Can I give up my car for Lent?

In response to:Getting the bus

2007-02-23T11:30:20+01:00

Yay, well done

In response to:Should I do it?

2007-02-21T13:37:54+01:00

Hi Rob,

Surely you can't TEST God - or challenge him to show himself. Isn't that what the story of Jesus's temptations in the desert is all about? The Devil asks him to test God's power and he refuses. God will only reveal Himself to people who believe in Him - and I guess that is the fundamental flaw of religion - it's self perpetuating and difficult to deny.

I don't think God would prove his existence over the next forty days because some upstart atheist challenged him to. However, if he wants to reveal Himself by showing us all how to save the planet and maybe somehow convincing George Bush to care about the environment that's fine with me!

I don't mean to be so confrontational however, and I certainly don't want to diminish or denigrate anyone else's faith - if you can believe in it and it makes your life better than I think you have a great deal to gain and a great deal to offer the world.

In response to:Should I do it?

2007-02-20T22:30:33+01:00

Great thinking there Emily B. You put a good point forward for us Christians to think about on the validity of Lent as a thing (I mean, let's super-indulge for eleven months of the year and then do 40 days penance? I don't think so).

I always find it strange to read something written by an obviously intelligent person and then discover that they DON'T believe in God. To me that seems like a huge anomaly.

Self denial is a good thing for our constitution, from a spiritual point of view even more so. May I suggest a compromise for Lent? Give up you disbelief's in God for a month and challenge him, sorry Him, to prove His existence within the forty day period. If he hasn't done so by Easter you can pick up your disbelief again and happily get on with your life

In response to:Should I do it?

2007-02-19T17:06:04+01:00

I completely agree - Christianity has some great teachings to offer - and I think the best is 'love thy neighbour'. But part of that should be caring for the Earth and I don't think the church is all that vocal about that. There was a recent channel 4 documentary called 'God is Green' - I missed it but would have been really interested in what different people's arguments for and against green issues would have been.

In response to:Should I do it?

2007-02-19T15:51:36+01:00

Do it, I don't believe there is a God as I can't get my head round the fact that Jesus died and then rose from the dead - I mean, how could that happen?!!! Maybe get the bus if you don't fancy the walk. I went to a Carol service with my friend and her family at Christmas because they are committed Christians and I must say, I do agree with some of the teachings-like having respect for yourself, how to treat others and stuff, there's so much - maybe I'll pop it on a blog so you know what I'm on about but I'd say yeah, go for it!! take care xx

In response to:Should I do it?

2007-02-19T13:48:46+01:00

Do it. You'll find its hard work and you have to think differently and plan a lot more, but you'll walk more and enjoy your journey a little better. Can't recommend biking in UK but certainly here in Holland its great as you have your own cycle paths and priority over the cars - I don't do it as much as I use to as I have to commute with my son to school every day, but benefits of biking - get fit, feel slimmer, have glowing complexion and feel environmentally better.

Good luck!