Tony Jaques writes:
Easter is central to Christianity, we are told. But why? After all, people were following Jesus for years before his death; they knew nothing of resurrection either.
Can we know what really happened leading up to the execution of the radical rabbi from Galilee? Or what followed it on the first Easter Day? And what is the significance for us now?
Many people assume "Jesus died to atone for human sinfulness, to appease God's anger and save believers from eternal damnation" is the explanation. "If you don't believe this you're not a proper Christian." But as the old song says "it ain't necessarily so!"
From the earliest times, followers of Jesus have understood Easter in many different ways. Modern scholarship and spirituality have added to the variety.
Liberal and progressive Christians in particular have found their experience and theology leading to quite different understandings of Easter - 'minority reports' if you like.
This long weekend will be a chance for those of us among that sizeable minority to share our questions - of the gut and the intellect - about Easter. And we'll look into some of the alternative answers. How can we make sense of them or express them for ourselves?
We'll spend time in study and discussion, and there will also be music, reflection and celebration. Probably no bunnies or chocolate eggs though!
If you book to take part you'll receive some background info and a short questionnaire to help make the best of our time together. As convener of the event I'll welcome you bringing fruits of your own reading and reflection to offer the group. This is absolutely not about winning arguments - the aim is to listen constructively and to honour everyone's views and experience.
Othona is a community where honest questioning has always been valued and supported. That's one of the things that drew me to it many years ago.
I do hope you'll join me for this exercise in joyfully grasping a nettle about which many of us are understandably cautious.
Finally, here's an attempt of mine at a poetic take on Jesus' experience and how it touches our common humanity:
The bread will be broken still
wherever love looks loss right in the face
with eyes that plead "Remember me"
The wine will be red as blood
wherever courage falters and the heart
is crying "Must I drink this cup?"
The noon will be dark as night
wherever human flesh gives up the fight
and dying whispers "Where is God?"
The earth will be good as new
wherever hope reborn like morning dew
shall greet us singing "Love lives on"