Advent and Lent

[tryme]

It was only about 10 years ago I heard about people "giving stuff up" for Lent.
And I heard here on CF (OBOB) people "giving stuff up" for Advent.

Is this mostly a Catholic thing?
Is it Biblical?

While it may be a nice thing in theory to give something up...
Why do you need a specific time of year to show self control?
If you can do without it during those periods why go back?

Just thinking aloud (kind of )

 

[Knight]

There is nothing wrong with giving something up (otherwise known as fasting.)

This is a Biblical spiritual discipline that, unfortunately, is not practiced by many modern Christians.

As far as I know there is no Biblical, NT mandate to fast on a specific date or series of dates. Conversely, I also see nothing against this practice.

I think the person fasting should keep in mind what Jesus taught in Matthew:

Matthew 6:16-18 ESV "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (17) But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (18) that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

 

[ClementofRome]

I personally do not recognize "advent," but only as our church lights candles for the 4 weeks preceding "Christmas." I only recognize the Lenten season when we get to the Passover Thursday preceding Resurrection Sunday. Neither of these observances are biblical, but are part of ancient church tradition.

 

[HiredGoon]

While in college I heard more than one single young Catholic girl say she was gonna try giving up sex for Lent.

 

[Filia Mariae]

While in college I heard more than one single young Catholic girl say she was gonna try giving up sex for Lent.

I hardly think this qualifies as legitimate understanding of the Christian understanding of spiritual sacrifice and fasting. What you give up is supposed to be a created good, sacrificed for the uncreated ultimate good, God.

 

[StAnselm]

I don't quite see why Advent should be a time of fasting - but I observe Lent, in my own way. This year I gave up coffee.

 

[tryme]

Here on CF I have heard some saying they are going to "give up GA" for Advent.

I know fasting is Biblical.
And my reading had also suggested both of these "seasons" where made up events.

 

[AndOne]

I don't quite see why Advent should be a time of fasting - but I observe Lent, in my own way. This year I gave up coffee.

Wow! That would be a tough one for me!

 

[cygnusx1]

it isn't just a catholic tradition , anglicans go for it too.

It is all tied in with keeping to a religious calender .Religious festivals.

halloween is actually a Religious festival called the Eve of All Saints[size=+3]
[/size]

Hallowe'en
[size=+2]Eve of All Saints[/size][size=+3]
October 31st[/size]
​

 

[edie19]

I don't quite see why Advent should be a time of fasting - but I observe Lent, in my own way. This year I gave up coffee.

About 15 years ago I thought I'd try giving up something near and dear to my heart for Lent - so I gave up chocolate. First of all I literally went through withdrawal for the first week - my hands shook, all I could think about was chocolate. Without any other changes to my lifestyle I also lost 5-6 pounds during the 40 days of Lent.

edie