Lent begins

[joliet_jane]

I don't give up things for Lent, because everything people give up is usually crap they should've have to begin with.

Also, some people try to get away with lousy ones like giving up Coca-Cola.  How can you in any way compare that to being Crucified?

[AnimeClock]

I don't give up things for Lent, because everything people give up is usually crap they should've have to begin with.

Also, some people try to get away with lousy ones like giving up Coca-Cola.  How can you in any way compare that to being Crucified?

I see what your saying. to me it presents an opportunity to give something up altogether. I almost gave up all forms of pornography completely last year...I went 70 days... and then emotional things/girlfriend issues came up, and anyways maybe I'll be able to stick with it this year.

[Topcatyo]

I don't give up things for Lent, because everything people give up is usually crap they should've have to begin with.

Also, some people try to get away with lousy ones like giving up Coca-Cola.  How can you in any way compare that to being Crucified?

Because it's not supposed to be about crucifying.
Lent is an observation of that story when Satan had Jesus out in the desert for 40 days and kept tempting him with bread, water, and owning a kingdom or something along those lines.  Hence why you're supposed to give something up for Lent, because Jesus didn't eat or drink because he's hardcore.

[AnimeClock]

Because it's not supposed to be about crucifying.
Lent is an observation of that story when Satan had Jesus out in the desert for 40 days and kept tempting him with bread, water, and owning a kingdom or something along those lines.  Hence why you're supposed to give something up for Lent, because Jesus didn't eat or drink because he's hardcore.

I still think jj is right though. We cannot hope to possibly atone for all of our sins, so Jesus took punishment for those sins upon the cross with him. Lent is partway a way to take a step closer to giving up sin, though we cannot possibly be free of it, it's still a good step closer, and as you said a trial that makes you stronger.

[Topcatyo]

I still think jj is right though. We cannot hope to possibly atone for all of our sins, so Jesus took punishment for those sins upon the cross with him. Lent is partway a way to take a step closer to giving up sin, though we cannot possibly be free of it, it's still a good step closer, and as you said a trial that makes you stronger.

Yeah, that's why I'm giving up what I'm giving up, to hopefully better myself in some way.
I'm amazed I've had the self-control to not screw up thus far with Lent, and I feel good when I take the extra steps to ensure that I don't, like not drinking at all at a pizza party because you forgot to order anything but soda.

[AnimeClock]

Yeah, that's why I'm giving up what I'm giving up, to hopefully better myself in some way.
I'm amazed I've had the self-control to not screw up thus far with Lent, and I feel good when I take the extra steps to ensure that I don't, like not drinking at all at a pizza party because you forgot to order anything but soda.

I don't understand what you gave up. I'm pretty sure it's not like a birthday candle wish, you can tell us, right? Unless it's embarrassing?

[Topcatyo]

I don't understand what you gave up. I'm pretty sure it's not like a birthday candle wish, you can tell us, right? Unless it's embarrassing?

I did say it at one point, and by now my best friends have pretty much told anyone near so I don't really care anymore, but I'm giving up soda and wanking.

[berimfuckyoubau]

i didnt give up on nothing.

[AnimeClock]

a deadly duo.

There's a big christian argument as to whether masturbation is sinful or if it's just the fantasies rendered to expedite it. Anyways, it's just an indulgence like anything else you would give up for lent. I did that one in 2005. Going to just settle for giving up porn this year.

[Topcatyo]

a deadly duo.

There's a big christian argument as to whether masturbation is sinful or if it's just the fantasies rendered to expedite it. Anyways, it's just an indulgence like anything else you would give up for lent. I did that one in 2005. Going to just settle for giving up porn this year.

I can understand the whole idea behind masturbation being wrong.  As I discussed with Dr. Clock over AIM, apparently "every sperm is sacred" or something like that.  However one can say that they have no choice to do wrong things because they're flawed as humans, but that's oftentimes used as a get out of jail free card.

[Topcatyo]

Lent is past the halfway mark (I forget for how long).
There are 19 days left to go.
Also, it figures I'd pick the year Lent has an extra week in it (because of Leap Year, I don't get it either) to give up wanking.
Oh well.

[GodClock]

im still giving up hw and vegetables HAHAHA FUQ U MOM AND DAD

[HeinekenClock]

I think I gave up on humanity, though that may have been before Lent.

[FLOUNDERMAN_CLOCK]

Topcatyo you have quite a bit of self control, giving up masturbation for so long. I remember back when I was little, I'd say to give up soda or something and then I'd forget about it completely the next day. Same with New Year's Resolutions.

[Topcatyo]

Topcatyo you have quite a bit of self control, giving up masturbation for so long. I remember back when I was little, I'd say to give up soda or something and then I'd forget about it completely the next day. Same with New Year's Resolutions.

Thanks
I gave up wanking and soda, lol, so that's double the pain for me (more like triple since it is wanking, after all).  I kinda felt like I'd give it a real shot this year and see how much self control I have.  I'm a little surprised, to be honest.

That's agnostic not Atheist. You can't be mostly Atheist. You either believe in the supernatural (mysticism, etc.) or you don't.

I said "mostly" as it that was mostly the reason he went athiest.  He's full-on athiest and likes to tell us whenever we can and gets pissed of when we take him to church as a family for Christmas or something.

"Better to spill your seed in the belly of a harlot then spill it upon the earth!"

The real ideal behind this is simply to create more Christian followers. At the time when death was rampant and men did not live as long, it was necessary to continually reproduce an heir. Christian parents making babies merely meant more disciples of Christ. This was great, at the time. In the 21st Century the Earth is reasonably populated. Also, people don't die so young or as much. You probably won't find a wife at the age of 15 (or 13) any more either. Therefore, such a belief is unnecessary and a bit faulty. The Catholic Church however disagrees as there are more Muslims, Islamics, etc. than Christians.

Regardless, I'm an Atheist. With the exception of an occasional drink, I'm a pretty healthy guy and can't think of much to give up.

Understandable, though I think nowadays the church mostly says no masturbation because of that whole "every sperm is sacred" kind of thing, not really sure.
Oh well.  I see nothing wrong with the occasional drink, nor do I think anyone else does.

I think I gave up on humanity, though that may have been before Lent.

I would, but I'm a hopeful person and everyone else was doing it and it's not always fun to be in agreement with people about depressing things.

[Roman Collar Clock]

im giving up my acceptence of homosexuals and other religions.

That's the gayest Lenten promise I've ever heard.

Understandable, though I think nowadays the church mostly says no masturbation because of that whole "every sperm is sacred" kind of thing, not really sure.

I should recheck the canon on masturbation.  I can't remember what it says exactly.

It's also been argued that masturbation turns sexuality from something enjoyed by two people to something enjoyed only by one.  If you're used to just jacking it for a minute whenever you get horny, you'll have trouble when it comes to pleasing your partner.

Even doctors recommend only masturbating like 2-3 times a week. lol

[AnimeClock]

These porn avatars that are all the rage right now aren't making things much easier for me.

[Topcatyo]

These porn avatars that are all the rage right now aren't making things much easier for me.

I've been looking at porn this entire Lent.
Not a big help for me either.
That and the constant erections during school.

[Silly Putty Clock]

I'm giving up nothing. I don't think God needs any of my stuff. IT'S ALL MINE, YOU HEAR? ALL MINE! I'M NOT GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!

EDIT: I'm not sure whether I'm an Atheist or simply don't have much respect for God.

[Maltese]

Wasn't lent stolen from the story of buddha, who gave up things that weren't necessities and meditated under a tree for 20 years; because he's much more hardcore then jesus