If we're giving up meat, shouldn't we just give up meat altogether? Not only that, but are we only not eating meat on Fridays because we're expected to?
And what the heck is fish that we are allowed to eat it on Fridays???
We can't even give up all meat on fridays, but we have to cheat and say, "Well, fish isn't meat" YES IT IS!!! IT IS THE MUSCLE OF AN ANIMAL THAT MAKES IT MEAT!!!
If you're going to give something for lent as an 'act of contrition,' don't you have to actually be contrite?
Why can't you give up meat for all of lent?
This is why we, as christians are called hypocrites.
I personally, haven't given anything up for lent, but at least I don't parade around pretending i'm so holy because i've given up meat on fridays (except for fish.)
and don't even get me started on Mardi Gras!!!
2007-03-02 05:41:53 · 12 answers · asked by go2bermuda 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That was a Papal decree, no Bibilical. I don't recall the details but I had heard that some Pope decreed that fish was okay to help bolster a flagging fishing industry at the time.
Fasting was also practiced at this time before Christianity, because at this point in the year food stores would begin to run low and the Spring was not yet advanced enough to provide steadily. So holding back a little would ensure there were enough for all, and the supply would determine what food would have to be given up.
And I think most Christians aren't deliberately hypocritical, they just do what they're told without digging into it much.
2007-03-02 05:56:10 · answer #1 · answered by KC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An "act of contrition" is just that, an act. It is something that some churches say you should do so some people do it. Some churches have decided that giving up mammal and bird meat on Friday is a good act. Who knows why? The original act of contrition was giving up food on Friday. Even the church couldn't sell that to the masses (although I wouldn't be surprised if Opus Dei members are fasting).
2007-03-02 13:47:56 · answer #2 · answered by Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OK, i am like you i did not give up anything for lent, however let us not condemn other people. There are some Christians who actually give up ALL meats (including fish) during all days of this period. At the end of the day it is what is in your heart that counts not what you can boast that you gave up.
2007-03-02 13:49:43 · answer #3 · answered by ann t 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do we fast and abstain from meat during Lent?
Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. In fact, the paschal fast predates Lent as we know it. The early Church fasted intensely for two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This fast was later extended and became a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter. Vatican II called us to renew the observance of the ancient paschal fast.
Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own" (Is 58:6-7).
Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering.
Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves-a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating lobster misses the whole point!
2007-03-02 13:50:29 · answer #4 · answered by double_klicks 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some religions fast for 40 days and others shake rattle snakes. So yours gives up all meat except fish on Fridays, sounds like you have it easy. If it means that much to you give up fish also. You do as you wish. I am just glad you got all that hostility off your chest.
2007-03-02 13:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, the ridiculous guidelines of religion. This is part of the reason I am spiritual and not religious. Relion is for followers and spirituality is our own effort to have a relationship with our Creator.
I agree it is hypocritical, ha.
2007-03-02 13:46:12 · answer #6 · answered by dry2th 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
where in the holy bible does it say anything about not eating meat on a friday? where is that AFTER Jesus said all foods are all clean always
2007-03-02 13:46:12 · answer #7 · answered by Pastor Biker 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why is it that kclightman is the only one that actually touched the point (And gave a good answer)? Anyways good job, kclightman for the nice lesson.
-Dark Aphotic
2007-03-02 14:11:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
whats lent?? Who cares?
I eat meat when I can afford it, and I dont eat it when I cant afford it.
Seasons and holidays make no difference.
2007-03-02 13:58:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
lent is stupid. theres a verse in the bible says, we are no better if we do not eat, and we are no worse if we do eat.
2007-03-02 13:44:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋