Reviewed by Wayne Bogue, GodEquips.com
We do not recommend An Acceptable Fast: An Adult Lenten Study. The emphasis throughout the study is secular social justice, good deeds (works righteousness) without mention of the central Biblical theme of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, whose atoning death on the cross brought us from death to life. Without a Christ-centered focus, this study is, essentially, a thinly disguised humanistic teaching that uses religious language.
The discussion in session one regarding “Gratitude” cites Isaiah 58 but then provides a rather generic call to generosity, giving and sacrifice. While these virtues are laudable and central to the Christian life, they are not connected in this study with Biblical account of salvation; neither are we called to be grateful for the cross of Christ. In fact, Christ is not mentioned. A true Lenten study points us from day one to the cross of Christ. Gratitude here is disconnected from Biblical faith and our life in Christ.
The second discussion, “Taking the Long View,” is equally shallow and laden with politically correct overtones. We are to excuse Abraham for his lack of feminist sensitivities and we are to admire the marriage of Abraham and Sarah simply because they were ordinary, flawed people. The legacy lauded and promoted in this session is the legacy we should leave for future generations and not the legacy that Almighty God was creating, which would lead to the coming of the Christ. This session is earth-bound and has nothing to do with the salvation of God’s people or those who would later come to faith in Christ. Humanistic is the word we use to describe this lesson. The closing prayer is a general call to treat the earth better.
Session three is “Choosing Well.” The theme here is on feeding the hungry, a noble action. As with the other sessions, however, there is no mention of Christ. Isaiah 9 is used as the text, but the meaning drawn from it focuses strictly on earthly “social justice” issues, including the recommendation that a “hunger advocate” be invited to address the class. Of course feeding the hungry is a call of the Christian life, but this study calls for justice while ignoring the Christ of salvation, whose death and resurrection is central to why we feed the hungry and seek peace in the world.
In session four, the leader is asked to lead the class in a guided meditation. The focus is again on “social justice” issues (from a decidedly liberal perspective) and “community formation.” Once again, Christ is absent with the exception of imagining Jesus with a Lamb in His arms. The Christ of the cross is not found, leaving our Lenten focus strictly on good works (work righteousness).
Session five looks to the future, but it is a future of a new society brought into play through human efforts in social justice and community building. God’s Kingdom is never mentioned. The reconciliation of all things in Christ makes no appearance. This is a strictly secular future, although again, some religious language is invoked to give this study a veneer of faith. But faith in ourselves seems more relevant here than faith in God.
The final session, six, is much like the others. It emphasizes maintaining trust in times of crisis. Again, there is no heavenly hope, only trite advice on how to deal with our suffering here and how, through the usual litany of community, etc.
Our conclusion: The observance of Ash Wednesday and Lent is helpful only when it points to Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection from the dead. In this Christ alone we have life, forgiveness, mercy, grace and a real future.
This study contains nothing of the Biblical message of salvation, atonement, grace, and resurrection. We do not recommend this study.
A GodEquips Review:
Category: Lenten Resources
Title: An Acceptable Fast: An Adult Lenten Study
Author: Patricia K. Tull for The Thoughtful Christian
Format: downloadable PDF
Length: 6 Lessons
Depth: Beginner
We do not recommend
Editor’s note: The Thoughtful Christian website is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Its office is located in the Presbyterian Center, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Ky.