The destruction of the Temple in AD 70 also impacted on the way in which the conflict leading to the events of Easter was emphasised in the emerging Christian community and its foundational documents.
Every year at this time we see magazine covers questioning the resurrection of Jesus and whether it actually occurred. Here, I want to investigate the biblical and historical claims about the resurrection and debunk four myths against it.
Our recent research finds that when it comes to Easter practices, some "nones" are perhaps not as irreligious as they are commonly depicted, especially if their social circles are likely to be celebrating the holiday.
At a time when fewer people are going to church, events like the Adult Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt hosted by the Itasca Park District and Village of Itasca are taking off.
Churches and Christians could find much to ponder in the passion, enthusiasm and long-term commitment shown by football supporters – the vast majority of whom will not be in church on Easter Day.
Christians, especially converts, feel increasingly ostracised during the month of Ramadan – so much so, that many do not even eat in public and keep an even lower profile than usual.
In this exchange, we probe some of the history of Easter and ask what Christians need to be aware of in order to avoid repeating the nightmares of the past by thoughtless recycling of myths and prejudices.