It is that time of the year again folks! The biggest calendar event in the Christian faith is upon us. From Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday. Easter. And with this celebratory weekend, the usual voices are raised, yet again. “EASTER IS PAGAN!!!” “It is derived from the pagan festival of Ishtar” “It celebrates the fertility god Ostara!” and on and on and on. The voice crying :”Easter is pagan” is a loud voice, and it is prominent, and in some instances accepted to be true, simply because, well… everyone says it..
But is it?
Have we just accepted a proposition without actually studying the claim, and seeing if it is true?
Are we guilty of what our Atheist friends accuse us of being? Having blind faith?
Could it be that the claim itself is just not true?
Let’s take a look at those who studied the claim.
Some Scholars Opinions on Easter…
“The popular belief that the name ‘Easter’ is derived from Eostre, the Teutonic goddess of spring, is not supported by any linguistic or historical evidence. Eostre was never mentioned by the early Christians, who fixed the date of Easter according to a complicated calculation based on the Jewish lunar calendar. The association of eggs and rabbits with Easter arose in medieval Europe, but these symbols are of unknown origin. The earliest references to them date from the 13th century.” – Stephen Wilson, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Carleton University.
“The connection of Easter with pagan festivals like Eostre or Ishtar is largely a modern invention, lacking solid historical evidence. The early Christians celebrated Easter as a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, independent of any pre-existing pagan festivals.” – Philip Jenkins, Professor of History and Religious Studies at Baylor University.
“The claim that Easter is derived from pagan sources is often based on selective evidence and conjecture rather than rigorous historical analysis. The origins of Easter are firmly rooted in the Jewish Passover, which predates any alleged pagan influences by centuries. The early Christians adapted existing cultural symbols and practices to convey the message of Christ’s resurrection, but there is no evidence to suggest that they borrowed the holiday itself from pagan sources.” – Candida Moss, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame.
“The reason why I bring up these quotes from reputable scholars, is to prompt you, the reader, to think beyond the claims”
More Scholarly Opinions on Easter…
“The notion that Easter is a pagan festival disguised as a Christian holiday is a myth perpetuated by misinformation and misunderstandings. While some cultural elements associated with Easter may have pre-Christian origins, such as the symbols of eggs and rabbits, the theological significance of Easter for Christians is centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ [CLICK HERE to listen to our episode on the resurrection]. Attempts to discredit Easter as pagan often rely on simplistic and ahistorical arguments that do not withstand scholarly scrutiny.” – Michael Peppard, Associate Professor of Theology at Fordham University.
“The assertion that Easter is derived from pagan fertility festivals lacks credible historical evidence. The dating of Easter is determined by complex calculations based on the lunar calendar and the Jewish Passover, not by any connection to pagan rites. While some Easter customs, such as the use of eggs and rabbits, may have pre-Christian roots, the theological significance of Easter for Christians is firmly rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” – Larry W. Hurtado, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Language, Literature & Theology at the University of Edinburgh.
“The claim that Easter is a pagan holiday disguised as a Christian observance is a misconception perpetuated by popular myths. Historical analysis reveals that Easter originated as a Christian commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, distinct from any pre-existing pagan festivals. While cultural elements associated with Easter may have evolved over time, the religious significance of Easter remains rooted in Christian theology.” – Paula Fredriksen, Aurelio Professor of Scripture Emerita at Boston University.
Is Easter Pagan? The Consensus is, ‘no’…
I understand that it could be challenging… but read these quotes again. The reason why I raise these quotes is not to prove that Easter isn’t pagan. The reason why I bring up these quotes from reputable scholars, is to prompt you, the reader, to think beyond the claims. Ask yourself the question, “Could it be that I am wrong?” And then investigate the claims, instead of regurgitating the claim, that in this instance, most certainly is wrong. The fact is, there is a consensus amongst scholars that it is not Pagan. The Historical record demonstrates that Easter has its roots in orthodox Christian theology. Not in Pagan rituals.
So… is Easter pagan? The consensus is, no…
“The fact is, there is a consensus amongst scholars that it is not Pagan.”
A Call to Celebrate!
I’m calling on all followers of Christ. Let us not get distracted in celebrating the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ this year by arguing absurd notions. Let us worship our king in Spirit and in truth, and let us throw off distractions that keep us from seeing the beauty of Christ. If you don’t want to eat easter eggs, then don’t eat easter eggs, but please, don’t attack your brothers who do. Do not attack your brothers, as they celebrate the single greatest event in history.
Have a blessed Easter!
