Lent

[Guest yod]

I don't think anyone would have a problem if any church said, "Jesus fasted in preparation for a period of temptation, We encourage you to do like wise, and even will provide a time for us to do so corporately." What people are concerned about (and I think rightly so) is the addition of the idea that if you do not do as the church says, at the prescribed time, and in a prescribed manner (if these things are not prescribed by scripture), you have committed a sin.

Just to play catholic advocate (though not a catholic) imagine this scenario....

What if someone goes to your church faithfully but decides to boycott your Easter celebration? Wouldn't that be considered offensive, maybe even sinful....by the leadership or congregants?

If a person is a baptist then they should attempt to follow the baptist traditions of their particular church or leave.

Otherwise, they will be stirring strife.

If, however that Baptist church were to point at Methodists and say they must also follow things which are peculiar only to Baptists, then it would be legalism.

no?

I really don't understand why anyone would have a problem with someone fasting if their conscience tells them they should....even if it is imposed by a denominational structure

Can someone explain to me why fasting would ever be a "bad" thing ?

[MeCajunboy]

I STILL don't have my umbrella back from that guy to whom I lent it! Not to worry. I'll look for a new one at TJ Maxx. Maybe a golf umbrella this time? Oh, yes, of course, "Lent" is surely a figment of one's very vivid imagination without any grounding on the Word. NO disciple - or even our Lord & Savior - EVER practiced any thing referred to as "Lent." Incredible, is it not, that some kind folk can remove themselves so completely from Holy Writ without even trying!

"Study the Scriptures....which are able to make thee wise unto salvation."

Now You're really disappointing me! You are more believable when jested about your umbrella. Now that you've shown that you have no intentions making any real effort to "be like Christ" you are showing your true colors. I think if you re-read your Bible , in particular in the New Testament , you will find that even Jesus "fasted" for 40 days in the Mountains and was tempted by satan. Beginning to sound a bit familiar yet? Perhaps if you make another trip to TJMaxx you may discover what you're lacking! And before you say that we don't have to imulate our forefathers in the Old Testament who believed in fasting, which by the way you claim no one has ever done in the Bible? Think about the many Commands God gave man that still stand today!

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[MeCajunboy]

Are there scriptual references for lent?

None. It is a man-made ritual of piosity.

While that's probably more true than false, keep in mind that the sermons and church services as well are "man-made" as you contend. Again Floatingaxe, I remind you that even Jesus "fasted" for 40 days in the mountains while being tempted by satan. And whom does the Bible tell us Over and Over to immulate? Better yet, what is meant by the term "Christian?"

Blessings

Cajunboy

[Iryssa]

So..back on the topic of Lent (I.E. NOT the RCC)...I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who still thinks Lent is evil or wrong IN ITSELF somehow, or if we're basically in agreement that such traditions (ones that actually benefit ones spiritual life and do not go against scripture in themselves) only BECOME evil (or wrong or detrimental) when we tell people their salvation is in jeopardy if they don't practice them.

[Kansasdad]

So..back on the topic of Lent (I.E. NOT the RCC)...I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who still thinks Lent is evil or wrong IN ITSELF somehow, or if we're basically in agreement that such traditions (ones that actually benefit ones spiritual life and do not go against scripture in themselves) only BECOME evil (or wrong or detrimental) when we tell people their salvation is in jeopardy if they don't practice them.

Just a thought here. We know that fasting is a biblical teachings and we have examples that show us how it is good for us to help deal with temptations and get closer to God. We know this is something we should do, but the main objection is that it should not be made obligatory by any church.

For those that belong to a church that does not mention lent at all, and makes no similar provision, How many folks in the past year actually did this. ( fasted, prayed, and practiced some form of self denial) This is a self assessment and I don't expect actual personal answers, but I would venture that the majority have not. It is human nature that we just don't do these things well. I am very glad that my church help me in my effort.

God Bless,

K.D.

[EricH]

Actually you might be surprised. Spiritual Formation is really being pushed in a lot of churches. People like Dallas Willard are doing a great job of giving people an biblical framework for the purpose of thinks like fasting and silence. I am currently teaching a Men's Bible study where we are looking at what the Bible has to say about the purpose of the Spritual Disciplines and the process of spiritual transformation in the life of the believer. I highly recommend Renovation of the heart. In it he describes the biblical process of spiritual transformation, the role of things like fasting in that process, and the mistakes people frequently make when thinking about things like fasting

[EricH]

but no man has the authority from the Eternal to bind such activities on man and then turn around with accusations that those who fail to participate are committing a

[EricH]

I am not aware of any priest who says, Hmmm that Methodist is not observing lent and therefore has committed mortal sin.

The real question is what would that priest say to one of his own parishoners who chose to not observe Lent, and to fast at another time?

[EricH]

Just to play catholic advocate (though not a catholic) imagine this scenario....

What if someone goes to your church faithfully but decides to boycott your Easter celebration? Wouldn't that be considered offensive, maybe even sinful....by the leadership or congregants?

If a person is a baptist then they should attempt to follow the baptist traditions of their particular church or leave.

Otherwise, they will be stirring strife.

It depends on what the issue is. In terms of attending a particular service, we would probably not be able call it sin if they just did not come. We would have no scriptural grounds for that. If however they quit fellowshipping altogether, we would point them to Hebrews 10:24-25.

There are many things our church does that we do simply because we do them that way. For example, we offer communion 1 time per month. We do not have a scriptural mandate for that, because none exists. Suppose we had a person who believed that we needed to do it every week. Now we are talking about a matter of preference. If the person was unable to accept what we had decided, we would encourage them to either adjust, or to find a place where they did it every week. We would not be accusing them of sin, we would just be encouraging them to find a place that matched them on this matter of preference.

[CaritateDei]

I am not aware of any priest who says, Hmmm that Methodist is not observing lent and therefore has committed mortal sin.

The real question is what would that priest say to one of his own parishoners who chose to not observe Lent, and to fast at another time?

I find it funny, Erich, how you want to keep this on the topic of lent and not the Roman Catholic Church, yet you keep bringing up the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.

But AGAIN, I will repeat this.

What the Apostles hold binding on Christianity, we should all do, yes?

The Pope and the Bishops are the successors to the apostles, according to Catholic Tradition.

When the Pope and the Bishops hold BOUND that we should fast and abstain on Fridays during lent, and someone deliberately goes against that binding, that person therefore separates him or herself from that which he or she should be holding bound.

This goes against the Apostles. Being that it goes against the apostles, it goes against God. Why? Because Christ said so to the Apostles. Therefore, it is a grave sin to go against the COMMUNITY of the church and still claim to be Catholic.

So yes, it is a mortal sin if you are a Catholic and you deliberately go against that which is held bound on earth and in heaven by the PRECEPTS of the Church.

Lent is part of those precepts. Therefore, if you don't like observing the lent, and feel ousted because that puts sin on your soul, leave the church to feel better about yourself.

Edited March 2, 2007 by CaritateDei