According to Carol Reeves [1], Lent, from the Old English word "lengten," meaning "spring", is derived from a 40-day festival of abstinence dedicated to Astarte, Chaldean fertility goddess. The Catholic Church, in the 4th century, established a parallel 40-day fast for believers to "stay focused on their new life as Christians". Historically, the Reformed Church and the Anabaptists (root of the modern day Baptists) rejected Lent, as it is not specifically preached in the Bible.
References
[1] C. Reeves, Observing Lent is widespread, not universal, Gazette-Times, 4 Feb 2005.
Hey Tim,
I wonder if Catholics fast only during the day, just like the Muslims. I should know since I grew up in Brazil, but I don't think fasting was practiced much in Brazil during Lent ...
Good job!
Posted by: Markus at December 11, 2006 11:04 AMGood job!
Posted by: Markus at December 12, 2006 7:56 PM