Give up your smartphone, chocolate, coffee, alcohol? Only eat at certain times? Stop shopping and instead clear out your closet? This is all called detox, minimalism – or fasting. In the secular world this now works fine without religion. Or not?
Actually, all of these modern trends have learned from religion, says the designated Archbishop of Bamberg, Herwig Gössl. “That in itself is a beautiful sign. Because fasting is a religious act.” In the past, people would not have fasted to combat obesity. “It was about freeing the mind, even from stressful things that distract you from the essential questions of life. And that is just as relevant today as it was before. So I see fasting as something religious.”
Lent occurs in all major religions, says Gabriela Grunden, head of the spirituality and spiritual guidance department in the ordinariate of the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising. “The purpose of Lent is to refresh your body and soul, to focus on God, to rethink your own lifestyle and, if necessary, to correct it.”
Fasting and detoxification offers are also in demand in a non-religious context, emphasizes Grunden: “Detox is a hype. Apparently there is a deep need to get back in peace with yourself. This also includes being more careful with yourself and others . To feel yourself again and to detach yourself from everything superfluous and to do something good for your body and soul.”
Michael Wolf, consultant for church and community development in the regional church office of the Protestant regional church, says: “Lents can be healing interruptions to everyday life.” The spiritual dimension of fasting is compatible with social trends. “In society we feel a great longing for depth and spirituality. And here Lent can offer an occasion and a framework. And the traditions and experiences from the Christian tradition in the area of fasting can offer depth and breadth to new fasting trends.”
There are now apps, podcasts and other social media offerings for Lent
The Protestant and Catholic churches have long had modern offerings for Lent. The Protestant Church’s “7 weeks without…” campaign has already been established and this year’s motto is “7 weeks without going it alone” to focus on more togetherness. “Social developments and needs are also taken into account here,” says Wolf.
“There are great new ways to organize Lent,” emphasizes Grunden – and cites apps, podcasts and other social media offerings as examples. “This allows us to reach a wide range of people.”
The ecumenical everyday retreats of the Archdiocese of Bamberg and the Evangelical Church District of Bayreuth will also be offered again this year. The offer has long been used throughout Germany: There are face-to-face groups on the topic of “relationships”, but online retreats are also possible with impulses via email and online exchange with spiritual companions. An online group is aimed specifically at couples.
After Carnival, Ash Wednesday begins Lent, which lasts 40 days – Sundays are excluded. Then comes Easter. The churches are based on the biblical story, according to which Jesus himself went into the desert and fasted for 40 days. On Ash Wednesday, the cross of ashes is traditionally placed in Catholic churches – and these words from the Bible are spoken: “Repent and believe in the Gospel!” from the Gospel of Mark or “Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return” from the book of Genesis.
“Lent begins where change begins, with ourselves. Start with ourselves, but don’t end with ourselves,” says Grunden. “It’s not just about me feeling better, but about feeling and perceiving others better. This time can become an impulse to do more for others and to speak up when people, animals and the world around us are threatened be abused. Wake up and find your way back to what gives life meaning and depth, share joy and desire for life. That is the perspective towards Easter.”