Comments on: Easter isn't about bunnies http://www.peter-hodges.com/2008/03/23/easter-isnt-about-bunnies/ Exploring the Craft of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:41:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: catalyst22 http://www.peter-hodges.com/2008/03/23/easter-isnt-about-bunnies/#comment-1631 catalyst22 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:55:12 +0000 http://www.peter-hodges.com/2008/03/23/easter-isnt-about-bunnies/#comment-1631 All the sins of the world rested on his shoulders as he cried out. I can't bear witness to my own sins let alone those of the whole world. All the sins of the world rested on his shoulders as he cried out. I can’t bear witness to my own sins let alone those of the whole world.

]]> By: Dez http://www.peter-hodges.com/2008/03/23/easter-isnt-about-bunnies/#comment-1630 Dez Sun, 23 Mar 2008 23:04:43 +0000 http://www.peter-hodges.com/2008/03/23/easter-isnt-about-bunnies/#comment-1630 The eggs and bunnies are holdovers from the pagan worship of Astoreth (Ishtar, etc.). They are fertility symbols that were key to the worship of this goddess at this time of year (on or about the first day of spring). By appeasing her with offerings and worship the cultists hoped to be assured of a fruitful season of agriculture. It may be interesting for some to note that Jesus was resurrected on a specific and aptly timed Hebrew festival that follows Pesach (Passover). This festival is called the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:9-14) and is likely the imagery that Paul borrows in Acts 26:23 and John borrows in Revelation 1:5. It is most certainly the imagery that Jesus was referring to in John 12:20-26 (just a few days prior to Passover and his crucifixion). The eggs and bunnies are holdovers from the pagan worship of Astoreth (Ishtar, etc.). They are fertility symbols that were key to the worship of this goddess at this time of year (on or about the first day of spring). By appeasing her with offerings and worship the cultists hoped to be assured of a fruitful season of agriculture.

It may be interesting for some to note that Jesus was resurrected on a specific and aptly timed Hebrew festival that follows Pesach (Passover). This festival is called the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:9-14) and is likely the imagery that Paul borrows in Acts 26:23 and John borrows in Revelation 1:5. It is most certainly the imagery that Jesus was referring to in John 12:20-26 (just a few days prior to Passover and his crucifixion).

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