The (non-pagan) origins of Easter

Aaron Gann • March 16, 2021
Print Friendly and PDF
The Holiday of Easter is one of the most widely known celebrations of the Christian Faith. It is commonly taught that this was originally a pagan holiday baptized by the Christian people in the early centuries of the Church. However, the evidence paints a different picture. Easter is a product of Jewish practice in the first century and the robust Christology of the early Jewish Christians.

Easter = Ishtar?

In part one of two teachings, Aaron Gann, friend of CMJ USA, looks at the name of the feast and its timing.

Where did the eggs and bunnies come from?

In his second teaching, Aaron Gann examines the practices that surround Easter, namely Lent, Holy Week, eggs & bunnies.

Blessed by this post? Ready to sow into the work of CMJ? No gift is too small. we are blessed by your partnership.



Give
By Aaron Fruh • October 30, 2026
Pastor Aaron Fruh didn't think much of Israel and the Jewishness of Jesus until his grandmother and the Holy Spirit made him think again
By CMJ Staff • October 29, 2026
Jessica Baustian: 'I have watched antisemitic rhetoric increasingly enter Catholic spaces... And I have experienced it personally'
By Carino Casas • October 19, 2026
The Jewish people are still among us because God loves them, and so should we
More Posts