PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- MARCH 16, 2009

What is the purpose of Lent?

Q. Now that we have come into that time known as Lent, can you tell me what the purpose of it is? When I was growing up, Lent was something only Catholics did, and it seemed to consist of giving somethinig up. Chocolate, movies or anything else that God would appreciate your efforts on. Nowadays, other churches seem to have gotten on the bandwagon of doing Lent. Where did the idea come from and what is its purpose? And, if I don't do it, am I a "Bad Christian?" Thanks, Greg. Keep up the good work.

A. The wider, non-Catholic practice of Lent, as I understand it, grows out of the Catholic ritual. What is Lent?

Popularly, the idea is that Lent is for the purpose of giving something up that you enjoy, so that you could get closer to God, so that he would start doing things you want him to (either for you or someone else).

The idea, of course, that God is happy when we do without something, when we suffer, when we pay penance, when we walk on our knees over broken glass, is primitive superstition rather than Christ-centered faith, it's a religious ritual rather than a Christian belief, and legalistic bondage rather than the freedom in Christ we are given by God's grace.

While many theologians, and for that matter Catholic priests would differ with my summary explanation, my explanation remains the popular explanation. Ask anyone who is not a "religious professional" about the meaning of Lent, you'll find that they will generally agree with my explanation. But if you ask religious professionals (Catholic and non-Catholic alike) about Lent they will give a more nuanced response, generally saying that Lent is a time of abstinence, prayer and charitable works which can bring us closer to God.

But, that official teaching about Lent is not what trickles down to the masses. Most people have the idea that God wants us to give stuff up and then when we do he will love us more, and maybe we can get what we want from him because he will then (after he sees we will voluntarily suffer) start answering our prayers.

My question is this --"if religious officials know that the popular idea is unbiblical and absolutely wrong, why don't they do something about it?" My theory is that they have concluded, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Lent is working great, people do religious stuff, it helps keep them connected with religious institutions" (my translation -- it's just one more way to keep people under the thumb of religious authorities). You are correct. Many other churches, other than Catholic churches, encourage some level of involvement in Lent -- officially, they say it's for the purpose of getting closer to God. But again, in practice, the popular notion is to stop doing something you like to do and that will make God happy. Lent, as it is understood and practiced by the vast majority, is absolutely opposed to God's grace, because most people believe that Lent is about doing stuff to make God happy.

In addition to other non-Catholic churches, there are a wide variety of practices and traditions that use this time of the year for their annual events, even if they do not specifically use the word "Lent" as they promote their "event." One such event is a 36 hour "famine" promoted by one large Christian ministry, encouraging teens to participate, with their friends and peers, in this partial fast, so that they have a better understanding of the plight of so many around this world who do not have enough to eat. I just read of a school initiative, sponsored by a student -- one week without swearing or cursing. It's a challenge, started by a teenager, to his peers, to stop dirty and profane communication, for one week (what happens after that?).

On the positive side, there is nothing wrong with Christians identifying with the suffering, the passion of Christ, at this time of the year. It is helpful, every year, as we look forward to Good Friday and Easter, to study, pray and ponder the road to Jerusalem, to immerse ourselves in the love of God expressed for us on the cross, and the glorious victory won for us, when the tomb became empty. But we can do that without traditions that are here today and gone tomorrow, empty rituals that we perform without having any real idea about who God is, and how he loves us, and what his grace is all about.

So what do we do about Lent? If we are free in Christ, we do whatever we, in Christ, and because of Christ, determine to do. We need not do anything at all, in terms of giving up peanut butter, french fries, or our favorite television program. We need not engage in any ritual that, for us, will either have no bearing on our relationship with God or detract from it. In another context, Paul gives us the principle that "everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). We are not required, in any way, to engage in any outward performance, ritual or practice at this time of the year -- we can, however, find ways that are meaningful for us to draw nearer to God.

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