Episode 31: Is Ash Wednesday Really Biblical or Just Tradition?

In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the origins and meaning of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. For some, these traditions feel deeply meaningful, while for others, they seem unnecessary or even unbiblical. So, where did these practices come from? And do they have a place in the lives of believers today?

Diving into church history, biblical symbolism, and personal reflections, they discuss how Ash Wednesday calls us to confront our mortality—reminding us that “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return.” They also break down the significance of fasting during Lent, connecting it to biblical patterns of 40-day trials, repentance, and spiritual discipline.

Should Christians observe Lent? Is Ash Wednesday just a Catholic tradition, or does it have deeper biblical roots? This episode unpacks the power of these practices—not as a requirement, but as a tool for reflection, repentance, and preparation for the hope of Easter.