Many Christian denominations observe the religious season of Lent the precedes the celebration of Easter. Are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, among them? Is there a celebration of Lent in the Mormon church?
What is Lent?
Lent is the period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. This is the time for worshipers to prepare themselves for Easter. Traditionally, churches are void of decorations during the season of Lent, and any crosses in the chapel may be veiled.
Lent is largely a "Catholic holiday." It is celebrated in all Catholic parishes as well as some Protestant denominations as well. Worshipers who observe Lent traditionally "give up" something - often a bad habit (such as cursing) or a guilty pleasure (like chocolate.) Fasting may also be part of the Lent celebration. Most people concentrate on repentance, temperance, and spiritual purity during the period of Lent.
Observance of Lent in the LDS Church
The LDS (Mormon) church does not include Ash Wednesday or the season of Lent on its calendar of Mormon holidays, but does celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Individual Latter-day Saints who wish to observe Lent with their non-Mormon friends and neighbors are free to do so.
Even though they don't observe the 40-day period of Lent, the LDS church teaches year-round the principles encouraged during Lent in other faiths such as self-discipline, repentance, and fasting.
Biblical History of Lent
Lent is not mentioned by name in the Bible, so Mormons don't feel obligated to celebrate it in order to qualify as Christians. (See Are Mormons Christians? for more information.) Though Mormons agree with the principles celebrated during Lent, they view observance of Lent as a tradition rather than a religious obligation.
Though they themselves do not observe Lent, most Mormons respect those who do. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places heavy emphasis on each person's freedom to worship (or not) as they see fit.
Lent is celebrated by some, but not all, Christian religions. Catholics and some Protestants observe Lent, but Mormons do not. Like other Christians, Mormons look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday. They anticipate the holiday but do not do so formally with an observance of Lent.
Interested readers can also read the article What Do Mormons Believe? for a broad picture of basic Mormon beliefs.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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