Comments on: Happy Easter

By: Millie

Millie — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:10:25 +0000

Hey Matt,

Sounds like you did your research. It’s true what you are saying. I think what people need to remember is that the information is not meant to be offensive but rather informational. Then it’s up to them if they want to participate or not. I would rather know the truth than be left in the dark. That way, I can make the most educated and informed decision for myself and how I should live my life.

Just a kind note to the offended: Don’t get all worked up by this. It’s something to think about or research for yourself, that’s all. You can agree to disagree. Matt like many people has many dimensions. We don’t have to agree on everything to like someone as a person.

Anyway, I personally don’t care if someone wants to celebrate Easter by incorporating bunnies and eggs. I can see the commercialism in it but I don’t see the extreme harm in it either. I don’t get into it myself but I don’t think anything of it when someone does; at the same token you’re absolutely right about the need to focus on Christ. It’s the same with Christmas (which also has pagan roots). People are so conditioned in thinking Christmas is all about presents and spending time with family. Yes, of course all those things are nice, but it’s about God and we need to be sure we hold Him above all these things and not our own desires.

There are Pagan origins to many holidays, celebrations and events. Even wearing your wedding ring has pagan roots but that does not mean I am going to stop wearing my wedding ring. We can change things from the bad to the good.

Love the topic. Keep it up. I can probably talk about this for hours but I won’t bore all of you…

I’ve been enjoying your book too. You’re awesome!

Your Lil’Sis in Christ,
Millie B.

By: Pastor John

Pastor John — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:19:45 +0000

We need to keep our eyes on what is important here. Easter or, as some have begun to call it, Resurrection Sunday is an essential part of Christianity. Without it there is no resurrection for the rest of us (1 Cor. 15:14ff). This is definitely worth celebrating. The death and resurrection of Jesus is not about an example of what it means to be a good person, it is the satisfaction of God’s anger (Romans 3) so that we can face Him as righteous. We can not accomplish salvation it is given to us through the atoning death of Christ and His resurrection, and that is the only way it is received, through Jesus. That is not arrogant, because none of us “deserve” to go to heaven (Romans 3 again), it is the words of Jesus himself (John 14:6). It is not a matter of respecting other religions or anything of the sort. Respect or not, it is just they way it is. That does not give Christians a right to be jerks.

By: llamafighter

llamafighter — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:12:53 +0000

I love the site and have tons of respect for you as a world class fighter. As far as eggs and bunnies go: they’re all things made by God and anything that inspires the laughter of children and the gathering of loved ones has a place in Christianity (in my opinion). On a side note: I wish you would have had Brandon reflect and pray on his decision about quitting rather than use the old “it doesn’t take anyone special to quit”. tell that to the many people who have given up dangerous addictions, left abusive spouses, etc. Quitting can be the the most admirable action we can make as humans. I do agree that once you committ to something you should see it through. Again, I’m a huge fan just airing my opinion. Best regards and thanks for the site.

By: BrandonH

BrandonH — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:32:11 +0000

That’s alright BradB41, we all disagree on some things….

By: melann1

melann1 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:42:21 +0000

I think that the part in the book about Matts biological son left most people thinking Matt has never had anything to do with his first biological son, Brandon…….it would have been nice it it went on to say that he IS a part of his son Brandons life……

By: BradB41

BradB41 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:56:20 +0000

Brandon,

Sorry you feel that way. I just disagree.

By: Tiberius

Tiberius — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:14:04 +0000

Wow…I have to side with baldprof…Matt you have my utmost respect as a fighter, but as a practicing pagan - we do not question others faiths. Everyone has their own path - and respect the path of any denomination or individual; as you’ve stated I don’t cast stones. I grew up as Catholic and basically learned not to believe in it, further organized religion isn’t for me. At the same time, I do believe in Jesus and that he was a great man and do pray to him at times, but I don’t consider myself as a Christian.

Many of my friends/fighter friends as well criticize me for being a fan of yours because they believe you are a bible thumper - again, I don’t judge anyone for their beliefs; however, I do have a problem with those that prostelitize in many that post on here. Just to be clear many posters believe in the Bible - the Bible is not the word of God it’s the work of religious scholars that have been copied for millenia. Moreover, some say Christ wasn’t considered divine until the Council of Nicea voted him so in 325 at the behest of the emperor. Then Constantine-a lifelong sun worshipper-ordered all older scriptural texts destroyed, which is why no complete set of Gospels predates the fourth century. Christians somehow failed to notice the sudden and drastic change in their doctrine.

Anyway, I’m getting off topic. Just respect people folks and don’t hate. In the end, we are all striving for the same thing - peace, salvation and to be with the divine.

Blessed be,
Ty

By: petesdog@juno.com

petesdog@juno.com — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Wow…I think we maybe in a Christian spittin’ contest here. In the long run it doesn’t matter who “was the original Christian faith”. Christ said the Father wants followers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth…sometimes we get wrapped up in our “religion” and forget that it is not about what we think but what God thinks. Read the Bible to get the truth…the church are those who follow Christ, not a denomination.

By: BrandonH

BrandonH — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:11:31 +0000

Great post Nate…. however, I tend to believe that the first church began during Jesus’ earthly ministry, with His disciples. But, I agree with everything else you stated.

By: NateR

NateR — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:51:04 +0000

The original Christians weren’t Catholics, they were Jews. The first Christian church is believed to have originated in Jerusalem in the first century and back then Christianity was considered just another sect of Judaism, not a separate religion. There were no Gospels written yet, so they had to preach the good news of Jesus out of the Old Testament. It was actually a pretty big controversy in those days whether to allow non-Jews into the Church.

That first church was wiped out in 70 AD when Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the non-believing Jews blamed these new “Christians” (a derogatory term back then, just like “Jesus Freak” is now) for the attack and the destruction of the Temple. Thus, the rift between Jews and Christians began and it’s only now beginning to be healed.