Evangelical Angst About Ash Wednesday

Aleteia ^ | February 17, 2015 | DAVID MILLS

[CA Conservative]

Half my Catholic Church this morning was protestants wanting ashes on their forehead. Just another Catholic tradition that some protestants are trying to steal. If someones want to celebrate Ash Wednesday and get ashes on their head and actually know what it means, become a Catholic.

I don't think getting ashes on your head is in any way necessary for someone who wants to use the season leading up to Easter to draw closer to Christ by fasting and prayer. You can actually do that at any time, but using the time leading up to the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ may provide a greater focus on the sacrifices He made and the gift of Eternal Life through His death and resurrection.

[CynicalBear]

Matthew 6:16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Those who make a big deal out of it and make sure everybody knows already have their reward in full? A sombre note for those at this time of year.

[RegulatorCountry]

Just another Catholic tradition that some protestants are trying to steal. If someones want to celebrate Ash Wednesday and get ashes on their head and actually know what it means, become a Catholic.

So sour. View it as an opportunity to reach out. Why sit on your hands and kvetch? Too evangelical to proselytize?

[CyberAnt]

I’m not Catholic .. and I don’t pretend to be Catholic.

It’s their ritual .. and they have every right to enjoy it. I have absolutely no problem with it.

It’s just not what I believe. But that’s okay.

[Ken H]

Wonderful news! Did they consider naming her Ashley? :)

[Salvation]

Most people know that the Bible talks about sackcloth and ashes frequently, correct?

[Salvation]

You are still a Catholic, then, and we welcome you back.

[CynicalBear]

Matthew 6:16-18 would be one.

[RegulatorCountry]

My brother-in-law belongs to a vaguely Pentecostal-ish congregation that does both Ash Wednesday and Lent. What I know of it, I dislike the church. Cultish. Encourages people to tithe more than the Biblical tenth, even those who can ill afford it.

[Responsibility2nd]

Not satisfied to wait for so called “proof” Google is my friend...

Churches offer drive-by ashes on Ash Wednesday

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (AP) - Too busy to stop in for an Ash Wednesday service? Some churches are offering drive-by ashes.

Clergy at Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio, applied ash to the foreheads of anyone who stopped in the parking lot of the church for two hours Wednesday.

http://www.wkrg.com/story/28142169/churches-offer-drive-by-ashes-on-ash-wednesday

It may have the word Evangelical in its name. But trust me. There is NOTHING Evangelical about a Lutheran Church.

[Responsibility2nd]

And another thing. I’m sorry, but WHO has two hours to stop in a parking lot for ashes?

[CA Conservative]

Most people know that the Bible talks about sackcloth and ashes frequently, correct?

Yes, but that is used in the context of repentance, grief and mourning. I have already repented, I have no grief and am not in mourning - my sins are forgiven and my Lord is Risen! :-)

[Prince of Space]

Lol that would be funny, Ken!

[jocon307]

Agreed Prince! Praise Jesus and may He continue to bless your granddaughter and all her family.

[Heart-Rest]

"I’m still waiting to hear (see post 7) the name of even one Evangelical Church that is doing Ash Wednesday. I’m afraid this David Mills author and NYer are lying."

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Westminster Presbyterian Church Drive-thru ashes

Myers Park Baptist - does imposition of ashes

Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church Drive-up ashes

[Heart-Rest]

(Forgot to ping you NYer for my post 36, which was quoting another post with your FR name in the quote.)

[txrefugee]

This story was on The Five on Fox this evening. It was an ELCA church, which is neither Lutheran, Protestant, or Catholic but they had TV coverage so that’s all that matters to The Church of What’s Happenin’ Now.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

The bible also talks about sitting on manure heaps and scraping yourself with a pottery shard.

if given a choice I would take the ashes.

[metmom]

Sombre indeed.

And all this non-Catholics starting to participate in Ash Wednesday and Lent and all is just heading toward ecumenicalism and the one world religion.