The book I am reading, The Sun in the Church, mentions that the early Christians were more interested in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus than his death. [1] Even today, Easter Sunday is celebrated more than Good Friday.
So why does our theology emphasize the death of Christ for our sins and barely mention the resurrection? Why is the symbol of Christianity the cross and not the empty tomb? Back in July 2011 this blog quoted James A. Fowler who asked why we do not have a resurrection theology.
The answer is because it is easier to live a crucified Christ theology (we just ask God to forgive us our sins) than it is to live a resurrection theology (changing our soul so it becomes like God). Christ is our example. He died for our sins but he did more than secure our forgiveness, he was raised to a new life and he wants us to experience that new life as well.
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[1] J. L. Heilbron, The Sun in the Church, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999, p. 27.
