Donald Baker:
Phid, could you explain what is required of those who participate in Lent? I have never participated myself and am curious. Thanks.
Phidippides:
Oh I thought it was celebrated in non-Catholic denominations (maybe just certain ones). It marks the beginning of the spiritual journey to Christ's Passion and Death followed by the Resurrection which we celebrate on Easter. Lent continues for 40 days (not including Sundays) which was also the number of days that Jesus remained fasting and praying in the desert. Lent is usually a time of some self-denial, fasting, and more prayer. It's a time of penitence. The ashes on Ash Wednesday call to mind our own mortality.
boeboe:
--- Quote from: Phidippides on February 21, 2007, 04:34:26 PM ---Oh I thought it was celebrated in non-Catholic denominations (maybe just certain ones). It marks the beginning of the spiritual journey to Christ's Passion and Death followed by the Resurrection which we celebrate on Easter. Lent continues for 40 days (not including Sundays) which was also the number of days that Jesus remained fasting and praying in the desert. Lent is usually a time of some self-denial, fasting, and more prayer. It's a time of penitence. The ashes on Ash Wednesday call to mind our own mortality.
--- End quote ---
The Mardi Gras was originally a time to have a huge, over-indulging party before giving up things for Lent, wasn't it? Fat Tuesday being right before Ash Wednesday.
I believe Lent is recognized in most, or all, of the Protestant denominations that favor the concept of "Apostolic Succession". Methodist, Lutherans, Episcopals, and such. I don’t think it is recognized by denominations that do not support the concept, such as Baptist, etc. There is a thread on Apostolic Succession here…
Donald Baker:
I'm Southern Baptist and we don't emphasize this fast period. Some do participate in it, but most don't. I never have....I have never actually fasted before at all. Perhaps it is something I should do.