Data Over Dogma Episode 109: The Heart of Pharaoh
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May 5, 2025 Ever wondered why Easter hops around on the calendar? The hosts dive into the historical quirks behind its dating and the comedic chaos of two churches celebrating on different days. They then transition to the enigmatic story of Moses confronting Pharaoh, tackling why God hardened Pharaoh's heart. This sparks a lively discussion on divine agency and moral responsibility. Along the way, they sprinkle in humor and personal anecdotes, making complex theological concepts accessible and entertaining!
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Easter Date Standardized at Nicaea
- Easter's date was standardized at the Council of Nicaea to unify the church and remove dependence on Jewish Passover timing.
- It is celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21st, the ecclesiastically fixed equinox.
Calendar Reform Split Easter Dates
- Gregorian calendar reform corrected Julian calendar drift but the Eastern Orthodox retained Julian dating.
- This caused differences in Easter dates between Western and Eastern churches, sometimes over a month apart.
Efforts to Unify Easter Date
- Attempts to unify Easter's date have repeatedly failed despite proposals from major churches.
- An agreement on a universal date is anticipated around the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 2025, but challenges remain.
