I Don’t Need to See to Believe
2007
Lent. Fast for 40 days. Abstain for something I enjoy for 40 days to prove what? That I can be like Jesus? I think not.
No, I’m not a skeptic. I believe in Jesus. He is my Savior. I believe He was crucified and died for my sins. I actually believe He rose three days after His death. Which is what Easter is supposed to celebrate.
So why the Easter bunnies and colored, decorated eggs?
I’m not against the bunnies and eggs, signs of fertility and new life. Indeed, Jesus’ resurrection symbolizes new life, and I can say I’ve experienced new life in some form in one way or another. So, in spite of the fact that we won’t be attending church on Easter to show off our non-existent new garb, Manchild, my daughter, and I will be celebrating the fact that Jesus rose from the dead and out of that tomb on that fateful Sunday upon which the Christian faith is based. If you didn’t know, the Christian movement would not have existed if not for Jesus’ resurrection. If He hadn’t risen, there would’ve been nothing to talk about the past 1,973 years (approximately).
So yes, my husband and I plan to, for the first time, dye eggs with our daughter and nestle them in her Easter basket along with the chocolate candy in which she will indulge. We will also, though, tell her of the story of the resurrected Christ and what He means to us. For me, it means resurrection in our own lives. How can I go about even seeing this possibility? As Einstein, a scientific genius, while believing in God, yet not a personal God, said,
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.”
And the resurrection is mysterious, isn’t it? It can’t be explained through natural means, can it? And yet, Einstein said, as well,
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
And I certainly can imagine, when I read Luke 24, that I am one of the two (wo)men walking with Jesus to a village called Emmaus, not having a clue that I’m walking with the resurrected Christ. I can imagine I’m talking with Him, not really understanding the word He was trying to teach me along the way. I need no physical proof of His appearances after He arose out of that tomb. In fact, the fact that the tomb was empty is proof enough for me.
So I’m going to say so boldly that if I can believe as Einstein believes, then I’m a genius for believing what God did in the work of raising Jesus on that third day. And we will teach our daughter the same.
(I just stumbled upon the following article, “He is Risen: Evidence beyond Reasonable Doubt,” from Crosswalk.com. As a teacher of biblical studies, I found it compelling; I offer the article as a departure point for those who might want to engage the topic a bit further.)
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Very nice and it sounds like you have a perfect day planned.When I was young, we often times get a new sport coat for Easter, not always but it was the one time a year when we got new dress clothes.
Though as you know I am not a Christian but I also get frustrated at the commercialization of Easter. Easter represents the most powerful aspect of the basis upon which Christianity was built. Easter is the beginning point in which the historical Jesus becomes the myth. Myths are so important to all cultures but it seems as if Americans are loosing touch with the sources of our stories. Stories of regeneration and resurrection have been shared since the beginning of time in order to teach that we are capable of starting on the path of a new way one that will bring us closer to the divine. I do hope you enjoy the day in the privacy and comfort of your home and pass on to your daughter the source of your faith.
I wanted to add some quotes in order to clarify my meaning of myth.
“Myth is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human manifestation…” (Joseph Campbell, Hero with a Thousand Faces)
“Homage to thee, 0 Governor of those who are Amenti (Heaven), who makest the mortals to be born again, who renewest thy youth… I am Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow; and I have the power to be born a second time. I am the hidden Soul who createth the gods. I am the Lord of those who are raised up from the dead.. ..I am the Great One, Son of the Great One; I am Fire,the Son of Fire. I have knit together my bones; I have made myself whole and sound; I have become young once more; I am Osiris, the Lord of Eternity.”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead
Myths orient people to the metaphysical dimension, explain the origins and nature of the cosmos, validate social issues, and, on the psychological plane, address themselves to the innermost depths of the psyche (Campbell).
Religious myths are sacred histories (Eliade)
Hi Danielle,
Thank you so much for clarifying the meaning of myth. In fact, this is what I attempt to teach my students – myth does not mean something false (at least not in its ancient context).
Thank you Danielle! We are indeed having a good time, getting ready to eat some popcorn, and after our daughter’s nap, putting those stickers on the colorful eggs! Enjoy your day!
Hey KWiz.
I really enjoyed this post, particularly the part where you quote Einstein as saying that imagination is more important than knowledge. I really, really love that. And I think it’s absolutely true. Knowledge is the hammer, but the finished house is the product of imagination.
It’s all about application..
Hi Keith,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Great metaphor! Is it original? And if so, might I share it?
And you’re right – knowledge means nothing if not applied rightly…
KWiz,
Believe it or not that metaphor actually is one of mine. Don’t know where that stuff comes from, but please feel free to share it. I’m honored you like it!