Early Christians’ tolerance of other beliefs showed wisdomThis is in response to the letter Tuesday’s R&L titled “Easter celebrations are rooted in paganism, not Christianity.”

First, please give Easter its correct name, “Sunday of the Resurrection.” Many, if not all, Christian festivals have roots in paganism.

• Good Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus left the tomb on the third day, Jewish days start at sundown, it does not say he was underground for three days. Time unknown, possibly very early in the morning.
• As time is uncertain, the sunrise service states, “He has risen.”
  
  I will leave the Easter bunnies and eggs alone except to say birds’ eggs may indicate new life. Yes, the first Easter eggs were birds’ eggs, not candy or chocolate.

Now, to return to the beginning of this letter.

We have just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. If Patrick had said to the Celts, “There is only one god, mine, yours are all fake,” he would not have lasted a day. After gradual introduction of Our Lord Jesus Christ into their festivals, they began to accept Christianity and the pagan gods were replaced.

Patrick even plucked a common weed from the ground to explain the Trinity.

Christianity cannot deny its roots, but it is not any worse off for them.

Michael Coltham
Statesville