Questions about Lent?

Question

Is Lent generally practiced by all Christians, or just by a certain sect? What is it typical to abstain from (if one does not wish to fast)? I don't want to fast for that long so am thinking about eating a simpler, purer diet and then donating the money that I save from this to hungry people. What do you think?

Answer 1

Your plan is the spirit of Lent. Even if you give up soft drinks and donate the money, or entertainment, or whatever. The idea is to focus on God.

Answer 2

Lent, to my knowledge, is only observed by the Liturgical Churches. These are all of the Eastern Orthodox, the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutherans. Each group does it a bit differently.

To fast does not mean not eating at all for 40 days. It means to eat 2 small meals the total of which is not more than what you would normally have as your largest meal. Some fast on Fridays or Wed and Friday. Some just drink liquids on their fast day. If someone is ill or old they do not have to fast. You can give up something for lent or you can take on a new discipline. I will be exercising. The idea is that we learn some of the discipline that Jesus had. So if you are addicted to YA, you might give it up for Lent, for example.

Answer 3

Lent is a season of reflection and pennance. Typically, people abstain from some favorite pastime (watching TV, playing on the computer, etc.) to help us remember what jesus gave up for our benefit.

Your idea is an absolutley wonderful one. It is an excellent idea.

Being a time of dedicated prayer, I like to do the praying Lent exercise I found at Creighton University Online at http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/

Answer 4

I think that's a great idea. The idea of giving up something for Lent doesn't have to be food related. Just something you are giving up in order to get closer to the Lord. Not all Christians practice it. I'm from a pentecostal church and it usually isn't mentioned. I met a Baptist pastor who wanted to teach his congregation about Lent but was afraid they'd think it was "catholic" so he had a 40 day spiritual emphasis month that started on Ash Wednesday and ended at Easter.

Answer 5

I am not sure if all Christians observe Lent or just the more liturgical ones. I think the purpose is to prepare your heart for the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. For some people fasting is very helpful to make them think of God and remember all that he did. Others find that giving of their time and talents is more helpful to them. I think it's up to each individual how you wish to prepare.

Answer 6

It is generally practiced by all Christians to some extent, but taken seriously by:

Eastern Orthodox (really serious)
Roman Catholics (pretty serious)
Anglicans (like myself - VERY serious)
Lutherans (fairly serious)

And others...not so much.

Typical to abstain from meat, cheese, alcohol, smoking, or to skip a meal a day. Certainly no meat on Fridays in Lent!

I think you plan is wonderful....and - if you were taking Spiritual Direction from me - you'd have my hearty stamp-of-approval.

Answer 7

During Lent you can do things instead of giving up things. Lent is a time of reflection and making sacrifices to be a better person.

Answer 8

You missed the point about fasting. I am not of that religion but its all about giving up something you love or like for God.You fast to seek His direction in your life , going to the desert to fast and clear your mind for worshiping him.Its a good thing to think of others for donating the money you save but money has nothing to do with it.

Answer 9

my church (Baptist) observes it but I don't think the entire congregants practice it. I guess I need to come up with something this weekend.