Easter Sunday, with its vibrant egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings, is a cornerstone of spring celebrations for many. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the holiday holds a different meaning. They don’t participate in the traditional festivities. This might surprise some, but the reasons behind their decision are rooted in their faith’s interpretation of the Bible and historical practices. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding Easter. We’ll explore why they choose not to celebrate and what kind of commemorations they hold instead. By understanding their perspective, we can gain a broader view of Easter’s significance and how different religious groups approach this springtime tradition.
Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Easter?
The beliefs expressed in the provided statements stem from a particular interpretation of biblical teachings and early Christian practices. While many Christian denominations observe Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, this perspective presents a contrasting viewpoint, rooted in a stricter adherence to certain biblical principles.
The central argument is that the Bible does not explicitly command the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection, but rather his death, as recorded in Luke 22:19-20. This annual observance, known as the Memorial, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar mentioned in the Bible, marking the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion. Thus, Jehovah doesn’t celebrate easter.
Furthermore, the origins of Easter customs, such as fertility rites and pagan practices, are considered unacceptable and offensive to God, who demands exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:5; 1 Kings 18:21). This belief holds that incorporating practices of non-biblical origins into religious observances is a violation of God’s requirements.
This stance emphasizes the use of practical wisdom and critical thinking (Proverbs 3:21; Matthew 15:3) over blindly following human traditions. While sharing these beliefs with others, it also respects each individual’s right to make their own decisions (1 Peter 3:15) regarding the observance or non-observance of Easter.
In essence, this perspective rejects the celebration of Easter due to its perceived lack of biblical basis, the incorporation of non-biblical practices, and the prioritization of adherence to scriptural principles over long-standing traditions. It advocates for a more literal and exclusive observance of biblical commands, particularly those related to the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death.