God) or agnostic (unknowable or unsure), and another 12% are deistic (a higher power but no personal God). "

So if only 70% believe in a personal God---that dumps your stats of 76% being Christian to start with doesn't it? My parents thought they were 'Christian' but didn't have a clue about knowing Christ. That is what can be categorised as Christian in the US and in stats and also includes, mormons, seventh day adventist, Christian Identity, KKK., RCC, etc...and those stats can also include people who don't want to answer, and those involved in other beliefs. Check it out.

What is put into stores, or purchased by most consumers is not based on Biblical beliefs. Stores are not the stomping grounds nor are they of what Christians are about, nor can anyone say that the purchases wer mostly attributed to Christians---unless when purchasing the spiritual state of the person is tabulated? I know waaaaaayyy too many non christians who purchase that stuff, to even suggest that. What is in stores is based on worldly beliefs. Christians are in the world but not of it. You need to discern the difference.

You obviously don't grasp the difference between saying one believes in a "God" or as some will, the supreme architect, etc and being religious, versus knowing and living Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. USA claims to be a Christian country but stats would also say otherwise. Such as crime, new age concepts in "christian" churches, etc. By the fruit Bill, is what is the determining factor.

Nor do you seem to know that claims of being Christian , and claims of America being "Christian" does not equal being of Christ. Merging the stats is quaint but incredibly misleading. Because I can show stats that state that only, "9% of all born again adults and just 7% of Protestants possess a biblical worldview", meaning they actually believe the Bible to be true. Which exludes you Bill, incidently.

That worldview stat means that each hold such core beliefs as, "believing that absolute moral truth exists, that it is based upon the Bible, and having a biblical view on six core beliefs (the accuracy of biblical teaching, the sinless nature of Jesus, the literal existence of Satan, the omnipotence and omniscience of God, salvation by grace alone, and the personal responsibility to evangelize" and so on.

I can also provide article after article stating that Easter is recognised as A MAJOR Christian celebration, holy days etc. and that it is about Christ crucified and risen--as has been stated again and again and again on this thread. One can look at calenders, encyclopedias etc, showing all manner of religious beliefs celebrated in the US or Canada or worldwide. And they state that Easter as such.

If the world has to do something to celebrate alongside the proclamation of Christ, if it doesn't want to connect with the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen, what's that to you? What the world does means nothing to Christians. If someone chooses to buy something "in the shambles", fully knowing there are no god's, there are no bunny gods and no one is sacrificing those colored eggs, bunnies or chocolate to a bunny god, what is that to you?

1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
1Co 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:


There really is no easter bunny hopping along dropping off colored eggs, Bill. In fact, the easter bunny never even made a colored egg. That's all in your imagination that we should be concerned about such things, and that they are somehow real. They aren't real Bill.

However, making a day or days about proclaiming Christ as being off limits because someone other than you might think the easter bunny really exists is a stretch. In case you didn't notice the stores and commercial enterprises are of the world and 'the shambles'. If the merchandise is off limits at easter because of your superstition, then all stores must be off limits at all times. Because you cannot find a pure and holy and Christ honoring place of business. It will always carry something of the world, something made from some unbeliever, something from someone of another religious belief and, including, that place of business having those dreaded painted walls.

I noticed yet again you could not answer those questions Bill. And I notice you avoid the issue of carrying your theory/theology to it's logical conclusion of living what you preach. That is, how are those painted walls working for you? In all seriousness, did you get any magic and healing from them as the egyptians did?

How about those colored shirts and clothes, and patterned material---such as paisley>>from Zoroastrian beliefs, it stands for life and eternity and a symbol of fertility in ancient Babylonian and Hindu religion.

Now that you know, it's up to you to cleanse your whole life of all the world and refrain from entering into any of it. Despite what Paul said:

1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

[sari83]

(05-05-2011 04:10 PM)Vic Wrote:  1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. [/color]

Later, Paul says one cannot partake in that which is sacrificed unto an idol because what the gentiles sacrifice unto idols are offerings to demons.

1 Cor 10:17-21
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
(KJV)