A Fascinating Read

Bookworm Room's posts are invariably thought provoking. One of her most recent posts, Anne Rice & Neo-Paganism, is an incredibly interesting post indeed. It touches on pre-Christian paganism, Christianity, the Bible, syncretism, Medieval Church history, St. Augustine and the Just War theory, in addition to Ms. Rice and her recent un-conversion from Christianity. I highly recommend reading her post. I disagree with Ms. Bookworm on some of the historical points (see Comment #40), but any discussion that includes all of these topics is well worth a read. In addition, do see the Anchoress's take on Anne Rice's misunderstanding of Catholic doctrine.

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Happy Easter

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

- Mark 16:1-8

We celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter, but as with virtually all Christian holidays, this one also has aspects of paganism. Indeed, if you wonder where the word Easter comes from, as well as the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs, it comes from pre-Christian Germany.

Normal blogging will resume Monday.

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