He is risen

Sense of Events blog discusses the Resurrection, and it's "use" to us. His post explains in detail why the resurrection is important, but he does note this problem with the American church:

 "Much of modern Christianity preaches a comforting Home Depot theology: You can do it. We can help." One thing's for sure: if we are to be raised from death ourselves, so .. not one of us can do it on our own. I think that we American Christians are much too narcissistic in our religious life but Easter really is maybe the one Sunday we can ask, faithfully, "What's in it for me?"

yes, and happy happy happy church for happy happy happy people.

Except, I wonder, who are these people? Not the ones I've worked with.

 a poll asking people why they went to church found this answer:

The overwhelmingly most important reason that people attend church is for the sermon and related talks to learn more about the scriptures and how religion connects to their own life. Three out of four cite those reasons.

II have worked for years with the poor and sick, and the resurrection is about hope: That Jesus suffered, and our suffering too has meaning. That caring for the sick is a way to serve the Lord. And that evil and pain does not have the last word.

but the real importance of the Resurrection can be found in this article about the Copts of Egypt:

On Friday, George Naseem Fahim stood guard at the church gates. His father, Naseem Fahim, was killed in the blast Sunday, he said, after he directed the suicide bomber away from the main gate and into the metal detector. Now his son took his place.

“I’m continuing what he started,” Mr. Fahim said. “Why worry or be afraid? He has gone to heaven, and I am ready to join him if necessary.”

or as Paul said: Death, where is thy victory? Death, where is thy sting?