SPLIT: Is Lent Biblical or Man Made?

[made_up_name]

As a Catholic.The real question- the bottom line- was fasting during lent something decreed by Jesus? Or is this a man made law? In any event to deem this as a sin, something that God would have you burn for all eternity in hell is a very difficult concept to understand. So the question remains is this the word of God, or is this a man made law.

 

[japhy]

As a Catholic. The real question - the bottom line - was fasting during lent something decreed by Jesus? Or is this a man made law?

If you accept that the Church received authority from God to decree laws for the good of her members, then you can accept that the liturgical season of Lent is in accord with God’s law.

If you don’t accept that Church’s authority, you should question things more urgent than Lenten fasting!

 

[diggerdomer]

As a Catholic.The real question- the bottom line- was fasting during lent something decreed by Jesus? Or is this a man made law? In any event to deem this as a sin, something that God would have you burn for all eternity in hell is a very difficult concept to understand. So the question remains is this the word of God, or is this a man made law.

Of course this was not decreed by Jesus. Read the Gospels (and New Testament). “Lent” did not exist at the time.

Yes, it’s a “man made” law in most respects…but it’s a “law” prescribed by the Church which has both human and divine elements.

Whether it’s a sin or not is up to you. Whether anyone burns for all eternity is up to God.

Cheers.

 

[Will8503]

Of course this was not decreed by Jesus. Read the Gospels (and New Testament). “Lent” did not exist at the time.

Yes, it’s a “man made” law in most respects…but it’s a “law” prescribed by the Church which has both human and divine elements.

Whether it’s a sin or not is up to you. Whether anyone burns for all eternity is up to God.

Cheers.

Lent may not have existed at the time, but we know that Jesus and his apostles fasted. Jesus said “WHEN you fast”.

He taught about fasting and gave rules about fasting. He just didn’t want us to be like the hypocrites who love to show off.

He also gave us the Church. The Pope and bishops have authority so if the Church law says we are to fast on certain days, then we are supposed to obey unless someone has a condition where they are required to eat (pregnancy, illness, age reasons, etc.)

 

[whatevergirl]

The most important thing to learn through fasting, in my eyes, is that a little bit of pain is a good thing, at times. Not that we should bring pain upon ourselves, but taking away food…taking away the indulgences that we often allow ourselves through food and other things (because we have such a plentiful country) …can help us to become better at not clinging to material things, even if it’s food, and move ever more closer to God. All we truly need to God and His grace is more than sufficient. I view the hunger pains of fasting as necessary at times, to move me beyond myself. To think about those who have much less than me, involuntarilly, and how I don’t need to indulge just because the impulse strikes me. So, for me, fasting, is key in becoming closer to God during Lent. Not sure if anyone else agrees, but just my thoughts.

 

[Jean_Anthony]

aaa