Lent
Replies
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I gave up legalism for lent years ago. Haven't touched it since and much happier and more content for it.
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rheddmobile wrote: »Last year I gave up social media. I think this year I am giving up reading my iPad during breakfast instead of talking to my family.
For me personally, the goal during Lent is learning that you can do without things so you appreciate them more, and can make a meaningful choice about what to spend your limited time and resources on.
Agree with this, and would also add giving up things you use as a crutch, so that you realize it's not available and fill the space in a more spiritual way. Or things that are positive but are possibly being over relied on.
I like doing something like this and also/sometimes a more traditional practice where just the absence reminds you to think about why you are doing it. Social media would be a good one for me, for sure. Certainly giving up Twitter and reading books on the L again would be a good thing.0 -
So a relative of mine said instead of giving up something they will add something instead.
So I think I will walk every day and add more steps to it every day. Relative said also you can have a reading goal, an activity or hobby.1 -
I am focusing on being my best self and listening to my conscience!0
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I'm a devout atheist, but I was listening to a podcast yesterday and the host stated that instead of giving up something, he would try to be nicer. I kind of like the idea to use this time to be better.3
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This is what i try and think about
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Lazy_Bones_1985 wrote: »Thanks for the ideas. I’m not a religious or spiritual person but enjoy the challenge, if you will, of giving something up during Lent. But I really like the ideas of adding something to my routine that will be a challenge. I also like the idea of limiting my time on Facebook (I trade and swap my workshifts in a work group on Facebook so giving it up entirely wouldn’t be possible) but I could limit my time on it. I’ll think about it some more; please keep the ideas coming.
I did the same and gave up Facebook for lent last year and continued to not use FB. Replaced it with Instagram however so I will give that up for lent this year. I’m putting my mobile phone down as well, using it for phone calls/texts, Strava gps, Personal Training Coach app, and use my computer for the rest. It’s only for 40 days so we’ll see how it goes.
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Lent 2021 will begin on
Wednesday, February 17
and ends on
Saturday, April 3
While I am no longer Catholic, I like to do something for Lent as a means of self improvement and to feel closer to my Grandma, who was devout.
One year I successfully gave up excessive amounts of salt, and that habit stuck. Another year I ate more fish, and that habit did not stick, but I may give that another go this year, as I want to eat more Mediterranean style anyway.
Anyone have plans for Lent 2021?
@lemurcat2 ?2 -
I plan to do the same thing I've been doing for quite a few years now:
1) pescetarian (mostly ovo-lacto vegetarian) for Mon-Thurs & Sat, with vegan Fridays
2) aim to keep meals simple, especially on Fridays
3) set a strict food budget well below my normal spending (which reinforces #2), and give the difference to charity, usually food pantry-type charities.
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I prefer to add things like a daily reflection, a Bible study class, daily prayer, or watch something like “Greatest Lent Ever” from Dynamic Catholic.2
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Last year Lent was forgotten by me with the COVID lockdown and all the problems that came forth.
This year I'll go back to fasting on Ash Wednesday and Fridays. I'll give up sweets during the week--Sunday a moderate amount is allowed. I also make a special effort to do at least one nice thing for someone everyday. I also won't tell anyone about it.
I know all this doesn't sound like much, but I have a very busy life and it takes concentration to stay on track.5 -
One year I gave up FB for Lent and it was surprising what a difference it made in my life. But later that same year we had a terrible forest fire summer and it was much easier to access the government's comunity updates on FB than on their website. So I fell back into the dark pit 😭. Another year I gave up dairy (a true sacrifice because I love both cheese and yoghurt). Not sure what I'll do this year but thank you for the reminder. Now I have time to give it some thought.
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I’m giving up alcohol and adding a Lenten devotional (Blessed is She). Not sure what else.3
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kshama2001 wrote: »Lent 2021 will begin on
Wednesday, February 17
and ends on
Saturday, April 3
While I am no longer Catholic, I like to do something for Lent as a means of self improvement and to feel closer to my Grandma, who was devout.
One year I successfully gave up excessive amounts of salt, and that habit stuck. Another year I ate more fish, and that habit did not stick, but I may give that another go this year, as I want to eat more Mediterranean style anyway.
Anyone have plans for Lent 2021?
@lemurcat2 ?
Don't know yet -- I usually go vegetarian or (lately) 100% plant-based, but I don't think that will work for me this year. I like to do something food related since I'm traditional that way, but I also like to do something that's not, and may focus more on that (I don't do FB, but definitely should quit Twitter!). Will be giving it more thought.
I've also been doing Blessed Is She, gradchica, did the devotional for Advent, so may for Lent too.1 -
A good exercise that I read about was pick a gospel and read the gospel and footnotes that go along with it. This would obviously be a study Bible...3
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I am a confirmed anti-theist and I wont be giving up a darn thing.
However, I will be maintaining my commitment to my calorie control.
For the religious on here.
Enjoy your lent.2 -
A good exercise that I read about was pick a gospel and read the gospel and footnotes that go along with it. This would obviously be a study Bible...
What I did last year was read one chapter out of the gospel first thing before allowing myself to read the news. I had been doomscrolling a lot at that time and it helped me keep things in perspective and not make bad news the most important thing in my life.9 -
gradchica27 wrote: »I’m giving up alcohol and adding a Lenten devotional (Blessed is She). Not sure what else.
Lent was my favorite time of year as a kid because my dad gave up alcohol. 40 days of peace.14 -
So touching, bold_rabbit. I hope you have year-round peace now. :flowerforyou:
This organization has many resources for Lent. https://www.ssje.org/
If you participate in the one they are leading for Lent, they send daily meditations and there is a forum/comment board where folk share their reflections on the daily meditation. ETA: The insights of commenters have sometimes functioned as a springboard taking me deeper into my own reflection.
In addition, if you scroll down on this page https://www.ssje.org/monasticwisdom/, there are several other programs with workbooks that were done in Lent prior years. They can be done anytime, obviously, but they fit in the Lent framework. Honestly, I find everything the brother produce to be incredibly thoughtfully done and their insights to be quite profound and uplifting. Cannot recommend enough.3 -
Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
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MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.4 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.9 -
I understand where you're coming from , Lynn_glenmont, but ultimately I agree with lemurcat. It's annoying when people diet to lose weight for Lent, especially if they bring an attitude of vanity rather than introspection and humility to the endeavor. But ultimately, it's good when people examine where their their lives are headed, ponder whether their current directions are truly best for living their fullest lives, and make course corrections to be better versions of themselves. Introspection is hard, and countercultural. Whatever gets people to undertake that is better for all than doing nothing.10
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.
Yes, my perception is that the people doing this are coming from a cultural Christian context. Am I hijacking someone's sacred tradition by celebrating Christmas even though I am no longer a believer?
I wasn't really given a choice about being raised in a society where Christianity is the assumed default. In the past, Christians worked hard to make it the default, to the point that many societies had legal penalties for non-observance and laws that enforced the moral codes associated with Christianity. If modern Christians don't care for that today and would like it to be a smaller circle, it's a bit late to put that genie back into the bottle.
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
You're entitled to your opinion, but it's not about 'making it a cultural thing'. It already is a cultural thing here. Nobody is going to change that. That's just how it is. You're thinking of it the wrong way around. It's hard to really understand how deeply ingrained these things are in British society unless you live here. It comes from cultural Anglican Christian tradition. Like people celebrating pancake day. It comes from Christianity but most people who grew up Christian but no longer believe, still have pancakes on that day. Trying to stop Brits from doing Lent will only lead to further decline of the Anglican religion, won't it, if those culturally Christian things are somehow no longer allowed? Surely religious people should be glad these things are still a staple in our society?
Like others have said, plenty of non-Christians celebrate Christmas.7 -
janejellyroll wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.
Yes, my perception is that the people doing this are coming from a cultural Christian context. Am I hijacking someone's sacred tradition by celebrating Christmas even though I am no longer a believer?
I wasn't really given a choice about being raised in a society where Christianity is the assumed default. In the past, Christians worked hard to make it the default, to the point that many societies had legal penalties for non-observance and laws that enforced the moral codes associated with Christianity. If modern Christians don't care for that today and would like it to be a smaller circle, it's a bit late to put that genie back into the bottle.
The vast majority of customs incorporated into the concept of "celebrating Christmas" have next to no nexus to actual religious observance. Most non-believers celebration of Christmas involves putting up a tree, giving gifts, singing songs, and eating a big meal, not attending a religious service, mouthing prayers and professions of belief that you know you don't believe, and lining up to participate in Communion despite a belief that you will be receiving ordinary bread and wine.
I realize no one is going to change their non-religious appropriation of others' sacred observances just because I explain why I find it offensive.2 -
I give up leant for Lent, so don't try to borrow anything from me, K?1
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.
Yes, my perception is that the people doing this are coming from a cultural Christian context. Am I hijacking someone's sacred tradition by celebrating Christmas even though I am no longer a believer?
I wasn't really given a choice about being raised in a society where Christianity is the assumed default. In the past, Christians worked hard to make it the default, to the point that many societies had legal penalties for non-observance and laws that enforced the moral codes associated with Christianity. If modern Christians don't care for that today and would like it to be a smaller circle, it's a bit late to put that genie back into the bottle.
The vast majority of customs incorporated into the concept of "celebrating Christmas" have next to no nexus to actual religious observance. Most non-believers celebration of Christmas involves putting up a tree, giving gifts, singing songs, and eating a big meal, not attending a religious service, mouthing prayers and professions of belief that you know you don't believe, and lining up to participate in Communion despite a belief that you will be receiving ordinary bread and wine.
I realize no one is going to change their non-religious appropriation of others' sacred observances just because I explain why I find it offensive.
It's not appropriation for someone who is raised in a cultural Christian context to do those things. That's the whole point of a cultural Christian context. We were raised with these things being part of the fabric of our year, this is literally how we celebrate. It's not like we watched a documentary and said "Oh, Christmas! That sounds fun" or "Whoa, people give things up for Lent over there, I think I'll try that."
You can be offended all you want, but it was Christians themselves -- in the past -- who made these things cultural instead of an in-group thing that others are appropriating from you.
If a cultural Christian gives things up for Lent, it's part of our own culture, not appropriation.
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.
Yes, my perception is that the people doing this are coming from a cultural Christian context. Am I hijacking someone's sacred tradition by celebrating Christmas even though I am no longer a believer?
I wasn't really given a choice about being raised in a society where Christianity is the assumed default. In the past, Christians worked hard to make it the default, to the point that many societies had legal penalties for non-observance and laws that enforced the moral codes associated with Christianity. If modern Christians don't care for that today and would like it to be a smaller circle, it's a bit late to put that genie back into the bottle.
The vast majority of customs incorporated into the concept of "celebrating Christmas" have next to no nexus to actual religious observance. Most non-believers celebration of Christmas involves putting up a tree, giving gifts, singing songs, and eating a big meal, not attending a religious service, mouthing prayers and professions of belief that you know you don't believe, and lining up to participate in Communion despite a belief that you will be receiving ordinary bread and wine.
I realize no one is going to change their non-religious appropriation of others' sacred observances just because I explain why I find it offensive.
To be fair, Christians first appropriated the heck out of pagan customs... like Easter, the sacred day of Oestara, celebrated by decorating eggs, and Yule, with decorated trees, and December 25th, the birthday of Mithras. (Since shepherds were out when Jesus was born, he was probably born in spring.)
I think it’s kinder, and therefore more Christian, to let other people be happy without looking for reasons to take offense.9 -
rheddmobile wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »MarziPanda95 wrote: »Lent is more of a cultural thing in the UK, I think. Plenty of non-Christians give something up, to practice new habits or get rid of something negative in their lives. I'm agnostic but still usually give something up.
This year I might give up ordering from Amazon. They have enough money. I'd rather my money go to small independent businesses.
I really wish people wouldn't make a Lenten sacrifice as a "cultural" thing or in an attempt to improving themselves by changing habits. They should find something different to call it, and not tie it to other people's sacred traditions. It's like a non-Muslim saying they're going on Hajj because they've always wanted to see Saudi Arabia.
It being used as a weight loss thing is a pet peeve of mine, but if one is sort of culturally Christian and from a culture where Lent has been a traditional thing because it was a church thing in the past (as in the UK and the Anglican church or lapsed Catholics or whatnot), I see it as more like celebrating secular Christmas, which is certainly common among people of Christian (or even non Christian background) who aren't actually believers themselves. It's a religious thing for me, but I think it's fine to keep some aspects of the tradition that one appreciates even if one is no longer religious.
Yes, my perception is that the people doing this are coming from a cultural Christian context. Am I hijacking someone's sacred tradition by celebrating Christmas even though I am no longer a believer?
I wasn't really given a choice about being raised in a society where Christianity is the assumed default. In the past, Christians worked hard to make it the default, to the point that many societies had legal penalties for non-observance and laws that enforced the moral codes associated with Christianity. If modern Christians don't care for that today and would like it to be a smaller circle, it's a bit late to put that genie back into the bottle.
The vast majority of customs incorporated into the concept of "celebrating Christmas" have next to no nexus to actual religious observance. Most non-believers celebration of Christmas involves putting up a tree, giving gifts, singing songs, and eating a big meal, not attending a religious service, mouthing prayers and professions of belief that you know you don't believe, and lining up to participate in Communion despite a belief that you will be receiving ordinary bread and wine.
I realize no one is going to change their non-religious appropriation of others' sacred observances just because I explain why I find it offensive.
To be fair, Christians first appropriated the heck out of pagan customs... like Easter, the sacred day of Oestara, celebrated by decorating eggs, and Yule, with decorated trees, and December 25th, the birthday of Mithras. (Since shepherds were out when Jesus was born, he was probably born in spring.)
I think it’s kinder, and therefore more Christian, to let other people be happy without looking for reasons to take offense.
no, that is not correct.
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-jesus-simply-a-retelling-of-the-mithras-mythology/
The early Christians were celebrating Christ's resurrection almost immediately after the event. See Saint Paul's letter where he clearly states that the tradition wad handed down to him from the apostles that Chrst died on the cross, rose from the dead and then appeared to the apostles and then lastly to me. < paraphrase2
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