Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

Monday, February 3, 2002

Question:

> Hi Pastor Buddy,

> My friend wrote you awhile ago about Judaism and some differences with

Christianity. I thought you did a good job answering his questions so I would

like to ask you something.

> Do Christmas and Easter have anything to do with the pagan holidays of

winter solstice and spring equinox?

Bro. Buddy responds:

Wren,

It is questionable as to whether Christmas and Easter can be contributed

entirely to pagan sources. Is there an association of these holidays with the

winter solstice and spring equinox? More likely than not. You will find many

pro and con arguments on this issue. We do know that several customs

observed during these holidays are easily traced to paganism. But few

people today would make any pagan connection.

There is likely more to the story. My oldest son, Nathan, made a keen

observation that may help the picture. Having these celebrations can be

compared to Christians today not wishing to celebrate Halloween. So in the

struggle they have created an alternative called 'Hallelujah Night.' See the picture?

Anyway, according to Eerdman's Handbook of Christianity, Catholic

missionaries did try to help convert heathen peoples by taking their

celebrations and customs, and giving them a Christian base. Not a good

idea in my opinion.

So, to answer your question, yes, I believe both these holidays have a pagan

association, but not for most people today.

Blessings,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)
PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!