Comments on: Let’s move beyond Good Friday

By: Anthony Bissell

Anthony Bissell — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:20:16 +0000

I do agree with you about the overbearing we put on the cross. The resurrection does seem to be lost to the dramatization of the crucifixion during church services. There needs to be a better story telling that puts everything into perspective.

That is I imagine where you come in. Good Luck my friend.

Anthony

By: monts

monts — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:13:37 +0000

One of the things we seemingly forget about resurrection is that the crucifixion must be assumed. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion, but the crucifixion does not hinge on resurrection in the same way.

Therefore, I would tend to argue that resurrection is the fullness of the gospel, the “crown jewel” of the gospel instead of the cross (which is what typically gets referred to as the “crown jewel”).

Much of my perspective hinges on attending Easter services for years that spend 90% of the time talking about the cross and throwing in the resurrection at the end for good measure. It’s a complete re-writing of the liturgical mode of the Easter calendar. Which, honestly, is probably why we’re in the season of forgetfulness as a church we’re in. This is not an argument or an attempt to forget the pain and suffering of the cross, but rather to remember the resurrection as the crown jewel of our faith – Remember 2 Timothy 2.8:

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.”

The gospel is wrapped up in the resurrection, not the cross. Don’t misread this last statement because the cross is assumed in the resurrection, but it’s not the crown jewel nor is it the main focus… it’s the resurrection.

By: Erik

Erik — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:33:35 +0000

Aaron, you used the word “celebrate” three times in reference to the crucifixion. Maybe our approach/verbage needs to be changed in order to more adequately reflect what this day represents.

As for our celebration of the cross during the rest of the year… I think this is the tip of the iceberg that runs deep and thick into many modern theologies.

Can we change this old school of thought?

I think new church planters will have to influence the old guard. Good luck…

and Happy Easter!!

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:56:40 +0000

Great post, Aaron – I agree with you 100%.

By: Anthony Bissell

Anthony Bissell — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:51:38 +0000

Dear Aaron,

I love reading your insightful posts. I agree with your distaste for how most churches live on Good Friday every service and rarely move toward the importance and significance of Easter.

Though, I ask you this, can’t we have both? Just as importantly, mustn’t we? As the resurrection can’t live without the crucifixion, we cannot live in righteousness without the death to our old selves.

Since I became Christian, I have not understood why I enjoy so much going to baptisms. Whenever they are announced, I attend. I thought it was maybe that I just enjoyed supporting people and seeing them move forward in their spirituality, but there still seemed to be something more to baptism. This post made me realize that it is that death, which rises us to life that is so exciting and promising of hope that moves me deeply.

So I do sympathize with your dislike of the over emphasis of Good Friday. I had a discussion with someone just this week on that over emphasis which seems to be so prevalent in much of religious dogma. However, I await the day when these will have the same weight, inspiration and move people just as they do me.

Peace and Love my brother,
Anthony