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Any one here doing anything for Lent?
- Thread starter Psalty
- Start date
Ben1445
Well-Known Member
Galatians 4:9-11
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
I do nothing because of lent.
Did a bit of extra reading on the subject and found this.
Who Celebrates Lent?
By the fourth century, Lent was closely associated with preparing new converts for baptism, but it eventually became customary for other Christians to observe the tradition as a way to refocus on their own faith. Today, Lent is observed across many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians.There is a notable denomination missing.
It doesn’t mean that I don’t fast ever. My experience tells me that people, Catholics especially, feel that it helps them to earn their salvation. They will undoubtedly correct my blunt representations of their teachings. I have not found anyone (Catholic websites, or anyone else for that matter, who states that it is salvific. I have not searched extensively)
But I will also be told that my lack of observance is evidence of my future in purgatory.
You are either working for salvation or you are not.
I am not.
Ben1445
Well-Known Member
I haven’t been in churches that do anything for “advent.” The month of December is usually spent remembering that the Lord put on flesh and gave Himself for us. And resurrection Sunday the same. But I haven’t ever been much of an observer of times. I am not anti ritual in a loose sense of the word. But I stop and think before I do what is the popular thing to do. I speak for myself. I’m not trying to erase any part of the observance that is not wrong. But I know too many who rely on it for salvation points. So it is an opportunity to explain to people how Jesus has accomplished the work already.
I don’t try to discourage anyone from fasting or prayer just because it is lent. I don’t discourage fasting. But I do discourage Lenten practices when they are viewed as meritorious.
You mean like a steakhouse meal on Good Friday! Yeah ,sounds good.
Praying and fasting are good things we should practice. Lent has nothing to do with those practices.
I don't believe in Mardi Gras nor Lent. I do believe in prayer and fasting.
I'll do my usual for Lent-NOTHING ! Just my usual praying. I don't observe Lent, Maundy Thursday, whatever it is, Ash Wednesday, or any other of those man-made fantasies. I DO observe Resurrection Day, the central event of Christianity, minus the egg-laying bunny, etc.
Ascetic X
Active Member
I do not think it is unifying to condemn traditions of other Christian denominations.
Setting apart certain days or time periods for fasting, self-examination, and prayers is a nice expression of faith and separation from the world. I would not call such traditions “man made fantasies”.
Nor would I call such traditions “working for your salvation.” I see them as expressions of salvation.
I would not want unsaved people thinking that Christians are quarrelsome folks who divide themselves into self-righteous sects that ridicule and insult each other. We are supposed to be known by our unity and love.
Usage Examples & Traditions
Setting apart certain days or time periods for fasting, self-examination, and prayers is a nice expression of faith and separation from the world. I would not call such traditions “man made fantasies”.
Nor would I call such traditions “working for your salvation.” I see them as expressions of salvation.
I would not want unsaved people thinking that Christians are quarrelsome folks who divide themselves into self-righteous sects that ridicule and insult each other. We are supposed to be known by our unity and love.
Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) is the Christian observance on the Thursday before Easter, commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the disciples' feet. "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum (commandment), marking Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you".
Usage Examples & Traditions
- Foot-Washing Ceremony: Churches reenact Jesus washing the disciples' feet to symbolize humility and service.
- Holy Communion: Services often focus on the Last Supper, where bread and wine are shared in memory of Jesus' sacrifice.
- Stripping of the Altar: The altar and sanctuary are cleared of all decoration to signify the abandonment of Jesus and the beginning of his passion.
- Observance: It is a time for reflection on Jesus’ final hours before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Totally Catholic
But you can see how Catholic theology tries to control right?
Lent predates RCC.
I personally dont follow any stipulated daily or weekly observances by any High Church, but I actually like the idea of mimicking Jesus’ 40 days in the desert of devotion to God, even if it is greatly diminished vs what He did.
Lord knows I could do better with prayer and fasting in general…
I personally dont follow any stipulated daily or weekly observances by any High Church, but I actually like the idea of mimicking Jesus’ 40 days in the desert of devotion to God, even if it is greatly diminished vs what He did.
Lord knows I could do better with prayer and fasting in general…
As far as historical Lent (has a different Gk name) it was taking 40 days before easter to consecrate oneself before celebrating Easter.
The idea was to take 40 days in the desert that Jesus had before his baptism in prayer and fasting.
I cant tell you what its like in RCC now because Ive never done it, but I think an annual period of devotion and purity to God isnt a bad thing.
Bible teacher Susie Hawkins, a Southern Baptist:
North American Mission Board • My Lenten Journey
"I reconnected with a friend from a liturgical background who proved to be a valuable resource for all things Lent. Her encouragement then and even today has pushed me to pursue and eagerly anticipate this forty day period."
"Some say 'Lent is not in the Bible.'That is true, but neither is the word "'Trinity'. Lent is a word, a term describing a period of prayer, fasting and repentance and that is most definitely in the Bible!"
"It’s not too late to join the pilgrimage! Here are a few resources you may want to consider
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter by Nancy Guthrie.
The Final Days of Jesus, by Kostenberger/Taylor.
Lent for Everyone, by NT Wright or the YouVersion.
The classic Show Me the Way by Henri Nouwen.
Margaret Feinburg is offering an online Lenten Bible reading challenge."
North American Mission Board • My Lenten Journey
"I reconnected with a friend from a liturgical background who proved to be a valuable resource for all things Lent. Her encouragement then and even today has pushed me to pursue and eagerly anticipate this forty day period."
"Some say 'Lent is not in the Bible.'That is true, but neither is the word "'Trinity'. Lent is a word, a term describing a period of prayer, fasting and repentance and that is most definitely in the Bible!"
"It’s not too late to join the pilgrimage! Here are a few resources you may want to consider
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter by Nancy Guthrie.
The Final Days of Jesus, by Kostenberger/Taylor.
Lent for Everyone, by NT Wright or the YouVersion.
The classic Show Me the Way by Henri Nouwen.
Margaret Feinburg is offering an online Lenten Bible reading challenge."
How about holy water and yelling, the power of Christ convicts? Come on… fasting, holy oil…. Prayer what the rosary Maybe reading the night sky and following the star
If Jesus prayed and fasted, and Paul prayed and fasted, then it’s good enough for me and even Catholics too!
I don’t think there’s anything holy about oil, but james five tells us to annoy people with it and pray for healing!
I’ll leave the rosary to the Catholics though thank you very much!
Edit: annoint with oil, not annoy, LOL!!!
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Nathan Finn, who's been the SBC's Recording Secretary since 2022, gave some practical recommendations:
Nathan Finn • Lent is a period of dedicated prayer, repentance, giving and self-denial that lasts from Ash Wednesday until Maundy Thursday
"I’m a convictionally reformational Baptist....beginning tomorrow, I will be observing the Lenten season for the next forty days, as I have done virtually every year for the past dozen years."
"If you’re interested in giving Lent a whirl, consider practicing some of the following spiritual disciplines during this season:...fast through breakfast and lunch...extra time in prayer and Scripture meditation....extra meditation on the gospel...partial media fast like giving up television or internet....Memorize one of the passion accounts....extra time reading through a devotional book."
Nathan Finn • Lent is a period of dedicated prayer, repentance, giving and self-denial that lasts from Ash Wednesday until Maundy Thursday
"I’m a convictionally reformational Baptist....beginning tomorrow, I will be observing the Lenten season for the next forty days, as I have done virtually every year for the past dozen years."
"If you’re interested in giving Lent a whirl, consider practicing some of the following spiritual disciplines during this season:...fast through breakfast and lunch...extra time in prayer and Scripture meditation....extra meditation on the gospel...partial media fast like giving up television or internet....Memorize one of the passion accounts....extra time reading through a devotional book."
Promoted by SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission:
erlc.com/resource-library/articles/fasting-and-feasting-during-lent
"The Lenten season begins today. Lent is a time when many, even within the Protestant tradition, fast from various food or habits....For some of us, it might serve as an opportunity to fast from social media or the news....this season, let us feast on: Jesus who is the bread of life (Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:35; Jn. 6:48-58) and God’s Word, breathed out by him, which gives knowledge, wisdom and life (Psalm 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:16). Lent can easily pass without much thought for some of us or be a confusing religious tradition for others. If you’re interested, this interview with Justin Taylor, co-author of The Final Days of Jesus, can help you understand why many remember and partake in Lent this season—and may even persuade you to do the same."
erlc.com/resource-library/articles/fasting-and-feasting-during-lent
"The Lenten season begins today. Lent is a time when many, even within the Protestant tradition, fast from various food or habits....For some of us, it might serve as an opportunity to fast from social media or the news....this season, let us feast on: Jesus who is the bread of life (Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:35; Jn. 6:48-58) and God’s Word, breathed out by him, which gives knowledge, wisdom and life (Psalm 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:16). Lent can easily pass without much thought for some of us or be a confusing religious tradition for others. If you’re interested, this interview with Justin Taylor, co-author of The Final Days of Jesus, can help you understand why many remember and partake in Lent this season—and may even persuade you to do the same."
No thanks
of course, Southern Baptist… not Roman Catholic… Forgot the Stations of the Cross. I’m done with that… I lived it as a born & raised RC. My grandfathers name was Constantine. All that prayer at home and in church .. at least 2 times per day, Mass ( high,low & in between), fasting and eating fish, eel, anchovies etc., palm crosses, stations of the cross and other street processions, prostrating on the floor, covering the statues and the cross and on and on and on. Roman Catholic dogma, oh my.
Do you wash feet also? At least that is in the Bible.
What happened to the “kingdom of G-D is within you.”
"in Louisville, KY...about 15 percent of students at SBTS walk around with ash on their forehead...even some Profs"