>Christ is what's important, and implying to me that because I choose to observe Lent, or any other practice of my Church, somehow detracts from my faith does not sit well with me.

Yeah, I see nothing wrong with Lent. But some religions, as I understand it, believe that they are the only ones that are going to make it to heaven. I see that as just plain dumb. Or stuff like having to wear nothing but skirts. There's nothing wrong with it at all, I can see the point in it because it's less revealing and things like that. But, to me, if it's not going to make an eternal difference then I don't want to go out of my way to do it. Lent is a different story. That's basically fasting. Fasting don't always mean food or water. If it's supposed to then I use a misinterpretation of it. I believe that fasting is giving up anything for any given time for the benefit of the spirit. I hope I'm understandable. When I write, I seem to think of myself as being a bit vague at times. Anywho. G'day!

Wedge Antilles