Lent

[pralfred]

I grew up Baptist, and therefore have never observed Lent before. I am observing it this year, along with the majority of the soldiers I am serving with right now. I figured that maybe it would be a good change for me.

 

[sweetlambofgod]

Pretty much any food that could be considered candy or a desert. No ice cream, chocolate, cakes, pies, candy etc etc etc.

thats hard. My doctor just took me off 19 of the most common foods and I'm going crazy!

 

[Luther073082]

I grew up Baptist, and therefore have never observed Lent before. I am observing it this year, along with the majority of the soldiers I am serving with right now. I figured that maybe it would be a good change for me.

Do Baptists observe Ash Wednesday?

Because on Ash Wednesday I was going to my Lutheran church and on the way I passed a baptist church and its parking lot was full as though there was worship or something going on. That struck me as weird.

So either they had some other event that just happened to fall on Ash Wednesday or they where observing it.

 

[Niels]

Some of my Catholic friends observe Lent, but it hasn't been a common practice at any of the Protestant churches that I've attended over the years. I can't recall a time when it was discussed at length. That said, I don't have a problem with the practice. People can find comfort and meaning in rituals, and I give Lent observers the benefit of the doubt.

 

[BRISH]

Just curious. If you would care to elaborate on your answer, please do. Have a great sunday, guys.

I voted undecided.

I really don't have a clue what it is. The only time I've been around it is at work the past couple of years because I'd say about....60% are catholic. I observe Lent with them while I'm at work. I admire the practice, what I know of it, and don't like to tempt them with stuff.

I guess it's equated with fasting? I'll read more on it.

 

[Luther073082]

I voted undecided.

I really don't have a clue what it is. The only time I've been around it is at work the past couple of years because I'd say about....60% are catholic. I observe Lent with them while I'm at work. I admire the practice, what I know of it, and don't like to tempt them with stuff.

I guess it's equated with fasting? I'll read more on it.

Well it depends partially on what denomination you are in.

Roman Catholics have specific requirements about fasting during Lent. So if you practice Lent in the Roman Catholic manner they pretty much tell you what you need to do. Although you can always add in more.

I believe Eastern Orthodox churchs also have similar requirements.

Lutherans are more Laize Faire on Lent. The idea behind it is to simplify your life, devote extra time to God, and to understand sacrifice.

From there you choose what you will do to observe Lent. Typically I do two bible studies during Lent and give up something. This year I'm giving up sweets like candy, cake, ice cream etc. (Deserts) Although I'm only doing one bible study this year because of my upcomming wedding.

I will say I don't particularly like Lent, and I only observe it because I think its good for me to do so.

One of the biggest things I dislike about Lent is that in church, all joyful hymns are taken out of the service. Alleuah is a banned between Ash Wednesday and Easter. And its rare to find a Lutheran pastor who will do a wedding during Lent. That is why Melissa and I's wedding date of April 10, (First Saturday after Easter) is not an accident.

 

[pralfred]

Do Baptists observe Ash Wednesday?

Because on Ash Wednesday I was going to my Lutheran church and on the way I passed a baptist church and its parking lot was full as though there was worship or something going on. That struck me as weird.

So either they had some other event that just happened to fall on Ash Wednesday or they where observing it.

I never observed Ash Wednesday growing up. I've never been to a Baptist church that did observe it, however I am sure that there are some who do. I did observe Ash Wednesday this year though, for the first time. It was a really good service, and it was really nice to see the chapel full of fellow service members. I never knew how many of my comrades-in-arms were also my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[Thunder Peel]

I usually don't observe Lent, mostly because I'm a bit disappointed that Christians have turned it into some kind of competition and a "look at how good I am for giving up this" contest that completely takes away its true meaning. Fasting and giving up things to spend more time with God is something we should be doing anyway rather than having to be reminded by a holiday or church tradition. I also feel it should be something private and personal between me and God. Too often I see people posting blogs and Facebook updates about what they've given up; that's not necessarily bad but I feel that many Christians do it to get pats on the back and to try to out-Lent (is that a word?) each other.

Once something becomes trendy in the Christian scene it tends to lose its meaning and borders on annoying/self-serving, neither of which I find particularly attractive. I think it's great for those who observe it; I just have more respect for those who do it in secret versus those who try to make a public spectacle of out it. Just my two cents.

 

[BRISH]

Well it depends partially on what denomination you are in.

Roman Catholics have specific requirements about fasting during Lent. So if you practice Lent in the Roman Catholic manner they pretty much tell you what you need to do. Although you can always add in more.

I believe Eastern Orthodox churchs also have similar requirements.

Lutherans are more Laize Faire on Lent. The idea behind it is to simplify your life, devote extra time to God, and to understand sacrifice.

From there you choose what you will do to observe Lent. Typically I do two bible studies during Lent and give up something. This year I'm giving up sweets like candy, cake, ice cream etc. (Deserts) Although I'm only doing one bible study this year because of my upcomming wedding.

I will say I don't particularly like Lent, and I only observe it because I think its good for me to do so.

One of the biggest things I dislike about Lent is that in church, all joyful hymns are taken out of the service. Alleuah is a banned between Ash Wednesday and Easter. And its rare to find a Lutheran pastor who will do a wedding during Lent. That is why Melissa and I's wedding date of April 10, (First Saturday after Easter) is not an accident.

...interesting...thank you

 

[Luther073082]

I usually don't observe Lent, mostly because I'm a bit disappointed that Christians have turned it into some kind of competition and a "look at how good I am for giving up this" contest that completely takes away its true meaning. Fasting and giving up things to spend more time with God is something we should be doing anyway rather than having to be reminded by a holiday or church tradition. I also feel it should be something private and personal between me and God. Too often I see people posting blogs and Facebook updates about what they've given up; that's not necessarily bad but I feel that many Christians do it to get pats on the back and to try to out-Lent (is that a word?) each other.

I actually disagree, I don't think most that observe lent are going for pats on the back. If you want a Pat on the back there are easier ways to do so. If people where trying to "out-Lent" eachother they would be doing more. Lent in my experience never gets extreme like the Purity competition that leads to people not saying "I love you" before being married and not kissing before marriage.

I however can respect someone observing Lent and keeping it private. I've known some people that have done that. (Basically have stated that they are observing Lent but as to what they are doing they keep that private)

Once something becomes trendy in the Christian scene it tends to lose its meaning and borders on annoying/self-serving, neither of which I find particularly attractive. I think it's great for those who observe it; I just have more respect for those who do it in secret versus those who try to make a public spectacle of out it. Just my two cents.

I hope this thread doesn't make you think I'm making a public spectacle out of it. For the most part I'm trying to teach Lent and the idea of Lent to a lot of people who have never observed it before. Outside of this thread I rarely talk about it, even in church.

Lent is far from Trendy. Litergical holidays and Litergical Worship are the anti-trendy in Christian circles. I would be willing to guess that only about half of the people on here know what Maundy Thursday is and only about 25% actually have any observation of it. However its an extremely important litergical holiday in the season of Lent.

 

[Gym]

I believe Eastern Orthodox churchs also have similar requirements.

I prefer to call them guidelines.. but yes it is true

 

[Marycita]

I've gotta say..I'm really enjoying this Lent...

and my dad just called me and wants me to go to this with him this weekend...

The Millersburg Ministerial Association - Pilch Conference

Seems pretty interesting.

 

[scuba_mikey_pc_2008]

I see Lent as a means by which to get closer to God, so give something up that takes up all your time and gets in the way of your relationship with Him. I gave up Facebook, I have been doing so for the past three years as it takes up all my time, especially time that I could be using for my relationship with God.

Sadly, while Facebook is gone, I've not been very good about working on my relationship, but I am trying!

 

[sweetlambofgod]

I actually disagree, I don't think most that observe lent are going for pats on the back. If you want a Pat on the back there are easier ways to do so. If people where trying to "out-Lent" eachother they would be doing more. Lent in my experience never gets extreme like the Purity competition that leads to people not saying "I love you" before being married and not kissing before marriage.

I however can respect someone observing Lent and keeping it private. I've known some people that have done that. (Basically have stated that they are observing Lent but as to what they are doing they keep that private)



I hope this thread doesn't make you think I'm making a public spectacle out of it. For the most part I'm trying to teach Lent and the idea of Lent to a lot of people who have never observed it before. Outside of this thread I rarely talk about it, even in church.

Lent is far from Trendy. Litergical holidays and Litergical Worship are the anti-trendy in Christian circles. I would be willing to guess that only about half of the people on here know what Maundy Thursday is and only about 25% actually have any observation of it. However its an extremely important litergical holiday in the season of Lent.

What is Maundy Thursday?? And I didn't think you even liked desserts?

 

[Paulie079]

I put that I don't observe Lent mainly because I never have. I really love the concept, though. It's just something I've never been convicted to take part in. That could definitely change in the future, though.