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Russia Reconfirms How Far Christianity Has Drifted From the Teachings of Christ
There is nothing today renewing or refreshing about Russia’s ‘way of life.’
Like so much in Russia, Easter, too, is a “Potemkin” affair. Shiny, polished, and colorful with over-the-top faux-religiosity, Russians bless breads, beat eggs together — this is what kids do instead of hunting for them — and otherwise regard the holiday as a day to offer up a few nods to the heavens just in case there is something beyond life on Earth.
In many ways, Russians treat Easter the same way Christians do all over the Earth; as our parish priest used to say, “If not for Christmas and Easter, I would never see half of you each year.” That was true for many, although my family went every Sunday when I was growing up. Having spent eight years in Catholic school, I believed in the idea of Christ and the resurrection. Today, I teach my son not so much about the gory details of the flogging, “crowning,” and public execution of Jesus but more about the concept of forgiveness and renewal.
This is the part that is missing in Russia. Most Russians know about the religious side. Most also don’t believe any of it, but since the fall of communism, they participate in a lot of the ritual of the day without putting an ounce of thought into…
