RE: [TruthTalk] Truth on Lent

[ShieldsFamily]

Laura,   Having come out of a RC background, I have always found the “Lent” observance to be just another form of Catholic hypocrisy.  It seems to be a form of godliness without the power thereof”.  As you said, people “give up things that aren’t good for them anyway”—so what’s the point?  Does this make you any holier or closer to God? If so, why not avoid it every day?  Is it sinful? Then why do it in the first place? Is it not sinful? Then why give it up except to make yourself feel pious?  Pointless hypocrisy.  God couldn’t care less if you give up chocolate, or anything else, for a short period.  And if it is a period of self-examination and repentance: why not do that all the time???   The thing I dislike most about Lent is the Mardi Gras-type celebrations that have sprung up just prior to Lent all over the world, and in most cities here.  They are occasions to party lewdly and perversely and drunkenly, prior to taking on that “holy” pretense of Lent.   I don’t know if the origins mentioned by Marlin’s article are accurate; but just look at the fruit to judge it.  I don’t see anything good about it.   Izzy   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 4:01 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Truth on Lent   So should we tell people that are celebrating Lent that they are wrong?  Hardly   most of them are not doing anything wrong.  I think we get so hung up on all this stuff that we boggle our minds with it and can't do any good at all.  To most people I know Lent is simply the 40 day period before Easter and a good time for personal reflection and possible giving something up that isn't good for them anyway.  I can't see God getting too upset if someone uses this for good.   Just curious to what you all think!  Question is -  is it wrong for someone to celebrate something even if the roots are pagan   IF they aren't doing it for pagan reasons?   Laura