A seemingly random topic, perhaps, but as previously stated, my interests are diverse. Recently, I've developed a significant interest in Christian history. While raised within the Protestant tradition, and still aligned with those beliefs, I've become increasingly intrigued by other Christian denominations. The Catholic faith, in particular, has captured my attention. Despite doctrinal differences, such as my perspective on the papacy, I find the cultural richness and historical depth of Catholicism profoundly compelling. Let's explore some of the areas I've been researching.
The Beginning of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church's history is a fascinating, and often debated, topic. While early Christian communities existed in Rome during the first century, the term 'Catholic' emerged in the second. What really piqued my interest is the idea that Jesus himself founded the Catholic Church. Catholics often cite Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says to Peter, 'And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.' Now, to my Protestant ears, that doesn't necessarily scream 'Peter, you're in charge!' But Catholics believe this moment designated Peter as the Church's first leader. They consider Peter the first Bishop of Rome, and thus, the first Pope. From there, the papacy continued through a line of successors.
I find this piece of history interesting, and although I don't necessarily agree with them on everything, I still find Catholicism very important to Christian culture, and that brings me to my next topic regarding Catholics.
Ash Wednesday and Lent have become my latest deep dive. It's funny, actually. My mom and I started participating in this Catholic tradition back in 2019, and initially, it was…well, let's just say our motives weren't exactly spiritual. We were looking for a diet hack, a way to justify cutting out certain foods. 'It's for God!' we'd say, to keep ourselves motivated. But something shifted over time. I found myself increasingly drawn to the deeper meaning of Lent. The idea of sacrificing something for Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, is truly beautiful. And though I've been observing Lent for years, it's only now that I truly understand its significance. This year, I have a newfound, profound appreciation for this season.
Here is a brief history of Lent for those who aren't aware:
Lent, the 40-day period of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter, has roots that stretch back to the early days of Christianity. While the observance of a specific 40-day period solidified over time, the concept of a preparatory season existed from the very beginning.
Early Christians observed a period of fasting and prayer before Easter, primarily as a time for catechumens (those preparing for baptism) to prepare spiritually. By the fourth century, the 40-day period became more standardized, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert as recounted in the Gospels.
Initially, the length and practices of Lent varied across different regions. However, by the Middle Ages, the practices we recognize today—fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—became more widely established. Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, became more prominent as a symbolic gesture of humility and repentance.
The 40 days, excluding Sundays (which are considered mini-Easters), represent a time for believers to turn inward, examine their lives, and strengthen their relationship with God. It’s a season of spiritual discipline, a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and prepare for the joy of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
In my effort to participate in Lent with greater authenticity, I've conducted extensive research. I've explored resources such as the Hallow app, which I've found particularly beneficial, and have also sought insights from various video presentations. Notably, an interview between Tucker Carlson and Jonathan Roumie, the actor portraying Jesus in 'The Chosen,' provided a transformative perspective on the purpose and significance of Lent. This interview illuminated the importance of fasting, the diverse methods of fasting, and the rationale behind the annual observance of Lent leading up to Easter.
Alright, so there you have it – my deep dive into Lent and Catholic history. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's totally cool! As you know, this blog is now my hyper-fixation playground, and this time around, it was all about Christianity. I'm thinking I'll probably do a few more posts about Christian history, from my perspective, of course. But don't worry, this isn't becoming a religious blog! I'm super excited to see where this blog takes me and what other random rabbit holes I'll drag you all down. Who knows what's next? Only my ever-wandering brain knows. Anyway…
