How can Easter apply to me? Me a non-believer who doesn't believe the Nicene Creed or the physical resurrection of Christ. The fact is as I discovered today, there are still messages that can teach within the story, just as their are in all the Old Testament stories that I heard the day before.
First, let's talk about the basic story of Easter and quote part of the Nicene Creed.
He was betrayed, suffered, died and was crucified. He rose again on the third day...
The sermon focused on those three events. Betrayal, Crucifixion and the time before the Resurrection and how we all can experience that as well. Every betrayal is a time to learn and chance to live with right action, when we are crucified is when we can show compassion and love as Jesus did in the story (Forgive them Father they know not what they do) and the silence...the three days in the tomb...the time alone where the transformation occurs. Jesus exists as the example of how we can act in those instances of extreme suffering. Just as Jesus represents all those who wrongfully suffer (the sermon I posted 2 posts ago about the gay kid bullied to death as an example). It's from there that it reminds to act with goodness, just like much (not all) of the actions that Jesus does in the Gospels.
After doing a lot of study through contracts I know there is much still to learn. Marcus Borg and N. T. Wright are good folks to read about 2 major interpretations of the Gospels though, and I still have learn more about the other faiths and philosophies as well that will be an appearance in this blog. Suffice to say though, today was hope.
I do wish I had a TARDIS to check up on the sources and see first hand what the writers who wrote long after the death of some of the people believed them to have said. Whether it's the Odyssey, the Analects of
It was a great sermon and very gnostic in it's approach to the Testament. With Judas knowing what Jesus wanted more then others because of the miracles he'd seen...effectively facilitating the resurrection.It was very much the Gospel of Thomas rather then that of the Gospel of John (which explicitly states Jesus as God in the introduction) hadn't had as much influence over the canon. Oh to see the debates over what would be considered Canon at Nicene and before in the early Church...
It reminded me of Be Alef Synagogue and I understand now why they share the same building.
There were time of meditation to reflect on the story and the music was extremely good. It started with a Jazz Choir, had a classic "The Prayer" sang by a man who held a candle to Josh Groban and then a passionate celebration in the end in song.
In church today I experienced one of the diverse interpretations of the Gospels and shall be writing on the differences in other communities when I visit them as well.
Happy Easter everyone.
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