Curiously Kaitlyn Why do I have to give up stuff for Lent?
Mar 11, 2025
Esau McCaulley, a professor at Wheaton College and author, joins to discuss the significance of Lent and the power of fasting. He explains how giving up luxuries can enhance spiritual growth and deepen one’s relationship with God. The conversation delves into the origins of Lent, its role in the church calendar, and how faith-based traditions shape spiritual practices. Esau also highlights the importance of community and reflection during this period, offering insights for both traditional and non-traditional observers of Lent.
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Preparing for Easter
- Dr. Esau McCaulley uses preparing for special occasions, like his daughter's dance and his wedding, to illustrate the importance of preparing for Easter.
- These preparations symbolize the anticipation and excitement that should accompany significant events, including religious celebrations.
Lent and Protestantism
- Dr. McCaulley argues that observing Lent, a tradition of prayer and fasting before Easter, is not inherently un-Protestant.
- He points out that key figures of the Reformation did not reject the liturgical calendar, which includes Lent, focusing instead on theological questions of salvation.
Calendars and Formation
- Dr. McCaulley suggests that everyone is shaped by calendars, both secular and religious, which dictate rituals and behaviors.
- He emphasizes that secular calendars reflect cultural values, while religious calendars like the liturgical calendar offer an alternative focused on Christ.
