"Up From The Grave He Arose"

Headlines today include references to the economy and it’s troubles; nuclear testing in North Korea; contention over same-sex marriage; preparations for an ideological showdown over a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court; and, continuing violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, on the religious front, people continue to approach the church/synagogue/mosque with a consumer mindset, and an increasing number of folks respond to polls by declaring their religious preference as “none.”

Oh, and the World Council of Churches is wrestling with the notion of establishing a common date for Easter for all Christians.

Yes, indeed, the scholars, potentates, heads of communions, and other dignified leaders of Christianity from around the world are spending time weighing the merits of the Julian calendar versus those of the Gregorian calendar, checking out lunar charts and timetables, and worrying about devotion to tradition among their dwindling constituencies. I wonder what those who market and sell spring flowers, baby chicks, chocolate, pastel food coloring, greeting cards, hams, and brightly-hued children’s clothing have to say about all of this?

Let’s see. Easter is supposed to be on the first Sunday following the first full moon on or following the spring equinox, right? Well, it depends on who you ask and how you interpret the Bible. Orthodox tradition relies on the Julian calendar, whereas most other Christians stand behind the Gregorian calendar.

High-level meetings were held to see if a unified approach could be established, which simply entails a general acceptance of the Gregorian calendar and schedule. “Some Orthodox representatives at the meeting appeared to back the plan. French Orthodox theologian Antoine Arjakovsky acknowledged that the astronomy was closer to the Gregorian calendar, but noted that Catholic and Protestant churches were also compromising by ‘accepting that the date of Easter should be established on the basis of a cosmic calendar rather than by a fixed date.’”

Let’s hurry and get this sorted out, guys. Other concerns are knocking on the door:

Headlines today include references to the economy and it’s troubles; nuclear testing in North Korea; contention over same-sex marriage; preparations for an ideological showdown over a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court; and, continuing violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, on the religious front, people continue to approach the church/synagogue/ mosque with a consumer mindset, and an increasing number of folks respond to polls by declaring their religious preference as “none.”