Why is it called Good Friday?

Yes, why is it called Good Friday. A question I posed to a friend last night. Given that jesus was killed on this day – why not Bad Friday?

So, I set out to get an answer.

From Wikipedia – “It is likely that the name “Good Friday” came from the earlier English name, “Godes Friday,” meaning “God’s Friday.” In much the same way as “God be with ye” was shortened to “goodbye,” so did “Godes Friday” become “Good Friday.”"

From the United Methodist Church – ““Good Friday” is not a universal name for the day. The liturgical title for the day in the Western church was “Friday of Preparation,” since the time Jews used the word paraskeue (getting ready) for Friday, meaning the “day of preparation.” Popular names for the day are “Holy Friday” among the Latin nations, “Great Friday” among the Slavic peoples, “Friday of Mourning” in Germany, “Long Friday” in Norway, and “Holy Friday” (Viernes Santo) among Hispanic peoples.”

Additionally they also try a modern play on the term “Good” – it gets a bit dull, however you can read it at their site.

Writing about religious happening always forces me to get out my bible and flick through it. I do not like most of the Bible. For example Revelations 15 – have a read, then compare with Zeus. Two Gods of thunder? Two Gods of revenge?

The most interesting insight, for me, while studying ancient Greek history was the strong similarities between the way the Greeks viewed their Gods and the current depiction of another God in the Bible.

Sometimes I wonder if it is all just human ego. Given the size of us, the vastness of the universe and our tiny place in it – are we being incredibly egotistical thinking that it was all created with us at the centre – the play-things of some powerful force at work?

Another possibility I consider is that humans do not trust themselves enough. Therefore we need our laws, rules, and morality to have divine enforcement. Perhaps.

Anyway – there is the very simple answer to the term “Good Friday”.