CDLviking wrote:I've been thinking, but I haven't decided what to give up. I will however probably start eating salad. That is some serious penance for me.
Ashley wrote:Lent is the period of 40 days (that are not sundays) before easter, starting with Ash Wednesday. It's a time of fasting that where you give up something to show your devotion to the Lord--at least, that's what I have always been taught about it.
Oddly enough, I was asked about this at work today. Since I'm the known Christian, my boss wanted to know when this no-meat-holiday was--apparhently our little seafood place gets a huge rush with everyone giving up red meat. He was shocked to learn that I didn't do it. Thus, Ash and her boss had a nice chat about protestants and catholics.
That being said, I'm baptist. We feel lent is more voluntary--if you want to, go for it, but no one will make you. Thus I'm really not doing anything special for it.
AnimeHeretic wrote:
How many of you belong to denominations that observe Lent and, if you do, what sort of activity are you going to do/give up?
Talmane wrote:Anyway, Lent does sound like a good thing, but only if done in a non-ritualistic way. If the emphasis is on God, I don't see how it can go wrong, but if it is on man and how good you are to deny yourself, then it can be harmful.
Mr.SmartyPants wrote:It seems kinda ritualistic. TO the point people do it to feel good about themselves. Because sunday school teachers say to do it. (from my own past experience)
Mr. SmartyPants wrote:I do not find it important to Worship the ultimate creator of us
uc pseudonym wrote:Are you certain you meant to phrase it in that manner?
uc pseudonym wrote:I agree with most of what has been said regarding the purpose of Lent, but I had always believed it had an additional purpose as well: the time you would normally spend eating or performing the activity you gave up is instead spent in God's service or in worship. Last year, for example, I read no webcomics or other periodicals during the period and instead spent that time praying.
termyt wrote:I agree. I don't think you are really observing Lent if you do not use your fasting to focus more on God.
AnimeHeretic wrote:There's a story I once heard (might be based on reality) that took place during the Middle Ages, where a starving lost traveller stumbled into a town on Good Friday. He was taken to the home of the Bishop who had a meal prepared for him. The traveller was afraid to eat it because it was a day of fasting. So the Bishop came in and took a meal with him to show there was no sin.
ZiP wrote:I don't really see the point of it, because I don't think just giving something up gains favor with God (unless of course it's like fasting where you replace it with prayer).
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