Can someone tell me where it says in the Bible that you have to give up ANYTHING for Lent? I always thought it was a ridiculous man made rule, along with confession and baptizing babies....

Granted, this could get out of hand quickly, but in quick response to the question (and hopefully we'll agree to disagree because that's where this always ends up anyway)...

It comes from Christ himself fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry.
Such an intense time and intense self-sacrifice was apparently necessary, even for the Son of God Himself, to be able to master his HUMAN nature (which is what we all have and struggle with) - so that He could go on and successfully become the saviour of the world.

Christ was in the desert for 40 days.
Lent is 40 days long (not including Sundays, as Sundays are always special feast days)...

It's not directly written "Thou shalt give up something for Lent."
But Christ certainly did.
And we are to immitate Christ.
Logical deduction...we give something up as well.

Interesting question for this board, though...
I'm sure the fishermen of Christ's time had some good fish recipes!
-- Loretta

p.s...you may email me privately regarding the answer to the other (also off topic) "rules"

Edited by moderator.
I have removed the email address as posting email addresses is against our forum rules. Please use the private messaging system for this.

On the happy side...

Today is FAT TUESDAY! I'M PLANNING a GRAND FAT-FEST!

(i'll worry about lent on Wednesday & all the numerous ways to dress up tuna fish & soy!)

viv

Hi everyone,

I'm an Anglo-Catholic Orthodox Christian (just to tell you where I'm coming from).

When it comes to diet I think we give up quite enough already! if I were you I would just stick to the REQUIRED fasting and do something else to celebrate lent. Personally, I always give money to beggars during lent. Trouble is this has become a habit so now I give them money all year round and I'll have to think of something else!

If lent is to be a time of sacrifice, maybe we should sacrifice something which will do some good for others.

Robert

Looks like lobster and crab legs all week long.

Robert, what a wonderful habit you've caught on to. If only all our good intentions took hold like that.

I've decided to give up cheating on my diet for lent...40 days cheat free!!!!!

Gail

I'll eat all you guys portions of steak during Ash Wednesday and Lent. I'm Methodist.