religion

Happy Easter Happy Passover

| johnas9000

Passover and Easter are both significant religious holidays, but they belong to different faith traditions and have distinct origins, meanings, and customs. Here are some of the key differences and similarities between the two:

Differences:

  1. Religious Origin: Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the biblical book of Exodus. Easter, on the other hand, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as narrated in the New Testament.
  2. Religious Significance: Passover marks the beginning of the Jewish people’s journey to freedom and the covenant between God and the Israelites. Easter symbolizes the victory of Jesus over sin and death, signifying hope, redemption, and eternal life for Christians.
  3. Timing: Passover typically occurs in the spring, specifically during the Hebrew month of Nisan, which usually falls between late March and mid-April in the Gregorian calendar. Easter, on the other hand, falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, usually between late March and late April.
  4. Observance: Passover is observed by Jews through a week-long celebration that includes special meals (seder), the retelling of the Exodus story, and the avoidance of leavened bread (chametz). Easter is observed by Christians through various traditions such as attending church services, Easter egg hunts, and family gatherings.

Similarities:

  1. Spring Celebration: Both Passover and Easter are celebrated in the springtime, reflecting themes of renewal, rebirth, and new life.
  2. Shared Symbols: Both holidays incorporate symbols of renewal and life. For example, the egg is a symbol of new life and fertility in both Passover (as part of the seder plate) and Easter (as Easter eggs). Additionally, both holidays involve the consumption of special foods: matzah during Passover and Easter eggs, lamb, and bread during Easter.
  3. Spiritual Reflection: Both Passover and Easter provide opportunities for spiritual reflection and introspection. They are occasions for believers to contemplate themes such as freedom, redemption, and the power of faith.
  4. Historical and Cultural Influence: Both Passover and Easter have had significant historical and cultural influence, shaping the traditions, rituals, and beliefs of Jewish and Christian communities throughout history.

While Passover and Easter are distinct holidays with different religious contexts, they also share common themes and symbols that reflect their significance to believers around the world.

Why are the biggest sinners at church?

| johnas9000

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. I just posted this on Facebook.
“What if we could choose who we are when we are reborn? Today, as we celebrate the season of renewal, let’s embrace the power of personal transformation. May you find joy in shaping your destiny and discovering the boundless possibilities you choose today and every day. You are reborn every day. You can release all the worries, problems, fears, and negativity and embrace joy, gratitude, giving, and sharing. Happy spring, and may your choices lead you to a life filled with abundance and fulfillment. Happy Easter to those who celebrate and observe. Although we all must share faith and the positive possibilities of what this day represents no matter your faith.”
I turned on the TV and heard someone preaching. Within a few minutes, he said that your sins have been forgiven. Then he said your future sins are forgiven. Then he said your past sins are forgiven. Then he said, all of your sins were forgiven thousands of years ago.
No wonder why I have seen the worst people at church. When I was a little boy 60 years ago, I noticed that of the few divorces in our parish, those men were all deacons or some other notable position in the church. Today, I hear my friends tell me about all kinds of evil people who were either attempting to have an extramarital affair with them or were trying to cheat them or their families financially.
It is apparent to me that since I don’t attend church, I don’t get a “get out of guilt jail” free card. I am not even close to perfect. But I don’t think I have ever lied to anyone. In fact, I am constantly accused of being brutally honest. I also would suspect that if I cheated on someone, I would carry that guilt to my grave. And I don’t have room to carry that much guilt.
Isn’t that better than thinking you can go to church and be instantly absolved? Or, at worst, say a few hail Marys?
I am not dissing religion. But it seems to me that everyone is taking bits and pieces and using them to get away with “murder” or, at the very least, cheating and lying.
Even if you want to believe 100% in god and that Jesus died for our sins, it is not a get-out-of-jail-free card to be an asshole. It seems like people are using religion, or more correctly perverting religion, to allow their worst behaviors to be OK, actually to be instantly forgiven.
There is something very wrong with that attitude. Personal responsibility comes first. Yes, we have all sinned and will probably sin some more before we die. But don’t use it as an excuse to do stuff you know is terrible.
I was recently speaking to a friend who was speaking to some high-level TM master. He had the nerve to tell her that she wasn’t evolved while he ( a married man) was hitting on her. Worse yet, he admitted he had cheated at least four times. By the way, you know that probably means 28 times. The law of 7 states that whatever they admit to, multiply by 7. I only have one drink a day. I only cheated once, etc.
It’s deplorable. I truly pray and hope that this Easter, the world will evolve to a better place. There is way too much crime, war, and awful people doing awful things.
Please ensure that repeat sinners are taught a lesson, not just forgiven. Repeat criminals need to be kept in jail or some other way to protect the innocent people they kill. Repeat financial criminals need to be put in prison and stopped from stealing, and repeat emotional killers need to be kept away from good people.