Bp. Martyn Minns: Easter Message 2009

True or False?

The anniversary of the greatest event in human history is upon us. I refer, of course, to Easter Day when we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. All around the world people will respond to the declaration, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen!” with the triumphant shout, “The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!” But is it true? Did it really happen? Or is it merely a delightful myth that connects us with the wonder of springtime after a dark and dreary winter? True or false? Which is it?

There are those that claim that such a question is in itself invalid; arguing as they do that there can be no absolutes. That they insist upon this view with such absolute assurance is a curious irony. John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer put it this way, “There is no God and there is no soul. Hence, there are no needs for the props of traditional religion. With dogma and creed excluded, then immutable truth is also dead and buried. There is no room for fixed, natural law or moral absolutes." He is not alone in his absolute convictions and yet Dewey stands on shaky ground since Jesus, the One who is the very incarnation of God, refused to stay dead and buried. His resurrection changes everything. the rest