Last night, my husband and I put together Easter baskets for my kids. Stray crinkled green grass haphazardly surrounded the baskets as we stuffed them with treats. It is now morning, and I can’t wait for my children to see them.
Since deconstructing I have felt happier than I ever thought I would. Of course, there were some hard times, especially at the beginning. But now that I’ve been removed from the Christian faith for awhile, I can see things more clearly.
Christianity is truly a recycling of so many ancient theologies in my opinion. Spring has always been a time to celebrate rebirth, and in a spiritual sense, people remembered the rebirth of their gods long ago at this time of year. It just fit. I think Christianity followed suit.
But in Christianity, not only did the dead god come back to life, but my actions caused his death. This caused me a tremendous amount of guilt and shame for years. No matter that I was now “washed clean,” by his blood, it was me that caused him to suffer. Plus, I was “born this way.” I couldn’t help the actions I did that caused him to die.
Make it make sense.
Earlier this morning, I read a meme from The Exvangical Parent on Instagram that said “Easter is happier when we don’t blame our kids for an ancient execution.”
I had to stop and pause. It hit me hard.
I hope my children aren’t damaged long term by the Christian doctrine I once taught them. I know I was damaged by it, so they could be, too.
I hope they feel the love and light that surrounds them as they walk through this world.
I hope both they and you have an amazing Easter filled with happiness. No guilt about an ancient execution allowed.
This Sacred Life 