Hope you're not getting too tired of my blogging about Lent. Just two more items and I'll change the subject. Bet you gave a sigh of relief on that one, didn't you?
Lent did not begin until the second century and originated in the religion of ancient Babylonia. It was a forty-day time of fasting and abstinence directly borrowed from worshippers of the Babylonian goddess Tammuz imposed by the priests AFTER the days of the Apostles. It was not observed by the first-century Church.
Who was this Tammuz? She was a false Babylonian Messiah referred to in Ezekiel 8:13-15, which describes an annual festival celebrating her death and resurrection. In fact, ancient Judah worshipped this false Messiah which was an abomination in God's eyes. Before giving up personal sins and vices during this festival, the pagans held an "anything goes" celebration to be sure they got in their share of debaucheries and perversities prior to the celebration. This is what the world celebrates today as Mardi Gras just prior to Lent. I just don't see where God instituted Lent, which is nothing more than a pagan observance of debauchery in honor of the so-called resurrection of a false Messiah.
The 18th chapter of Revelation describes the fall of Babylon and says that God commands Christians to flee from the pagan traditions and customs of this world. God commands His people to follow Him rather than the traditions of men. Other Scriptures (Jer. 10:2-3; Lev. 18:3-4,30; Deut. 7:1-5,16) reveal that God hates ALL pagan observances. For me, that includes Lent, even though it may seem like a sincere, heartfelt religious observance. But as you can see from the above, it is deeply rooted in pagan ideas that are contrary to God's plan.
Consequently I have no inclination or desire to celebrate Lent. My spirit is grieved every time I see the seven candles my Church has lit in honor of the season, with one candle being extinguished each week prior to Lent.
Preacher's Kid
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