Easter or Pascha?

[Salamander]

I understand the MV proponents "arguement" that the word is translated as The Passover, that in and of itsself is a translational issue. This is not, that is why it appears here in the study and theology forum. The proceeding is from Smtih's revised 1999:

Such controversies, perhaps all the more from the earnestness with which they were conducted, testify to the importance attached to this festival from the earliest antiquity. Had there ever been any disposition among Christians to forget the annual return of the time of the Redeemer’s suffering and resurrection, the recurrence of the Jewish Passover must have been a sufficient reminder, and when the Christian Church had outgrown such influence, the observance of the festival had become fixed. Its early name continued to be "the Passover," as at once continuing the Jewish festival, and in itself deeply significant. Substantially the same name is still preserved throughout a large part of Christendom. The English name of Easter and the German Ostern have direct reference rather to the season of the year, the Spring, at which the festival occurs, than to its subject matter; while yet that season itself has always been considered as suggestive of the resurrection. Indeed the names themselves are supposed to be derived from the old word oster, osten, = rising, "because nature arises anew in spring." There was a Teutonic goddess Ostera, whose festival was celebrated early in the Spring by the Saxons, and the occurrence of the Easter festival at the same season made it easter for them to give up their heathen feast, and perhaps led to their attaching thereto a name to which they were already accustomed.

When it comes to doctrinal issues, I firmly believe our Bible is to reflect it in its wordings.

Yes, everyday is a celebration of the death burial and resurrection, but the arguemnt stands justified in replacement of otherwise glory stealing observances of other religions and such.

My son was saved on Easter morning. It is a matter of who has precedence in the recognition of a day rather than just observing a day. The quotation has helped confirm what I believe, what about you?:godisgood:

 

[Beth]

conscience issue

This is a conscience issue. It would be sin for you to use the word "Easter" if, for you, this is tied up to the pagan origins, and you believe in some way you are venerating this mythical goddess. For others, who do not even consider that they are celebrating anything other than the joyful resurrection of Christ, it would not be sin.

 

[Aaron]

I'll use Easter. I'm delivering it from its pagan corruptions and using it in its true sense! :godisgood:

 

[Salamander]

WOW! and not even one disrespectful post concerning this and everyone agrees!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Dr. Bob]

The Bible says Pascha, which always means Passover. Growing up Jewish, even using the pagan English word "Easter" is offensive So my choice is to transliterate the Greek/Hebrew Pascha rather than use that word.

To each his own . .

 

[Marcia]

I prefer Pascha, since as Dr. Bob says, that is the Biblical word. But I say Easter as I am not sure anyone would understand me otherwise.

Or we can say "Resurrection Day." :jesus:

 

[Beth]

interesting point

The Bible says Pascha, which always means Passover. Growing up Jewish, even using the pagan English word "Easter" is offensive So my choice is to transliterate the Greek/Hebrew Pascha rather than use that word.

To each his own . .

Last year, while witnessing to a young Jewish woman, she had a hard time with that term also....the term "Easter" seemed too far from her Jewish understanding of the Holy Days. When I explained Christ in terms of fulfilling the spring days of Passover, Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks, she was much more interested in continuing the discussion with me....she hasn't accepted Christ as Savior yet, though. Her name is Rebecca, in case you want to keep her in your prayers.

Beth