Oh, You Crazy Catholics
Thursday, February 14th, 2008I'm somewhat mystified by this concept of "Lent" and the things that Catholic folk will "give up" for it. It's described as a period of 40 days in late winter/early spring where, because Catholics are crazy, they will deprive themselves of meat, dairy, alcohol, or even oxygen. The 40 day thing seems a bit vague as well, because Wikipedia says "Different churches will calculate the forty days differently." I guess some of them use metric days.
It seems to be some sort of homage to Jesus, and the 40 days he spent in the desert. Having missed that tour, I had to read up on it. Apparently, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, was tempted by the Devil, but resisted temptation. He refused to drink carbonated beverages or watch HBO, and scared the Devil off with some religious pamphlets. 2000 years later, Catholics celebrate this by torturing themselves for roughly six weeks.
I've heard of some fairly serious sacrifices, like giving up red meat. That, to me, signifies some pretty serious commitment. Others, I'm afraid, fall a little short of the mark. My Lady Friend told me about a friend of hers who once gave up beer for lent. Oh, really? Any specific brands, or are you going for broke and giving up all malted beverages for the next six weeks? Gonna have to tough it out on white zinfandel and Mad Dog 20/20, eh? Man, you sure are devout.
Now if I were catholic, I'd really put it out there. I'd give up highlighters and plastic forks for lent. Maybe even my Trim™ nail clippers.
Comments:
>"because Catholics are crazy, they will deprive themselves of meat, dairy, alcohol, or even oxygen."
Oxygen, probably not. Meat and alcohol, sure. Fasting from meats and alcohol is common in the Old testament. Daniel gave up both for three weeks (21 days). Check Daniel 10:2-3 "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” What are today's pleasant foods? Sodas? Candy? Beer?
<"Now if I were catholic, I'd really put it out there. I'd give up highlighters and plastic forks for lent. Maybe even my Trim™ nail clippers."
First, Lent is not just observed by Catholics, but by Orthodox, Anglicans, Baptists, and non-denomnational Christians. Second, you might play along and abstain from a "pleasant food" and see how you fare. You might blog how your doing in your own personal test.
God bless...
+Timothy
Thanks for your interest, Timothy, but I'll have you know I have already given up something pleasurable - cigarettes - forever. I laugh at your puny 40 days.
Thats one thing I never got about religion, they all have this universal theme of love everyone for what they do and who they are yet, if you don't believe in what we believe you are a fucking idiot...oh and give us money to fund these ideas. and after you give us money, give us just a little bit more.