Easter

The English word Easter, which parallels the German word Ostern, is of uncertain origin. One view, expounded by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century, was that it derived from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. This view presumes that Christians appropriated pagan names and holidays for their highest festivals. Given the determination with which Christians combated all forms of paganism (the belief in multiple deities), this appears a rather dubious presumption. There is now widespread consensus that the word derives from the Christian designation of Easter week as in albis, a Latin phrase that was understood as the plural of alba (“dawn”) and became eostarum in Old High German, the precursor of the modern German and English term. The Latin and Greek Pascha (“Passover”) provides the root for Pâques, the French word for Easter.

This bit from Brittanica debunks one of my favorite pokes at Christianity. That's a good thing but I looked it up because I was going to say how little meaning I find in the Easter week rituals. This was one of our first opportunities to re-enter the church's sanctuary and I did not find it a moving experience as others did. I like the teachings of Jesus and his example but I find less and less enthusiasm for what the church has made of him.

I continue to study then and have sits both by myself and with a monthly group. It just makes a lot of sense to me and the practice seems so sincere by those I listen to and read. I am impressed by the sincerity of so many Christians. That is why I'm in an uncomfortable place where I don't want it to seem that I am being critical by not accepting orthodox Christianity. I haven't really had that conversation with anybody although I've had it many times in my mind.