Lent Without Ashes

Talking about the season of Lent in certain corners of Protestantism can result in the theological equivalent of a fist fight. Hardline Regulative Principle of Worship adherents in Reformed circles often argue that, because Lent is not prescribed by Scripture, it is wrong to impose it upon Christians as a required practice. Hardline anti-Catholic Protestants will claim that Lent is “too Catholic” and want nothing to do with it in their churches. Outside of these hardliners though is what seems to be general acceptance and practice of Lent in the Western church – ashes, fasting, and all.

The position that I have held to for years is an alternative practice that doesn’t really get much discussion and airtime, and that is this: Lent without ashes. And what I mean by that is exactly what it sounds like – practicing the season of Lent without the practice of the imposition of ashes.