In the realm of Christian terminology, the word "Easter" has long held sway in describing the most significant event in Christian history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, a closer examination of the biblical and historical context reveals that "Pascha" or "Passover" is a more theologically and linguistically accurate and meaningful term to describe this celebration. This essay will provide the origin of the term “Easter” and primary sources. It will delve into the connection between the Lord’s Supper, the Apostle Paul's reference to Jesus as our Passover, and the alignment of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection with the Jewish Passover and Biblical Feasts. Lastly, it will also argue that the preference for "Pascha" or "Passover" over "Easter" is justified by the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, emphasizing the importance of aligning religious practices with scriptural authority.
The Origin of the word "Easter"
Linguistic Origins
The English term "Easter" has its roots in Old English, where it was known as "ēastre" or "ēastre," which likely came from the name of the Germanic spring goddess Ēostre or Ostara. The Venerable Bede, an 8th-century English historian, and monk, mentioned in his work "De temporum ratione" (The Reckoning of Time) written in the 8th century, that the month corresponding to April in the Anglo-Saxon calendar was called "Ēostur-monath," named after the Germanic spring goddess Ēostre. Bede suggested that the Christian holiday of Easter was named after this goddess. This term was used to name the Christian holiday that coincided with the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. The connection to the goddess and the timing of the spring festival contributed to the use of "Easter." While there are debates and discussions about the accuracy of this claim, it is widely referenced in linguistic and historical discussions of the term "Easter."
Primary Sources
Bede's account is a primary source for the theory connecting "Easter" to the goddess Ēostre. However, the exact origins of the word "Easter" are not definitively known and remain a topic of scholarly debate and discussion. Alternative theories exist, and historians and linguists have explored those alternative theories; nevertheless, the connection to the goddess Ēostre or Ostara is a widely recognized theory in the field of historical linguistics and etymology, and Bede's connection to Ēostre is widely recognized as well.
An Argument for the Use of "Pascha" or "Passover" over the word "Easter"
The Feast of the Passover: A Paschal Connection
"Pascha" and related terms are derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach," meaning "Passover." The Merriam-Webster and the Cambridge dictionary translate the Hebrew word Pesach (פסח) into English as "Passover." The NASB, ESV, and NKJV Translations of the Holy Bible also use Passover as the English translation for the Hebrew word Pesach (פסח).
At the heart of this discussion is the Feast of the Passover (Mattew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22; John 13), a pivotal event where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, instituted “The Lord’s Supper” and solidified the connection between Christian tradition and the Jewish Passover.
During this meal, Jesus took bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood, and presented them to His disciples, saying, "This is my body" and "This is my blood," thus instituting “The Lord’s Supper.” It's crucial to note that this event occurred during the Jewish Passover celebration, marking a profound connection between the two.
The Apostle Paul's Reference to Jesus as Our Passover
The Apostle Paul's writings further cement the connection between Jesus and the Passover. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, he states, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." This reference to Jesus as the Passover lamb underscores the idea that Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are intricately linked with the Passover, emphasizing the theological significance of using "Pascha" or "Passover" in the Christian tradition.
Alignment with Passover Feasts
The alignment of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection with the Jewish Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits is not a mere coincidence but a profound biblical and theological truth. The Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolizes the removal of sin, a theme central to Jesus' sacrifice. Likewise, the Feast of First Fruits symbolizes new life and resurrection, mirroring Jesus' resurrection. These parallels highlight the appropriateness of using "Pascha" or "Passover" to describe the Christian celebration rather than "Easter."
The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura
The doctrine of Sola Scriptura, which asserts the authority of Scripture alone in shaping Christian beliefs and practices, emphasizes the need for biblical accuracy in terminology, practice, and tradition. While the term "Easter" may have pagan roots in reference to a Germanic goddess, "Pascha" or "Passover" is firmly rooted in biblical and historical significance. Sola Scriptura compels us to prioritize terms that directly relate to the events and theological truths described in the Bible, reinforcing the case for using "Pascha" or "Passover" over "Easter."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the preference for "Pascha" or "Passover" over the use of the word "Easter" in Christian tradition is not merely a matter of semantics. It reflects the deep biblical and theological connections between the Lord’s Supper, His role as the Passover lamb, and the alignment of the Lord Yeshua/Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection with the Passover feasts. Moreover, the doctrine of Sola Scriptura reinforces the need for biblical accuracy in Christian terminology, tradition, and practices. By embracing "Pascha" or "Passover," Christians can more authentically and meaningfully commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.