“Ashes to Ashes”
Read an essay from ChristianHistory.net on how the early tradition of pre-Lenten repentance developed into our modern practice of Ash Wednesday.
Resources in: English
“Fasting has spiritual, physical benefits but also points to good works”
Read “Fasting has spiritual, physical benefits but also points to good works,” a March 2, 2011 Catholic News Service story.
“Apologies Fail to Live Up to Our Expectations”
A Jan. 25, 2011, column at Scientific American reports on a new study that finds we tend to overestimate the healing power of an apology.
“Feel the pain, shed the guilt”
A Feb. 3, 2011, post at the website of New Scientist magazine rounds up research indicating that suffering physical pain — the old-fashioned way of expiating guilt — is in fact effective at easing feelings of guilt.
“Does Guilt Inadvertently Lead to More Guilt?”
Read a Feb. 22, 2011, column about guilt at the website ScienceAnd ReligionToday.com.
“Churches Find End Is Nigh”
Read a Jan. 25, 2011, story from The Wall Street Journal about how Christians responded to decreased giving and economic hardship during the recession.
“How Evangelicals Give”
Read a Jan. 31, 2011, story from Christianity Today about how Christians are responding to decreased giving to churches.
“Seize the Day: Reimagining Ash Wednesday”
Read a March 3, 2011, column at Patheos.com by a self-described progressive pastor, Bruce Epperly, who plans to go to a spa on Ash Wednesday and focus on enjoying the wonders of the everyday world.
“Lenten sacrifice: Time to give up plastic bags or incandescent bulbs?”
Read a Feb. 25, 2011 Catholic News Service story on an environmental approach to lent.