I am curious...(and I agree with your assessment. There is good evidence that the practice of Lent is derived from the Mystery Religions of Babylon)...why do the “devout” participate in what I would call “symbolic fasting”? They give up little things like sugar, chocolate, or the Internet, etc. But there is no all out fast...just symbolism. It is almost tokenism...and seems quite superficial.
>> why do the “devout” participate in what I would call “symbolic fasting”? <<
Wouldn’t it make sense to ask the person who’s doing it? As someone who has done it, I can tell you that removing a little something from your daily life makes you remember God every time you reach for that little something. It’s not meant to be a sacrifice; Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and eternal. It’s just meant to remind you to appreciate his sacrifice, and to decide to follow him.
Double bind! If Catholics were required, unreasonably, to confine themselves t0 1,000 calories a day for all the weekdays of Lent except 3/25, many others would mock us for "works righteousness."
But when we use helpful little tricks to assist us in focusing more intently on to wonder of God's unmerited saving act, then we're superficial.
I find no Scriptural warrant for radio of TV preachers. Heck, I find no Scriptural warrant for indoor plumbing. That doesn't mean Christians ought not to listen to TV preachers or thank God for American Standard.