So, as my initial pondering and purpose for this blog, other than reading the whole Bible, was what's the difference between all these different Christian religions? Interestingly today, a lady in my office made a comment, "At least you don't have to mess with this Lent thing."
Hmmmm....so I asked, well, what religion are you? (Do you know the religious beliefs of your co-workers? Why not?) She responded that she was "baptised Mormon" but grew up in the Baptist church. I add south, because I think that is where she grew up -- she always goes back to a family reunion in the south.
I began to search. Clearly, the Mormon answer was simple, but I needed a Baptist response. Seems from my sketchy research, the Baptists separated from the Anglican church and the southern sentiment seems to be as follows:
1) We don't do anything the Catholics do;
2) We are suffering for Christ year-round, why should we be any different for 40 days?
3) Lent is a mockery; and
4) Now, with some education, we are beginning to "celebrate" Lent.
It seems to me that maybe they should pull out their Bible and find a better reason not to observe Lent. I am really open to any comments or further instruction on this. Do Presbyterians and Methodists observe Lent?
I found this...The Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.
ReplyDeleteNot all Christian churches observe Lent. Lent is mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Orthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not observed.