So, a survey! Rather limited in scope, since if you're not Christian you probably won't be answering any of the questions.
1. Do you observe Lent?
I have sometimes in the past. I once gave up ice cream, and that was really good for me - I still like it and eat it once in a while, but now I am content with a spoonful or two. It's not like I binged on it before; I just enjoy it more now.
2. Why (not)?
I think it's good to challenge yourself, to exercise restraint and practice moderation where you would normally overindulge. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you employ it for trivialities, the stronger it is when facing the big stuff.
Oh, and religion... well, I've been drifting for quite some time now. There's a gorgeous Episcopalian church near my house, but it's almost a little too old school for me. (Never thought I'd say that!) I would like to start attending church regularly again, but I don't want to be surrounded by stiff-necked old parishioners. I'd like to have it be more of a social venue. If I could get involved in some projects that help the community (Habitat for Humanity, things like that), that would be even better. Problem is, I don't know how to figure out which churches in my area are both liberal and socially conscious.
3. What does your observance of Lent typically entail? Giving things up, taking things on, or something else?
I usually give something up, but I could try to take on weekly church attendance this year. (I had that for the first seventeen years of my life, so it wouldn't exactly be hard.)
4. What's the hardest thing you've ever given up/taken on/something else?
I became vegan one year. It was difficult - and ultimately not good for my health.
5. What, if anything, are you planning to do for observing Lent this year?
Well, adding church is one idea... I'm not sure I have too many shallow pleasures that I can reasonably give up right now. My body has been rejecting food anyway, and I'm so not abstaining from sex. Maybe Diet Pepsi, but I feel like I'd fail very hard at that. Hmm. Ideas?
6. Do you observe Sundays as feast days (and as such, exempt from fasting/abstinence), considering that the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday don't include Sundays?
I have sometimes done this, sometimes not. It always felt like cheating to me - giving things up isn't exactly very hard if you can tell yourself, "In just six days, you can have it."
Six is a good number. I'll stop here.
Apparently I think so too, since I used it in my last answer!
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saceFormerly known as Clover
Still Paul's friend ♥ and Pippin's mum
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saceFormerly known as Clover
Still Paul's friend ♥ and Pippin's mum
spacespacespacespacespacespa*MySmiley*
/Survey: Lent approaches! Anyone giving up anything?
16/02/2010 04:28:08 AM
- 878 Views
I'm giving up christianity. Challenging but worthwhile. *NM*
16/02/2010 04:53:11 AM
- 282 Views
I have a friend who used to pledge to be a better Buddhist for Lent.
16/02/2010 05:02:03 PM
- 649 Views
Non-essential internet sounds like a haaard one.
16/02/2010 05:38:25 AM
- 681 Views
I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm quite good at not doing something if I have a reason.
16/02/2010 05:48:34 AM
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Great Lent already began on Monday.
16/02/2010 01:45:16 PM
- 615 Views
the orthodox lent sounds similar to what Catholic Lent was >.>
16/02/2010 05:21:10 PM
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Pretty much.
16/02/2010 09:38:48 PM
- 794 Views
That's still on the books for Episcopalians, if I recall correctly, but as an option.
16/02/2010 11:48:24 PM
- 592 Views
I'm not a Christian, but I've given things up in the name of Lent.
16/02/2010 02:20:14 PM
- 572 Views
Is it weird that I really like Lent?
16/02/2010 05:21:54 PM
- 588 Views
Perhaps it is. But, less so than lint, I'm thinking.
16/02/2010 05:25:28 PM
- 634 Views
I actually do enjoy cleaning lint traps in the dryer. It's fun! *NM*
16/02/2010 05:34:08 PM
- 344 Views
I don't think anyone here does I guess it's not our tradition (though I'm not even Christian) *NM*
16/02/2010 08:04:55 PM
- 355 Views
The question that comes to my mind is....
17/02/2010 06:19:46 PM
- 561 Views
And there's another huge difference between abstinence and self-denial.
21/02/2010 08:18:15 PM
- 580 Views