We believe that Jesus/Yeshua could not have rose again if He did not die first. It's not so much a celebration than it is an acknowledgment.
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Why Commemorate the Death of Jesus?
- Thread starter natasha levchenko
- Start date
oldbadger
Skanky Old Mongrel!
Yes..........
I tell you honestly.........I'm a complete pagan, but every couple of years I go to the Kingdom Hall for a meeting or service, because I like the JWs who visit our home very much, and because the welcome that I (and all other visitors) receive from everybody is like no other that I receive ..... anywhere. The smiles are real. The handshakes are meant. I forgot to take my bible, so the young man next to me thrust his own into my hands.
I like JWs, and I trust them.
If that can be enough, then at least they have a friend.
Vishvavajra
Active Member
For most, celebrate is not the correct word, so much as commemorate. The death of the founder of the tradition is regarded as worthy of remembrance.
That said, some do celebrate his death, as they believe that his death itself was the magic thing that would bring salvation. It's closely tied to viewing Jesus as a kind of human sacrifice. I would call that doctrine a gross distortion of the original tradition, but it's pretty common.
That said, some do celebrate his death, as they believe that his death itself was the magic thing that would bring salvation. It's closely tied to viewing Jesus as a kind of human sacrifice. I would call that doctrine a gross distortion of the original tradition, but it's pretty common.
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
I've found that many atheists left the church due to poor understanding of theology and ecclesiology.
Then grow out.
SpeaksForTheTrees
Well-Known Member
Thats because most "christians" are only in it because they think theres something in it for themselves.
outhouse
Atheistically
Just is not true.
SpeaksForTheTrees
Well-Known Member
Why else would that be the most important day?
outhouse
Atheistically
Most Christians I know have a sense of community, and offer help to the needy. Do fund raisers and could care less about what is in it for them.
You made a mistake.
SpeaksForTheTrees
Well-Known Member
2.2 billions? Most believe to go to heaven.
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
I'd say that's true on one level -- and it's a huge ethical problem. Many Xtians are preoccupied with their own salvation, rather than concerned with taking others down off of their crosses. BUT -- at the same time, most Xtians do exhibit love through acts of justice, compassion, and mercy. So, while you're statement is true to an extent, it is unfair, because it fails to take under consideration other factors of the Xian life.
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Because resurrection is more a communal disposition than a personal reward. Resurrection, in the orthodox view, is for all humanity -- not just pious individuals who do all the right things. Resurrection is the consummation of God's salvific process for humanity.
outhouse
Atheistically
So what.
They believe if they do the right thong they will go to heaven. Its not all self service
Some academics have taken to categorizing the early Christian movement as apocalyptic/millennial. Those who have actually take Christ's death to be a moment of disconfirmation, one that shook the entire movement that believed the Kingdom was coming immediately. According to Leon Festinger, the man who wrote the guide to interpreting any apocalyptic movement, for a millennial movement to survive past the stage of disconfirmation it must fundamentally change. That means altering its conception of what the movement is about, it's beliefs about the end point, and proselytizing like crazy.
If the early Christian movement saw the death of their prophet Christ as a major disconfirmation the only way to keep their movement alive was to reinterpret death. Christ's death became necessary and worthy of celebration because he died to cleanse humanity. Then, the myth of his resurrection became the final nail in the coffin, so to speak. Victory over the force of death.
If you buy into this argument at all, it's almost necessary that death become celebrated. There was a need to turn what was an obvious failure (the death of the prophet) into a success. It's not enough for Christ to just beat death, not if Romans can just kill your prophet when they'd like. Death had to become part of the plan.
If the early Christian movement saw the death of their prophet Christ as a major disconfirmation the only way to keep their movement alive was to reinterpret death. Christ's death became necessary and worthy of celebration because he died to cleanse humanity. Then, the myth of his resurrection became the final nail in the coffin, so to speak. Victory over the force of death.
If you buy into this argument at all, it's almost necessary that death become celebrated. There was a need to turn what was an obvious failure (the death of the prophet) into a success. It's not enough for Christ to just beat death, not if Romans can just kill your prophet when they'd like. Death had to become part of the plan.
That's true but that gives them hope. I don't see that as a bad thing necessarily. Particularly with those who might be dying. I realize that it was said that religion is the opium of the masses and in some ways, I can see that but with someone sick or dying, I don't see the harm really. Do you?
I want to formally apologize for that crass remark to you. It was so wrong and I am very sorry, Bad day I guess which does not negate my responsibility in any way. Mea culpa.
Grinning.....thank you awoon. I really felt like a schmuck.
SpeaksForTheTrees
Well-Known Member
Dont know how to reply / guess it depends whether its true or not.
Unveiled Artist
Veteran Member
Catholic and like denominations commemorate His life, death, and resurrection in Mass. The Church, during advent, goes through the passion the whole month starts with His life, death, and ends on easter with His resurrection. Im sure Lutheran, episcopalian, do the same. Catholic othrodox as well. I dont knkw abiut other christian denominations and why they do to like to celebrate Jesus.