BBC NEWS | Magazine | Going without This is an article in the BBC online magazine about Thirst For Life, a project from Share Jesus International that is challenging people in the UK to give up alcohol for Lent. Their spokeswoman Emma Morrice says that we don’t need to work so much for things in a consumer society so so we push ourselves to feel more – including alcohol. We also don’t examine things in detail, she claims, thus missing the damage caused by alcohol in our society. (Not sure the latter comment is entirely fair.)
The article asks a psychologist and a philosopher about the merits of giving up something. The psychologist says it is about showing we can exercise some control over our lives. The philosopher thinks it is about clearing our conscience and demonstrating that we we can be virtuous.
In Christian terms the psychologist sounds closer to the Gospel than the philosopher. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. But to prove we are virtuous sounds like what Jesus condemns in the Sermon on the Mount about making a show of our piety (including fasting).
Both contributors, however, miss the Christian notion that this bodily self-discipline is about making sure that Christ and not our appetities is Lord. It is about the devotion of love that will give up something because the Beloved is more important.
Most disturbing, however, is to read the list of comments. So many non-Christians are effectively telling Christians to shut up. Many of the comments read as if Christians are not allowed to campaign for anything. There is real vitriol and hatred of us. Part of that may well be about the reputation we have earned in the past, but it’s also highly worrying that we can’t speak up without being condemned.
Technorati Tags: Lent, alcohol, Thirst For Life, Share Jesus International
Big Circumstance 
I think that being told to shut up shows that we do have a voice and it is being heard, even if it is harshly or badly recieved. Perhaps the subject of alchohol is a touchy one for people, I suspect it has a hold over more peoples lives than would care to admit it…hence the Christians are killjoys!!!
Sad that the prayer aspect of the fasting from alchohol hasn’t been made more of though.
I take it you’re not fasting from blogging for Lent
LikeLike
Following up on yesterdays comment, I was talking to a young mum at our toddler group today who revealed that she drinks at least a bottle of wine every night. She is grossly overweight and ruining her health, but sees no reason for stopping, we have a good relationship and I challenged her to join Thirst for Life with me , but she says she can’t. It is her only way of relaxing…Thirst for life is about folk like her…please if anyone is joining in with this initiative take time to pray for those who are affected by alchohol abuse of any kind.
LikeLike
Just the fact that a Christian group is encouraging people to give up anything is good news to me. Too often we take the easy way out – self-discipline, being virtuous – who needs it? When instant gratification and any and everything our heart desires is one stop, click or drive away. Any dialogue about doing the ‘right thing’ is a plus in my book.
LikeLike