What would be the best way to explain lent to a non-believer?

Question

and not completely turn them off to the faith. These are people that I hope one day will decide to follow Christ. They will be affected by my choosing to observer lent. I want to explain to them in a way that will bring them closer to God. Trying to put myself in their shoes, it would seem like lent is just one more reason to steer clear of Christianity, one more thing God "takes away" from you. Its not that all, but I'm not sure how to communicate that to them.

Answer 1

I think it's less about "what" you tell them than it is about "how". If you seem earnest in your faith, and display the loving traits that a good Christian should, they will be less likely to be turned off by some of the "difficult" aspects of Christianity. They are only going to believe if they are open to belief anyway.

I know...I struggle with this every day as a Christian, trying to reflect the love of Christ to my non-Christian friends. (Probably only about 50% of my friends are Christians, so I deal with it a LOT!) Good luck !

Answer 2

First you must know what lent is.

You must research a lot.
You must understand that it is pagan and has brought into christianity.

You must understand that it came from a very long time ago.
There was a man named Nimrod--a long time ago. He was married to a woman named Sammis. She conceived a baby on a moon beam. The baby was named Tammuz. He became a mighty hunter. One day out hunting he was gored by a wild boar. He died. The women morned for him 40 days and he was restored to life as the fable from the mystery religion puts forth.
There is a hint of the story in the Bible.
It is called an abomination by the LOrd.

Ezek 8:13 And He said to me, "Yet you will see still greater abominations which they are committing."
Ezek 8:14 Then He brought me to the entrance of the gate of the LORD'S house which was toward the north; and behold, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz.

Answer 3

Just explain it as it is. As I was raised Roman Catholic, many of my non-Catholic friends did not understand the idea of Lent. This is how I explained it to them:

"The idea of Lent, and of denying something that is important to you during that time, is done for 40 days in remembrance of the 40 days that Jesus fasted in preparation for his sacrifice on the Cross. We give something up to remember his fasting, and to prepare ourselves, like he did, for the Easter season, and the sacrifice he made for us."

They understood this, and many of THEM chose something to give up as well.

But I have to tell you - this will make more sense to a believer. If you explain it, and show it, as a remembrance for what has been given to you, then perhaps it will not turn them away. Though you might also explain that many Christian religions do NOT practice Lent, so it is not NECESSARILY a have-to kind of thing.

Answer 4

I think for a lot of people Lent is a good chance or reason to try to overcome a bad habit, and feel that you get a little more of God's help in doing that.

Answer 5

Don't make this out as being about God. Instead, focus on the other aspects of Lent. Specifically, how sacrifice is important. Giving up something is a good educational tool, for everyone, about thinking about what matters to you, what your "vices" are, and what it's like to go throw "withdrawal" of something you enjoy.

The lesson on Lent does not need to be about relationship with God or belief. It's about trying to better yourself.

Answer 6

Well, why do you follow Lent? Simply because someone told you to? Or is it because it teaches you to feel compassion for those who have to do without all year long, not by choice, but by fate, since they are poor? Some people fast because it teaches self control and discipline, and they are proud of it. I'm sure that you can think of positive reasons why you do this. If it is just a duty or an obligation, then why bother?

Answer 7

The Catholic Church and many other Christians Churches follow the Biblical practice of Jesus Christ and the Jews in setting aside days where the entire Church fasts and prays as one in a attitude of constant renewal.

By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

This season of penance is an intense moments of the Church's penitential practice and are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and charitable and missionary works.

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

As you know, most Catholic Churches have material that in prepared for this joyous season. Sit down with him or her and go over the main points. I believe they will be happy you have taken the time. Start at the beginning.

For more pertinent information, click on this web site.
http://www.factnet.org/cults/catholic/re...

With love in Jesus Christ; he is the king of kings.

Answer 9

From what I read on the internet I probably understand it better than you apparently do with your 'takes away' line of thought.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent

Look, if they're, um, inclined to fall for magic pixie sky daddy even at a later age one more little ritual can't matter much can it?
Or, to put it in language you might find more palatable, if they were meant to come to god they will take the good with the bad.

Answer 10

First of all, don't explain it unless they ask you. If they are teasing you about making a sacrifice for God etc, it is just fun for them, they really don't care. You can't explain anything more or less than your own faith and why you choose to believe it. Don't try to justify it as truth, just stick to what you believe and why. You are less likely to turn them off if you don't condem them to Hell or accuse them of sin etc. Stick to what you get out of your faith and what you feel you give back.