​“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent,” the pastor paused for breath and stretched out his hands to the congregation, trying by the power of his will to disbar the sleep from their eyes, for it was only seven in the morning, and a miracle that any of them were there at the appointed time. His voice called across the empty pews, “by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” The assembled ten people, bilious from the carb-laden stupor of previous evening’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, wrestled their wandering minds to the liturgical mat and began to confess their sins.

It is an ancient practice — the observation of Lent — and one that for many, especially in the apocalypse of COVID-19, is falling by the way. It is becoming a vestigial yet beautiful anachronism for which formerly religious people feel nostalgia, without being able to remember why they obeyed when the church called for their penitent attention.

This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with Journal author Anne Kennedy about her online-exclusive article, “Haven’t We All Sacrificed Enough: A Christian Tries to Observe Lent”. https://www.equip.org/article/havent-we-all-sacrificed-enough-a-christian-tries-to-observe-lent/

Starting in February 2021, online-exclusive articles, have been locked and are only available for Journal subscribers as noted below; however, given the time sensitive nature and global importance of this subject, our editorial board decided to make this available to the public as soon as possible. Also consider this a free preview of the quality and in-depth research that goes into our online-exclusives. To learn more about subscribing and gaining early access to future online-exclusive articles, please see our FAQ section on Early Access to Online-Exclusive Articles by clicking here https://www.equip.org/early-access-to-online-exclusive-articles-faqs/ and subscribing by clicking here. https://www.equip.org/product/online-early-access-subscription-options/
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Other articles and podcasts featuring this author

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Episode 252 Meditation Upon the Death of a Pet

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Episode 216 Why Do I Call Myself Good? A Look at Virtue Signaling

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Episode 211: There Is No Health in Us: Wellness and Self-Care in the Age of COVID-19

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Episode 209 She Who Has Eyes, Let Her See: A look at Didn’t See That Coming by Rachel Hollis

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Episode 204: The Road Back to Where? A Look at Self Discovery Using the Enneagram

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Episode 198 Cancel Culture and the Gospel: Where Can You Go When The Whole World Is Against You?

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Episode 193 Catching UP with Rachel Hollis, Glennon Doyle & Jen Hatmaker

Episode 191 Gods, Gold, and Cheetahs: The Theological Vision of Untamed

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Episode 181 But What If It Is Me? The Work and Worldview of Brené Brown

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Episode 178 Worshipping Together

Episode 160-Naming Names: Why It’s OK (and Necessary) to Call Out False Teachers and Fugitives from Church Justice by Name

Naming Names: Why It’s OK (and Necessary) to Call Out False Teachers and Fugitives from Church Justice by Name

Episode 151 Am I a Bad Christian for Watching Hallmark Christmas Movies?

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Episode 147 Book Review of Modern Kinship: A Queer Guide to Christian Marriage and An Evaluation of 2019 Evolving Faith Conference

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