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Easter: Origins and Implications
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEaster, as observed by many, has deep roots in pagan traditions rather than biblical foundations. The name "Easter" itself derives from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic deity to whom sacrifices were offered in April, with the name later transferred to the paschal feast. This connection is evident in the names of similar fertility goddesses across ancient cultures, such as Ishtar from Assyria, Astarte from Greece, and Ostara from Norse traditions, all celebrated around the spring equinox. Religious historians note that many elements of Easter celebrations were adapted from earlier pagan rituals, particularly those involving death and resurrection themes tied to the spring season. Ancient pagan religions in the Mediterranean often marked the spring equinox with significant celebrations. For instance, the Phrygian fertility goddess Cybele and her consort Attis, believed to have been born of a virgin and resurrected annually around March 22 to 25, were central to rituals that predate Christian observances. Similar stories of death and rebirth were associated with figures like Tammuz, Osiris, and Dionysus, integrated into mystery cults in Rome and Greece. These pagan narratives of resurrection were active in the same regions as early Christian worship, leading to overlaps and disputes over the origins of such beliefs. Easter traditions also bear pagan imprints. Hot cross buns, for example, originated from the feast of Eostre, where an ox was sacrificed, and its horns symbolized the feast in ritual bread, later marked with a cross representing the moon's quarters. Easter eggs, a universal symbol of spring's regenerative life, were revered in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon, often dyed and used in religious ceremonies. The Easter rabbit, another emblem of fertility, traces back to the Norse goddess Ostara, alongside the egg, both representing new life and renewal. These customs, while now associated with Easter, have clear origins in pre-Christian practices, highlighting the holiday's divergence from biblical commands.
Easter 2017
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe world's churches have adopted the fertility symbols of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, and the traditional Easter ham from pagan, pre-Christian rituals.
Why Passover and Not Easter?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Catholic Church did not forbid keeping the Passover until AD 325. The controversy over Passover or Easter boils down to following Scripture or Roman tradition.
The Plain Truth About Easter
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletEaster is not a Christian name, but belongs to the idolatrous 'queen of heaven.' Here are the origins of Easter eggs and sunrise services, which pre-date Christ.
Satan's Pagan Holy Days
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersNew Years, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and birthdays all originate in paganism. Satan entices many into accepting these pagan practices through emotional appeals.
May Day: A Pagan Sabbath
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)May Day has become a cardinal day for worshipping demons and the greenery of the earth. It is one of Satan's eight pagan holidays that displace God's Holy Days.
Does Jeremiah Describe a Christmas Tree in Jeremiah 10:2-5?
Bible Questions & AnswersCutting down and setting up a tree like for Christmas is termed 'the way of the Gentiles [heathen, KJV].' We are commanded not to learn or follow that way.
Christmas and Sun Worship
Sermonette by Mike FordChristmas, Easter, and Halloween all derive from sex, fertility, and sun worship. Christmas traces to the incestuous relationship of Semiramis and Nimrod.
More on Tolerance
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughMany are guided by a multicultural value system that posits that all values, regardless of their source, are equal and should be tolerated. But God has one way.
Passover (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMajor reinterpretations have significantly distorted the meaning of Passover and Unleavened Bread, blurring the distinction between the two events.
What Makes This a 'Good' Friday?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGood Friday is a semi-holy day for many, commemorating the assumed day Jesus died. Yet its observance is based on bad math and overlooking obvious scriptures.
The Torment Of The Godly
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Both Lot and Ezekiel were tormented by the abominations, sins, and defilement taking place within their culture, polluted with idolatry and paganism.
Nicolaitanism Today
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe end-time church is warned against Nicolaitanism, for it exists today. The Scriptures, plus some first century history, reveal who the Nicolaitans are.
The High Places (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThough we will probably never be tempted to burn incense to a pagan god on top of a hill, the high places of old still contain warnings for us.
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRedemption is useless to mortal beings without God's gift of eternal life (I Corinthians 15:19), which God made possible through Christ's resurrection.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBoth Israel and Judah during Hosea's time adopted paganism from the surrounding nations. Syncretistic religion blends paganism and Christianity.
Remember: Truth and the Real Torch of Freedom
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe Night to be Much Observed emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the true Torch of Freedom, extricating us from Satan and his multiple deceits.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea is an account of Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant with God, and the redemptive work of God to rescue His unfaithful spouse from slavery.
Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must embrace the fruits of the Spirit, preferring God's truth to the deceitful spin, brainwashing, and doublespeak of the world's institutions.