Podcast Summary: Breakpoint

Host: John Stonestreet
Episode Title: Is Easter a Pagan Holiday?
Date: April 2, 2026

Overview

This episode of Breakpoint, hosted by John Stonestreet for the Colson Center, tackles a recurring cultural and theological question: Is Easter a pagan holiday? Stonestreet explores historic claims about Easter’s origins, examines common arguments linking Easter to pagan traditions or symbols, and ultimately defends the Christian foundation of the holiday. The episode blends historical analysis, approachable scholarship, and apologetic insight to clarify misconceptions and affirm the resurrection as the heart of Easter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bede Claim and the Etymology of "Easter" [00:01–01:42]

• Historical Basis: Stonestreet opens by citing the 8th-century English monk, the Venerable Bede, who wrote that "Easter" comes from Eostara, a supposed pagan goddess.
  • Quote from Bede: “‘Eostramaneth has a name which is now translated Paschal month, and was once called after a goddess of theirs named Eostara, in whose honor feasts were celebrated in that month.’” [00:18]
• Modern Pagan Appropriation: Modern groups have furthered this claim by connecting Eostara (Anglo-Saxon) with Ostara (Germanic), suggesting the Christian holiday borrows from pre-Christian fertility festivals.

2. Debunking Pagan Origins [01:43–02:52]

• The Church’s Efforts: The Christian church spent centuries actively moving people away from paganism, making it highly unlikely that “one of the most important Christian holidays would be named after a pagan goddess.” [01:57]

• Lack of Evidence: Bede is the only source for the goddess Ostara, and the word “Easter” is unique to English (and German’s “Ostern”). Elsewhere, the holiday is named for “Pascha” or Passover, including in other Germanic languages.

• Timing Issues: The celebration of Resurrection Day predated Anglo-Saxon and Germanic conversions, undermining arguments for a pagan naming origin.

• Alternative Etymology: A plausible alternative is that “Easter” and “Ostron” may derive from the Latin “Albis” (from “Dominica in Albis” — Sunday in White), describing the white robes of new Christian converts.

  “More likely, Bede was either following a folk etymology or simply guessing.” [02:29]

3. Rabbits, Eggs, and the "Fertility Symbol" Argument [02:53–03:51]

• Eggs: The practice of decorating eggs began in the 13th century, long after Europe had converted to Christianity. Eggs became associated with Easter because Christians abstained from eating them during Holy Week, so eggs laid during this period were seen as “Holy eggs.” The egg represented the Resurrection — Christ bursting from the tomb as a chick bursts from an egg.

• Rabbits: Rabbits were linked to innocence and goodness in the Middle Ages, sometimes symbolizing Christ. Their association with Easter only dates back to the 17th century.

  “The practice of decorating them began in the 13th century, many centuries after Europe had already turned from paganism… As for rabbits… They weren't associated with Easter until about the 17th century.” [03:13]

4. Comparisons to Ancient Myths (Tammuz & Ishtar) [03:52–04:28]

• The Myth: The Sumerian Tammuz and Ishtar myth (cycles of death and new life) is sometimes linked to Easter. However, the myth, involving recurring descent and return from the underworld, is not parallel to Christ's “once and for all resurrection.”

• The Proper Relationship: C.S. Lewis's view (from Mere Christianity) is cited: myths of dying and rising gods are “good dreams” — echoes or foreshadowings of Christ in pre-Christian cultures, not sources of the gospel story.

  “Lewis believed that these myths were hints that God gave to a pagan world of the person and work of Christ. In other words, the argument that myths are the source of the story of the Resurrection has it exactly backwards. The Resurrection actually happened and it is the reality to which these myths actually point.” [04:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pagan Naming Origins:

  “It's unlikely that one of the most important Christian holidays would be named after a pagan goddess.” — John Stonestreet [01:57]

• On Bede’s Lack of Evidence:

  “There is no evidence of a goddess named Ostara aside from Bede, nor is there evidence for a Germanic goddess named Ostara.” [02:05]

• On Myths Pointing to Christ:

  “As C.S. Lewis described in Mere Christianity, ‘and what did God do? He sent the human race what I call good dreams. I mean those queer stories scattered all throughout heathen religions about a God who dies and comes to life again and by his death has somehow given new life to men.’” [04:10] “The resurrection actually happened and it is the reality to which these myths actually point. And because the Resurrection actually happened, it's worth celebrating with all of our hallelujahs, raised glasses and an awful lot of joy.” [04:26]

Key Timestamps for Reference

• [00:01] – Introduction and statement of the topic: “Is Easter a Pagan Holiday?”
• [00:18] – Quoting Bede’s The Reckoning of Time
• [01:57] – Argument against Easter’s pagan origins
• [02:29] – Debunking Bede’s etymology; alternative explanation
• [03:13] – Explanation of eggs and rabbits in Easter tradition
• [03:52] – Sumerian myths and the “dying and rising god” motif
• [04:10] – C.S. Lewis quote on myths foreshadowing Christ
• [04:26] – Concluding thoughts on the significance of the Resurrection

Conclusion

John Stonestreet delivers a concise yet thorough rebuttal to the claim that Easter’s origins are tied to paganism. He demonstrates that:

• The linguistic connection is tenuous and not supported by broader history or global Christian practice.
• Iconic symbols like eggs and rabbits have Christian (or at least post-pagan) origins tied to the development of the faith in Europe.
• Ancient myths about dying and rising gods are best understood as pre-Christian echoes pointing forward to Christ, rather than the source material for the Resurrection story.

Final Message:
“The resurrection actually happened and it is the reality to which these myths actually point… it's worth celebrating with all of our hallelujahs, raised glasses and an awful lot of joy.” — John Stonestreet [04:26]