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to wonder why Lent fasting has become so diluted?

553 replies

Wonderingwhyyy · 29/03/2025 14:47

I was talking to a Christian who told me she fasts the traditional way in Lent. No food or water from sunrise to sunset. She was the first I had met who actually abstains from food and drink for a significant period of time.

Other Christians I know choose to give up one food e.g. chocolate, wine, tea, coffee. One Christian told me she gave up Facebook for Lent.

The Christian who said she fasted the traditional way told me she gained many benefits such as spiritual closeness to God, self discipline, greater self control.

It did make sense. Giving up Facebook doesn't seem likely to bring many benefits although may it did for that one person.

I wonder why it became diluted and whether Christianity has lost its followers by allowing most things it did not used to.

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ohnowwhatcanitbe · 29/03/2025 14:53

I was brought up Anglican, Most religious people I know, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, and Plymouth Brethren etc, don't fast for Lent, and it just isn't the done thing. Never has been in my 60+ years. In fact I've never heard of anyone doing it.

Perhaps some of the super-devout fundamentalist denominations fast, but it is certainly not usual.

Ponoka7 · 29/03/2025 14:50

It became diluted because the churches need bums on seats. There are very few Catholics, according to the scriptures. Let's face it, even our heads of the COE (the royals) make a mockery out of the religious teachings.

singlewhitetrashheap · 29/03/2025 14:48

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