What is the Significance of Easter for Mormons?

Christian Answers.Net ^ | 1998 | Jim Robertson

[Colofornian]

answered by a former leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

EASTER PAGEANTS

Most temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) perform pageants. Some, such as the temple where I live in Mesa, Arizona, choose to annually perform a beautiful “Easter” pageant. Mormons and Christians do not share the same understanding of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. In years past, the pageant was performed depicting events in accordance with Mormon teachings. Apparently, in more recent years, when LDS leaders realized that this was offending Christians, they began presenting the Christian view of Easter. The main purpose after all seems to be to draw non-Mormons. During this show, one may find the grounds teeming with Mormon missionaries. They use this performance to get visitors to fill out a card which results in later home visits from missionaries. The non-LDS person rarely knows that the pageant is used for that purpose.

CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Resurrection Sunday itself is pretty much a non-event for Mormons. Although this religious holiday is mentioned among Mormons, I know of none that actually celebrate it in a major way. Most use the time to either view the annual LDS conference televised from Salt Lake, Utah, or discuss the conference or prepare for it.

CHRIST’S DEATH

The Mormon's concept of Jesus is different than the Bible's. When their Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane, he shed there his blood for the transgression of sins. The LDS Church does not accept the biblical idea that Christ's blood was shed on the cross to wash away our sins - present, past and future. Mormons fail to realize that the empty cross is for Christians the symbol of their salvation and the fulfillment of God's promise.

Under the Mormon system of theology, one must in effect, earn their way into heaven. In the LDS Articles of Faith, Mormon apostle James Talmadge states that since your "sins are the result of individual acts it is just that forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements - 'obedience to the laws and ordinances of the [LDS] Gospel.'" [James Talmadge*, Articles of Faith, p. 87.] "Christ's atonement makes it possible to be saved from sin if we do our part," says Elder Boyd K. Packer, an apostle of the LDS Church. Doing “our part” refers a need to work out our own salvation. This is in disagreement with the New Testament's teaching of grace (See Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 5; Titus 3:5; Luke 18:10-14, Romans 4:5, Galatians 3 and 5:4). According to the Bible one cannot work their way to Heaven. Salvation is by faith alone - acceptance of God's gift of salvation and reliance on Christ's promise of what will happen after our earthly death. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).

The Bible says…

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9

THE RESURRECTION

Mormons believe that Christ's resurrection is their personal guarantee that they and everyone else will also be resurrected. But where they go after death is determined by the number of works they perform in this life and whether they are good Mormons.

When Mormons are asked, “If you were to die at this very moment, where would you go?” If they are honest, they will reply, “Well, I hope that I've done enough good works that I can progress to the highest heaven, the Celestial Kingdom.” Mormons believe that there is a “paradise” or spirit world where all humans go after death. In this spirit world, there are supposedly Mormon missionaries who give you one more chance to accept or reject the message of Mormonism. If you accept, then you are baptized by proxy into the church here on earth. This is known as baptism for the dead. Those that have accepted LDS teachings go to one of the Mormon heavens (Celestial, Terrestrial or Telestial), depending on their earthly works.

Author: Jim Robertson, Concerned Christians. Editor: Paul S. Taylor, Eden Communications.

Reference Note

* Although there are “13 Articles of Faith” in the LDS religion, there is also a book written on the subject called Articles of Faith by the late LDS apostle Dr. James E. Talmage, first published by Deseret Book Co. (the LDS religion's publishing company) in 1899. Mr. Talmage served in the LDS religion as an apostle between December 7, 1911 and his death on July 27, 1933. His book is considered to be an LDS classic. The quote can actually be found in chapter 4, at the top of p. 79 of “Articles of Faith.” (Bob Betts, Concerned Christians)

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[Colofornian]

From the article: Resurrection Sunday itself is pretty much a non-event for Mormons. Although this religious holiday is mentioned among Mormons, I know of none that actually celebrate it in a major way. Most use the time to either view the annual LDS conference televised from Salt Lake, Utah, or discuss the conference or prepare for it.

This was confirmed even by BYU study published by the Mormon church owned Deseret News last year: BYU study: Disconnect between Mormons and Easter

A BYU professor in that article said that the General Conference held by Mormons in April essentially swallows Easter.

From the article: The Mormon's concept of Jesus is different than the Bible's. When their Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane, he shed there his blood for the transgression of sins. The LDS Church does not accept the biblical idea that Christ's blood was shed on the cross to wash away our sins - present, past and future. Mormons fail to realize that the empty cross is for Christians the symbol of their salvation and the fulfillment of God's promise.

Don't take our word for it that the Mormons have this great aversion to the cross...two articles below explain that...including the second...published even by the Mormon church!
* No-Cross Protocol ["New" Mormon tradition]
* Sunstone speaker attempts to explain LDS 'aversion' to cross [published by Mormon church owned Mormon Times]

[svcw]

In years past, the pageant was performed depicting events in accordance with Mormon teachings. Apparently, in more recent years, when LDS leaders realized that this was offending Christians, they began presenting the Christian view of Easter. The main purpose after all seems to be to draw non-Mormons. During this show, one may find the grounds teeming with Mormon missionaries. They use this performance to get visitors to fill out a card which results in later home visits from missionaries. The non-LDS person rarely knows that the pageant is used for that purpose.

Another example of lds changing what they teach to fool people into thinking lds is Christian.

I praise God that He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

[svcw]

It is difficult to celebrate Easter when the Cross means little to nothing to the very foundation of mormonISM.

[Pecos]

I am seriously confused as to why the author wants to claim that Mormons to not “have the same understanding” of the crucifixion and resurrection. The atonement and Christ's grace are central points of LDS theology.

Anyone trying to use Easter observation practices as a cause for an argument is simply trying to pick a fight where none needs to exist.

[dragonblustar]

I heard Beck this morning saying the same thing, that Christ sweat blood in the garden.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

[Gondring]

If I’m not mistaken, the memorial cairn for the settlers massacred by Mormons on Sept 11, 1857, was repeatedly vandalized to remove the cross. With the latest “replica,” the cross is missing, so a replica (with cross) was built in Arkansas (where most of the murdered settlers were from).

[dragonblustar]

Anyone trying to use Easter observation practices as a cause for an argument is simply trying to pick a fight where none needs to exist.

Is Christ's death on the cross sufficient for salvation?

[svcw]

Seriously?
lds do not teach Grace when they use the phrase “after all we can do”. If one has to work for Salvation there is no Grace.
lds teach atonement was in the garden not on the Cross.
Therefore lds do not understand the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Grace.

[Colofornian]

I am seriously confused as to why the author wants to claim that Mormons to not “have the same understanding” of the crucifixion and resurrection. The atonement and Christ's grace are central points of LDS theology.

Mark Cares, who runs a ministry reaching out to Mormons, just published a blurb this week where he closes with a quote from a BYU prof about grace: As Robert L. Millet, a BYU professor wrote, “Therefore acting alone, the grace of Christ is not sufficient for salvation. The works of man – the ordinances of salvation, the deeds of service and acts of charity and mercy – are necessary for salvation.” It’s teachings like these that cause us to say that Mormonism is a very dangerous religion.
Source: Does Staying in the Faith Contribute to Salvation?

What did Lds "apostle" Bruce McConkie say about grace? Is it, as grace is defined, a gift from God? Or is it proportionally triggered by man?

Grace is granted to men proportionately as they conform to the standards of personal righteousness... (LDS apostle Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 339)

No, it isn't, Bruce!! Men don't force God's gracious hand!!! (Can you imagine a Mormon leader saying, “An earthly father's Christmas gifts are granted to their children proportionately as they conform to the family standards of personal righteousness”? That would be an outrageous conclusion!) Yet LDSaints don't seem to bat an eyelash over this kind of misunderstanding as to what grace is!

And then another LDS doctrinal reference:And when we obtain ANY blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. (D&C 130:21)

Once again, the Mormons force God's hand of blessings by pointing to their obedience as the trigger of those blessings, NOT as God's lovingkindness or provision or mercy or grace!

Anyone trying to use Easter observation practices as a cause for an argument is simply trying to pick a fight where none needs to exist.

Mormon doctrine focuses on the Garden as the source of atonement. Did Jesus say, "Pick up your gardening, and follow me?" Why the aversion to the cross?

[hosepipe]

Easter is just a "christian" fertility ceremony.. morphed(hidden) into a resurrection meme..
Nicely done too... the rubes buy it like chocolate bunnies.. and decorated eggs..

With not a whiff of consideration of "where did Easter come from?".. "how come its not in the bible?"..
Who invented it?... for what reason?..

The truth is....... "Not all christians are christians!..."
Some of them make up silly games.. like Easter and Christmas.. Lent... Fish on Fridays.. Holy Water.. etc..

So whats harmed!?... Not a lot I guess.. until they become "real"..

[Zakeet]

If I’m not mistaken, the memorial cairn for the settlers massacred by Mormons on Sept 11, 1857, was repeatedly vandalized to remove the cross.

You are correct.

The first monument, erected by the U.S. Army shortly after the tragedy, was pulled down in the presence and under the direct supervision of Brigham Young himself. Since then, there were nine more memorials (by my count) erected on the site. All, except the one shown above, the latest, contained a cross. All except this one were destroyed.

The memorial sits atop a mass grave containing the remains of 28 murdered settlers. Their descendents have repeatedly asked the LDS Church (who owns the land) for permission to place a simple cross over the grave. The Church has persistently refused.

Paraphrasing the remarks of former LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley at the monument's dedication, "It happened, it's over, let's more on." And unfortunately, that means no cross.

[dragonblustar]

The truth is....... "Not all christians are christians!..." Some of them make up silly games.. like Easter and Christmas.. Lent... Fish on Fridays.. Holy Water.. etc..

Others follow false prophets like Joseph Smith who made up a silly book, promoted polygamy, celestial marriages and forever families.....

[Godzilla]

If I’m not mistaken, the memorial cairn for the settlers massacred by Mormons on Sept 11, 1857, was repeatedly vandalized to remove the cross. With the latest “replica,” the cross is missing, so a replica (with cross) was built in Arkansas (where most of the murdered settlers were from).

The removal of the first cross on the cairn was led by none other than bring'em young iirc. Since the property is owned by lds inc. - they have refused CONTINUALLY to allow descendants of those killed to erect a cross.

[Godzilla]

Easter is just a "christian" fertility ceremony.. morphed(hidden) into a resurrection meme.. Nicely done too... the rubes buy it like chocolate bunnies.. and decorated eggs.. With not a whiff of consideration of "where did Easter come from?".. "how come its not in the bible?".. Who invented it?... for what reason?..

Remarkable insult to the intelligence of freepers reading this.

[Colofornian]

Easter is just a "christian" fertility ceremony.. morphed(hidden) into a resurrection meme.. Nicely done too... the rubes buy it like chocolate bunnies.. and decorated eggs.. With not a whiff of consideration of "where did Easter come from?".. "how come its not in the bible?"..Who invented it?... for what reason?..

You know when somebody makes an appt to see you on Thursday, do you respond: "Thursday has morphed into a regular day...Nicely done too...Not a whiff of consideration of 'where did Thursday come from?'...'how come its not in the bible?' ... 'Who invented it?...For what reason?'"

Then do you proceed to lecture the person about how Thursday evolved from the Germanic pagan god, Thor?

No? (Oh, so you only apply these arguments to Easter & Christmas, eh? How inconsistent, how two-faced, how hypocritical of you, then, hosepipe)

Oh, & BTW, don't stop with Thursday:

Monday came from Germanic mythology where the "moon god" = Mani.
Tuesday comes from Norse mythology re: its one-handed god, Tiw.
Wednesday comes from the Germanic god Wodan.
Friday comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Frige.
Saturday comes from the Roman god Saturn (Anglo-Saxon rendering was Sæturnesdæg)

[hosepipe]

[ Remarkable insult to the intelligence of freepers reading this. ]

How so?.. Anyone intelligent would have already researched Easter.. and would know its source..

[Godzilla]

Again - insulting to the intelligence.

Source of the word “easter” - done

Linkage to Christianity - insulting.

Perhaps you should research the resurrection a little more before you start calling the resurrection a pagan fertility celebration.

[SZonian]

Hey now! I get to splurge on bunny ears only one time a year, leave the chocolate bunnies out of this.

As to “made up silly games”, well, mormonSIM fits that description to a tee.

[svcw]

Totems, talismans and religious dangles

What are these?