While Christians around the world mark Easter to honor the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not all Christian groups observe this tradition. In Nigeria, at least two notable Christian denominations have distanced themselves from the Easter celebration, citing reasons rooted in doctrine and biblical interpretation.
Easter is widely known as a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed to have taken place three days after His crucifixion. Despite its global recognition, some churches reject the observance, considering it inconsistent with biblical teachings.
Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Reject Easter
Jehovah’s Witnesses are among those who do not recognize Easter as a celebration. According to the group, Easter is not rooted in the Bible. They assert that Jesus never instructed His followers to celebrate His resurrection, but rather to remember His death.
In their exact words, “Jesus commanded that His followers commemorate His death, not His resurrection.” Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate this through what they call the Memorial, which is held annually on the anniversary of Jesus’ death based on the Bible’s lunar calendar, referencing Luke 22:19, 20.
They also emphasize that many Easter traditions have origins in ancient pagan fertility rites, making them unacceptable to God. The group explains their stance using scripture, stating that “God is offended by worship that he does not approve of” (Exodus 20:5; 1 Kings 18:21).
Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain that their approach to worship, including the decision not to celebrate Easter, is firmly grounded in biblical principles.
The Church of God Seventh Day’s Position
Another denomination that refrains from celebrating Easter is the Church of God Seventh Day. The church teaches that the name “Easter” originates from the worship of a pagan deity called Ishtar.
According to them, “the Roman Catholic Church instituted Easter when it merged the Christian and Pagan religions.” For this reason, the Church of God Seventh Day does not partake in Easter festivities, which they view as a continuation of pagan tradition.
Instead of Easter, they observe the events surrounding Jesus’ death through the Lord’s Supper, claiming this aligns more closely with what Jesus commanded.
