Faith without religion.
Traditions and Spiritual Truth in Christian Observance
In a recent teaching, the focus was on the significance of traditions and their role in human society, particularly within religious contexts. Traditions serve as a binding force, fostering continuity and unity among groups. However, the teaching emphasized that no earthly tradition can bring an individual into a relationship with God or into His presence after this life.
The discussion centered around the Christian perspective on Easter, highlighting the historical and cultural origins of the holiday. It was noted that the term “Easter” has pagan roots, derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess “Eostre,” associated with spring and renewal. This connection was made when early Christians, under Constantine, incorporated popular pagan traditions into the church to appeal to the masses.
The teaching argued that while holidays like Easter, Christmas, and others are enjoyable for their cultural and familial aspects, they should not be integrated into the Christian faith. Instead, Christians are encouraged to celebrate the essence of these events—such as Jesus’ resurrection—every day, in spirit and truth, without relying on specific holidays.
The session also delved into the biblical narrative of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, exploring the political and social dynamics at play. Pilate’s interactions with Jesus and the Jewish leaders were examined, revealing the complexities of his position and the pressures he faced. The teaching concluded with a reflection on Jesus’ kingdom, which is not of this world, and a call to approach religious observances with a focus on spiritual truth rather than cultural tradition.
