LENT

Last year I gave up Gransnet for Lent. Didn't even take a look let alone post.

lilygranI can only speak for the people that I used to know, and back in the 50's and 60's those people were all Roman Catholics and they all gave up things for Lent and they all moaned about it. It was not done because they wanted to I can tell you.I did say in my post that I have no arguement with those who want to give things up, merely that I find it a waste of time. I believe I am allowed my own opinion?Saying you 'don't have to' is not true for Catholics, because they feel they do have to.Having the frugal lunch and putting money in a box for charity is good but is not giving things up for Lent is it?It's better.This is a more modern idea and I think many church congregations do it.If you read my posts on different threads, I think you will find that I am not a great 'criticiser' nonnie and indeed I am not criticising any person here or in the real world that wants to give something up for Lent, but that I find it a waste of time.Don't think I can be any clearer than that.

Feeling you have to and having to aren't the same thing. Giving things up is supposed to be better as I tried to explain. It has a purpose beyond giving things up. And moaning about Lent is a kind of boasting. I know Muslims who moan about Ramadan but they still fast dusk to dawn, no joke in the British summer. If you don't want to do it, you don't.

have never done lent, GS 7 has given up Chocolate ! hmm not sure if he knows exactly what is involved

If a thing (e.g. this self-denial thing) is worth doing, it's worth doing all the time to varying degrees, I reckon. So typical of religion to make a big issue out of ordinary everyday good behaviour choices that people without religion make all the time just because they are decent people.

Now ducking out of shooting range.

Too soon after 'Dry January' for me

It's good for us to deny ourselves something now and then. So I'm giving up peanut butter to which I have a serious addiction. Finger dipping in the jar late at night... I'm a disgrace!

Practice makes perfect. Perhaps if we try during lent it will become a habit. I am still trying forbearance with DH. Not always failing miserably.

As soon as I decide to give up something eg chocolate or wine, that's when I can't stop thinking about it. Normally I wouldn't keep hankering after it.

It's not just a question of giving up something - you should also do something positive. I always give up alcohol and meat - the money I save goes to charity.

That is a very valid point !