Comments on: To those who fast this Lent, don’t forget the freedom you’ve received

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:02:46 +0000

I’m late to the conversation, and I’ve never really observed Lent, but as I’ve learned more about how modern-day Protestants observe Lent, I’ve wondered if one purpose of Lent could be to replace the thing I’m giving up with something else. So, in your example, when I crave whatever I’ve chosen to give up, I am replacing eating/doing that thing with prayer. Similarly, someone might choose to replace social media with memorizing Scripture or another activity that helps direct the focus away from the flesh and back to Christ. In this way, the focus is less about what I’m giving up and more about what I’m doing instead.

By: Svampriket

Svampriket — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:24:26 +0000

The typical dogmas and distractions that regularly surfaced were very similar to today’s virtual communities of believers: dress and makeup legalisms, Sabbath disputes, head coverings, holiday observance, homeschooling, women working outside the home being likened to “streetwalkers”, legalism about pursuing college at a secular institution, order in using the gifts of the Spirit, and so forth.

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 04:26:31 +0000

In reply to pamela alick. Zwingli died on the battlefield (as a chaplain) in 1531, and Christoph Froschauer died of the plague in 1564. Neither were martyrs.

By: pamela alick

pamela alick — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 02:14:46 +0000

Very informative What happened to the 2 “rebels” Were they burnt at the stake?
comments good

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:14:10 +0000

In reply to Marg Barnes. That's brilliant!

By: Marg Barnes

Marg Barnes — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 03:21:48 +0000

In this culture of frequent feasting, plentiful exotic expensive food, and wasteful purchases I feel the need for more frugal living and an empathy for the many who do without. Having been involved in Act for Peace’s Refugee Rations, I am using the period of Lent to substitute for some of the “luxuries” I indulge in. My prayer is that replacing these selfish practices with those that remind me of Christ’s love and sacrifice, God will lead me to serve Him in special ways.

By: Christine

Christine — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 02:01:51 +0000

Thank you for this snippet of history. Love a good bbq!
A few of us are meeting weekly for Lent, first time ever, and we really didn’t know the history of Lent except it is a man made thing. I chose to register with Lentevent this year and give up my nightly glass of red; giving what I might have spent on wine to Uniting World for their projects in the Pacific where tiny countries are under threat of extinction due to climate change. It’s a very small sacrifice.

By: Matthew Arkapaw

Matthew Arkapaw — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 07:39:39 +0000

Really helpful, Mike. Thank you.

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:41:50 +0000

In reply to Rosemary Payne. Indeed. That's how it's meant to be. As I said, I've engaged in Lenten fasts in the past. My concern was that a lot of Protestants are discovering Lent without understanding the historical relationship we've had with the practice.

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:40:12 +0000

In reply to Dan Yarnell.

I guess a Lenten ‘fast’ could involve taking something up as much as giving something up. The genius of a traditional Lenten fast, though, is that every time you feel a pang of desire for the thing you’ve given up you’re meant to pray. In other words, your hunger for whatever you’ve denied yourself becomes an inbuilt trigger for repentance and prayer. I’m not sure how that would work if you’ve taken something on, as you’ve suggested.