Controversy is a part and parcel of our lives. No one has yet lived to believe everything blindly. We all are rational human beings with a sense of logic and reasoning. But faith binds us all. Christianity is the common thread that connects all of us. We all have lived to believe in the views and opinions of the Bible. But exceptions are bound to happen. Even though the book of Bible has been a lovely read from childhood, some grow to disbelief it. There are many individuals, who question the whole theory of Christianity and the role and existence of Jesus Christ. You can say that it is the effect of modernization or our liberal thinking, which has widened its horizon with the development of science and technology. But the issue can be due to the different perspective of different individuals.
With years, the book of Christianity is being read and followed by all. So it is not unnatural that some people will like to justify it. Justification will certainly raise question and thus become the root to all controversy. The most storming topic can be said to be the reality behind the existence of Jesus of Nazareth.
Most Christians believe that there has been a person named Jesus indeed and he has been the son of Holy Father. This group entirely believes in the miracles and myths of the Holy Bible. The gospels are the source of inspiration as well as evidence for them. The doubt about his existence may be a subject of blasphemy for them. Indeed the question arises, why should one disbelieve the tales? It may have happened indeed. The “Gospels of Q“, which is supposed to contain the information that has been orally, expressed to the people by Lord, our Father. It is indeed a precious source for all Christian followers.
But however much our faith be, one cannot deny the various evidences that many philosophers and skeptic people have put forward to prove the non-existence of Jesus. Bertrand Russell has said in one of his books, “Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did we do not know anything about Him.” Many Christian men and women still believe that Jesus has been a fictional figure or a Jewish prophet. While the Jews believe that the originator of Christianity was actually a peripatetic rabbi, who lived in the first century. Flavius Josephus’s book “Antiquities of the Jews” tells that Jesus has been a prudent man and Pilate crucified Him. While the present day Christian theologians believe that he was actually a historical figure.
The variety in opinions also puts forth a shadow of doubt whether the New Testament provides us fact or fiction. But the most important aspect that a true Christian person should always keep in mind is that faith is something that requires ultimate devotion under the garb of truth and judgment.
Christianity has evolved since the time Jesus of Nazareth blessed the earth with His birth. The story dates back a long time, but the effect is still felt. Even now the children of God never fail to celebrate the birth of Jesus or even the Mardi Grass. Joy and feast is in the core of Christianity. The very faith of all Christians are dipped in those qualities. It is not abnormal that a true Christian never fails to celebrate the special days in a special way. The Christian calendar reveals that there are as many as sixteen rituals which the Christian populace follows.
The Christian year begins with the Advent. It is basically an indicator of the initiation of the church year. The Advent enfolds four Sundays, that starts from November 30th till the end of the eve of Christmas. Though there may be some variations in some other part of the world. The festival has historical significance. It is believed that an occasion of fasting has been first begun by the Bishop of Tours; and the council of tours named the period of fast as the Advent season. According to Christian beliefs, it is a very holy occasion and many an important tasks that are performed at this period is said to have yielded great results. In the recent age, Advent has become an occasion of mirth as it brings in the anticipation of the Christmas.
Christmas is the most important occasion in the Christian calendar. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christianity. 25th December is a time of mirth and gals and the Christians leave no space for any kind of sadness at this occasion. Cakes and ales flow while the Christmas tree stands high with beautiful decorations. There remains expectancy for Father Christmas, Santa Claus and St. Nick. Boxing Day follows immediately after Christmas. Twelfth night is a day of feast celebrated on the last day of Christmas, on 5th January. January 6th marks the feast of epiphany. Though there is a controversy regarding the date of this feast but this little Christmas, as the Irishmen calls it, is celebrated after Christmas.
Mardi grass is the celebrated before the initiation of Lent. It is day of great celebrations and feasting. T is basically the Carnival period, before mourning. It is also a time of confession of all sins. Lent or the Lenten season begins immediately after Mardi Grass. It is a period of penance and fast, that prepares us for Easter celebration. It extends for 40 days. Lent begins with the Ash Wednesday. It involved the sprinkling of ash and staying in isolation until Maundy Thursday. The smearing of ash symbolizes mourning. Nowadays more or less no Christians follow strict rules of fasting. Palm Sunday is followed at the need of lent. It basically celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the holy week of Easter. Easter is one of the most important occasions for all the Christians; it celebrates the resurrection of Christ. It also marks the spring festival. Besides other minor occasions like St. Patrick’s Day and St Andrews day, there is Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day that is universally celebrated by all followers of Christianity.
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