http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Christians-told-to-launch-love-offensive/2007/04/08/1175970926364.html

West Australians have been urged to look at the real political drama behind the Easter story and launch an offensive for love.

Perth's Anglican Archbishop, The Most Reverend Roger Herft, said in an Easter message that people were tempted to "sugarcoat" the horror of the crucifixion and the Resurrection with hot cross buns, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs.

"Such escapism glosses over the real drama that surrounds Jesus," Dr Herft said.

"In reality the story contains adult themes, coarse language, nudity, extreme violence, horror scenes and supernatural effects."

"Hostile religious leaders plot with political power blocs; the fickle mood of the crowd changes to a vicious call for blood, to crucify, kill, destroy. The rest, as they say, is history, or is it?"

Dr Herft said people had found ways to ease the memory of Jesus' crucifixion because it offended their intellectual sensibilities and interfered with our desire to place God outside the messiness of our lives.


Aussies pack churches for Easter

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Aussies-pack-churches-for-Easter/2007/04/08/1175970932123.html

Thousands flock to Gospel Music Festival

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Thousands-flock-to-Gospel-Music-Festival/2007/04/08/1175970926361.html

Pope leads Easter Vigil at St Peter's

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Pope-leads-Easter-Vigil-at-St-Peters/2007/04/08/1175970915362.html

Yes, the "easter" story is sanitised.
I find "The passion" a VERY hard movie to watch.


What would "nice civilised" people rather do, hide easter eggs for their kids, or discuss this with them...

"Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. "

Matthew 27:48-53


The romans mocked him right to his death.  Jesus gave up his spirit as all had been accomplished.
An earthquake tore apart the curtain. The curtain seperated "ordinary" people from The Holy place.
Tombs broke open, many Holy poeople were resserructed and went to the city .
All a bit heavy for a public holiday, really.