The American Religion -- Mormons Observing Lent?
Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 03:06PM 
This article caught my eye--Six Ways Mormons Can Enjoy the Spirit of Lent. Why would Mormons want anything to do with Lent?--something Mormons have historically associated with paganism creeping into the church shortly after the age of the apostles. Well, if American evangelicals are now attracted to such things, Mormons will do the same.
Notice the way in which the author of this essay (Kelsey Berteaux) explains how easily the Lenten season can be made to fit right in with Mormon notions of works-righteousness ("grace coupled with obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel") . . .
Though Latter-day Saints don’t observe the traditions of Lent, we can always learn a thing or two from it as we search for things that are of good report and praiseworthy. After all, we can always use a reminder to be better and have a more meaningful Easter.
Lent is well-known as a time to sacrifice. For the next 40 days (plus Sundays, which aren’t counted as part of the 40-day Lent tradition), make a “negative” change by resolving to take something bad out of your life. You could try giving up a TV program, excessive social media use, bad music, junk food, or something else you struggle with.
Here is the part that really jumped out . . . A citation from the Book of Mormon is actually adduced to support the practice.
The idea behind this tradition is captured beautifully in the words of Lamoni’s father:
“I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day” (Alma 22:18).
There are other ways Lent can be co-opted by Mormons.
As with LDS fasting, traditional Lent followers donate the money saved from eating a sacrifice meal to the poor and needy. Consider donating the money you saved to fast offerings along with your normal monthly donation.
During Lent, incorporate the color purple into your life in some small way. Consider putting out a purple table runner, buying purple flowers, or hanging a purple picture in your home. Then, every time you see the item (or any other purple item you encounter during your day), think back on the Savior and His sacrifice on your behalf. Also remember the commitments you’ve made as part of your Lent celebration.
The point of observing Lent—however you decide to do it—is to find more meaning in the Easter season and draw closer to Christ. The best, and perhaps simplest thing you can do is resolve to learn more about our Savior and His sacrifice.
The pressing issue here, of course, is that the Mormon "Christ" is none other than the spirit-brother of Lucifer, who was raised by the Father--who, in Mormon theology, is also a glorified, immortal, and resurrected man.
Since Mormonism consistently seeks to masquerade as a "Christian" denomination, well then, if the evangelicals are interested in Lent, Mormons need to be as well. Got to keep up with the Jones' you know.
Only in the bizarro world of American religion . . .
Reader Comments (6)
Among the Reformed, specifically those from Continental Reformed backgrounds, I have noticed acceptance of some kind of Lent observance. I remember some time ago Mike Horton arguing for some sort of observance of Lent; is he hanging around Lutherans a bit much?
I don't know about elsewhere, but in Classis SWUS of the URC, not a whole lot of talk or interest in lent.
have you ever encountered any offspring that didn't have the potential to become like their parents?
what a concept.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/lent-muslims-stand-in-solidarity-with-christians-by-tweeting-what-they-will-give-up-until-easter-10058233.html