Observe Lent (From Oxford Mail)

Observe Lent

6:40pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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In reply to Alan Bourne’s letter in Tuesday’s Oxford Mail, I, like him, am not a theologian, nor a historian, but I do know enough about Lent and Easter to tell him that what he wrote is not accurate.

Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. We celebrate it because it can bring us closer to God. This came about as the Church developed. I doubt whether or not it happened instantaneously.

As the Church developed, it recognised that Jesus himself was tempted by Satan for 40 days and nights so we celebrate Lent for 40 days and nights.

We know that Easter is a moveable feast and, at this time of year, was celebrated by pagans, so, why not, when the Church was looking for a way to celebrate Easter, amalgamate the two?

Surely if the Church wanted to honour Christ, it doesn’t matter if the days were originally pagan, as long as they are put aside for our blessed Lord?

I object very strongly to the way Alan Bourne describes it as an insult to the gospels of Christ. And why does he call on Christians to avoid these celebrations? He was so right when he said he was not a theologian nor a historian. You don’t have to be, Mr Bourne, just be a believer.

Rosemary Waters, Culham,