Lenten adherences

**Banquo's Ghost** · 02-06-2008, 15:34

'Tis Ash Wednesday to day, the beginning of Lent. I'm intrigued to know what patrons think of the concept of organised abstinence/frugality as a discipline in our times of instant gratification. Whilst several religions have fasting as a core concept of enhancing spirituality, a number of secular movements have adopted the meme too - notably the environmentalists, for whom conspicuous consumption is often seen as an evil.

For example, in my father's time Lent was very much the Catholic ritual familiar to all followers of that faith, where all were expected to hold to one main meal per day, reduce or eliminate meat, and increase reflection and prayer. As I am not remotely as devout as he, my take has been to mandate the estates to reduce our energy consumption by 10% over the next forty days, which will then set our new benchmarks for the year. Remarkably, this has caused more grumbling than the fish suppers, but I feel, gets closer to the heart of the thing.

My point being that the ritual, however motivated, causes a change in behaviour that is ultimately beneficial - to both my bank balance and my greenie spirit

- through going without, challenging habit, and respecting that God's gifts are not infinite.

Given that our economies are largely predicated on ever increasing consumption, is abstinence a lost (and possibly disruptive) cause or a vital tool for preserving a balanced perspective?

**CrossLOPER** · 02-06-2008, 17:10

How do you expect me to walk 30 meters to the tennis courts I'll be too tired to play tennis if I walk 30 meters to the tennis courts.

**SwordsMaster** · 02-06-2008, 17:16

I made giving up Lent my New Year's resolution, efficiently killing 2 birds with one stone. Metaphorical birds.

**Fragony** · 02-06-2008, 17:18

I think it's a bit of a pervertion to celebrate how much you care by celebrating how much you care, it's hypocrite imho, buying currency in heaven. But it is also a tradition and it doesn't hurt anyone despite a few billion sheep in some cases, so what's the problem.

**drone** · 02-06-2008, 17:24

It's an admirable practice, but why did they have to put St. Patrick's Day in the middle of Lent?

**Vladimir** · 02-06-2008, 17:49

People, People! You're forgetting something. No Lent = No Marti Gras. Keep it around.

I do like the new take on it though.

Preserve some of the traditions but keep in the spirit of the holiday. Since I'm still protesting the abuses of the Church (and therefore not a Papist) I won't be participating this year.

However I am concerned about the idea of having the estates observe it as well, for a host of reasons. Not least of which is that it is supposed to be about individual sacrifice.

**Xiahou** · 02-06-2008, 18:19

Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost

Whilst several religions have fasting as a core concept of enhancing spirituality, a number of secular movements have adopted the meme too - notably the environmentalists, for whom conspicuous consumption is often seen as an evil.

Hence, environmentalism is a religion.

I consider myself a Catholic, even if I'm not the best about getting to church ect. For lent, I do try to fast on the appropriate days, not eat meat on those days and so forth. Sometimes I slip up, but it's due to absent mindedness rather than intentional disobedience.

Cutting back on energy consumption sounds like a good goal for lent on many levels.

**Tribesman** · 02-06-2008, 19:03

but why did they have to put St. Patrick's Day in the middle of Lent?

There is a dispensation for Paddys day .

**Louis VI the Fat** · 02-06-2008, 19:25

I am steeped in Catholic tradition too! In honour of it, for the next forty days I shall uphold intervals of at least forty minutes between meals.

**Banquo's Ghost** · 02-06-2008, 20:24

Originally Posted by Vladimir

However I am concerned about the idea of having the estates observe it as well, for a host of reasons. Not least of which is that it is supposed to be about individual sacrifice.

Now you see, that's the kind of hippie pinko liberal communism that brought us printed bibles, the guillotine and the United States of America.

**Vladimir** · 02-06-2008, 20:35

You got something to say about the guillotine mister?

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 02-09-2008, 11:51

I try to give something up every year, last year it was sweets "candy" the year before chocolate (that I now can't stand) This year it's video games and sweets.

**Husar** · 02-09-2008, 11:59

I try to give up doing nothing and not eating enough.
My 4% body fat and my growling stomach say abstinence is a bad thing, now excuse me I need my breakfast.