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The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent
“Like many evangelicals who love the gospel, I had my doubts about Lent.” It’s true, Lent can often seem like an empty ritual. But what Aaron Damiani came to find, and what he describes inside, is something else entirely. Something exceedingly good. In The Good of Giving Up, Anglican pastor Aaron Damiani (who comes from a low-church background) explains the season of Lent, defends it theologically, and guides you in its practice. You’ll Lent has been described as a “springtime for the soul,” a season of clearing to make room for growth. The Good of Giving Up will show you why, encouraging you to participate in what many know as a rich spiritual journey. “ When I was finally ready to take the plunge, I learned that observing Lent is not a forced march of works-righteousness. But it was good medicine for [my soul], for the painful split between what I knew about God and what I experienced of Him.”
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2017
62 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Damiani
3 books49 followersAaron Damiani (MA, Biblical Exegesis) serves as the Rector of Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago and is the author of The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent (Moody, 2017) and Earth Filled With Heaven: Finding Life in Liturgy, Sacraments, and other Ancient Practices of the Church (Moody, 2022). Aaron writes and speaks regularly about spiritual formation, leadership and recovering the gifts of the ancient church for today's challenges. Aaron and his wife Laura live with their four kids in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 28, 2017
This book is surprising and disarming...
When my parents left the Roman Catholic Church via true repentance and belief, I was still old enough to remember some of the trappings of "high church." My parents' conversion was quite drastic. Not long after their conversion, I, as a youngster, came to Christ in repentance and faith (even though I had made first confession and communion).
I'm comfortably a "low"-church guy (prefer rather the term "free"). So, this is the perfect book for people in that category.
Aaron writes with much gracious conviction, but more evident is his passion for following Jesus Christ. As a pastor, he pastors all his readers through the book. His tone is absolutely irenic and devoid of any polemic which was refreshing. His case for observing Lent is quite compelling whether you have practiced it ignorantly, heartlessly or legalistically in the past (or not at all).
The content is arranged in 3 parts (with a helpful appendix on Special Services in Lent): The Case for Lent, The Path of Lent & Leading Others through Lent. This book while easy-to-read challenges our motives for following Christ. I sensed an unusual knowledge of the holiness and purity of God and a centering on the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While not all his ideas or forms are persuasive, one will find much meat to chew on here.
Two points that give me pause:
1) the (over?)use of the phrase "mere Christian" this or that. Much humility and earthiness is contained in that phrase. But, I felt that agreement about its mere"ness" was almost assumed.
2) Every good author knows his audience, and Aaron superbly hits several kinds of readers. The point I felt that was left unsaid (which likely betrays my "free church" tradition) is who gets to participate in these services. It is likely a rub for me b/c of my belief in a regenerate church membership; a phrase not employed in the Anglican Communion. I took away that all the services related to Lent are meant to be extremely inclusive regardless of faith, church status or spiritual state. Of course, one of the beauties of Lent is the rugged confession that should take place. How that works for the unconverted (unless tied to that initial calling out to Christ), I don't know.
One thing is for sure: Aaron has convinced me at least to enter Lent for myself. He has given HOPE plus all kinds of resources for realizing a meaningful Lent that leads to a rich experience of Easter.
Some quotes:
"We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolize the feast of Easter on our plates" (p. 23).
"We need more than a Good Friday service 2 days in advance to get into the state of mind and heart to celebrate Jesus' victory over death and hell" (p. 27).
"When we meet God's demands in hope that he will meet our demands, we think we are high-functioning, pious people" (p. 39).
"We are not justified by fasting, prayer, and generosity. Nor are we justified by expository preaching, social justice, or reciting the Sinner's Prayer correctly. We are justified by grace through faith" (p. 41).
"We need Lent b/c repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus' forgiveness. Our default posture is to use Jesus' forgiveness like we use the car wash: as a fast, convenient solution to a surface problem. The truth is that the cleansing process needs to go much deeper, like a thorough spring cleaning. It cannot be rushed" (p. 62).
"For us, baptismal vows might feel benign. But the battle is just as real. As we take or renew our vows, we are forsaking our lives to gain Christ. While we may not experience the 'red martyrdom' of death, we can willingly embrace the 'white martyrdom' of whole-hearted discipleship and witness" (p.78).
"The paradox of Lent is that it creates a spiritual crisis that leads to stronger communion with God and others. This is the 'Bright Sadness' that animates our prayers" (p. 111).
"Sometimes positivity is nothing less than cover up speech intended to silence grief and rage" (p. 114).
"Generosity as it is taught in Scripture and modeled by Jesus, is relational, not transactional" (p. 122).
When my parents left the Roman Catholic Church via true repentance and belief, I was still old enough to remember some of the trappings of "high church." My parents' conversion was quite drastic. Not long after their conversion, I, as a youngster, came to Christ in repentance and faith (even though I had made first confession and communion).
I'm comfortably a "low"-church guy (prefer rather the term "free"). So, this is the perfect book for people in that category.
Aaron writes with much gracious conviction, but more evident is his passion for following Jesus Christ. As a pastor, he pastors all his readers through the book. His tone is absolutely irenic and devoid of any polemic which was refreshing. His case for observing Lent is quite compelling whether you have practiced it ignorantly, heartlessly or legalistically in the past (or not at all).
The content is arranged in 3 parts (with a helpful appendix on Special Services in Lent): The Case for Lent, The Path of Lent & Leading Others through Lent. This book while easy-to-read challenges our motives for following Christ. I sensed an unusual knowledge of the holiness and purity of God and a centering on the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While not all his ideas or forms are persuasive, one will find much meat to chew on here.
Two points that give me pause:
1) the (over?)use of the phrase "mere Christian" this or that. Much humility and earthiness is contained in that phrase. But, I felt that agreement about its mere"ness" was almost assumed.
2) Every good author knows his audience, and Aaron superbly hits several kinds of readers. The point I felt that was left unsaid (which likely betrays my "free church" tradition) is who gets to participate in these services. It is likely a rub for me b/c of my belief in a regenerate church membership; a phrase not employed in the Anglican Communion. I took away that all the services related to Lent are meant to be extremely inclusive regardless of faith, church status or spiritual state. Of course, one of the beauties of Lent is the rugged confession that should take place. How that works for the unconverted (unless tied to that initial calling out to Christ), I don't know.
One thing is for sure: Aaron has convinced me at least to enter Lent for myself. He has given HOPE plus all kinds of resources for realizing a meaningful Lent that leads to a rich experience of Easter.
Some quotes:
"We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolize the feast of Easter on our plates" (p. 23).
"We need more than a Good Friday service 2 days in advance to get into the state of mind and heart to celebrate Jesus' victory over death and hell" (p. 27).
"When we meet God's demands in hope that he will meet our demands, we think we are high-functioning, pious people" (p. 39).
"We are not justified by fasting, prayer, and generosity. Nor are we justified by expository preaching, social justice, or reciting the Sinner's Prayer correctly. We are justified by grace through faith" (p. 41).
"We need Lent b/c repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus' forgiveness. Our default posture is to use Jesus' forgiveness like we use the car wash: as a fast, convenient solution to a surface problem. The truth is that the cleansing process needs to go much deeper, like a thorough spring cleaning. It cannot be rushed" (p. 62).
"For us, baptismal vows might feel benign. But the battle is just as real. As we take or renew our vows, we are forsaking our lives to gain Christ. While we may not experience the 'red martyrdom' of death, we can willingly embrace the 'white martyrdom' of whole-hearted discipleship and witness" (p.78).
"The paradox of Lent is that it creates a spiritual crisis that leads to stronger communion with God and others. This is the 'Bright Sadness' that animates our prayers" (p. 111).
"Sometimes positivity is nothing less than cover up speech intended to silence grief and rage" (p. 114).
"Generosity as it is taught in Scripture and modeled by Jesus, is relational, not transactional" (p. 122).
February 7, 2017
Aaron Damiani makes a case for Lent in his new book, The Good of Giving Up. In this one, he seeks to persuade readers from all denominations that Lent is a good thing, could be a GREAT thing even. The first part of this one focuses on the history of Lent, and, a little of the why you should observe it. The second part of this one focuses on the how--specifically how an individual can observe Lent. The third and final part of this one is how to lead others--your family, your church, etc--through Lent. He does admit that Lent can be misunderstood and abused. But he urges that just because people have the wrong ideas about Lent isn't a good reason to abandon this centuries old practice.
This one had some good insights:
*In theory the gospel is compelling, but in reality we would rather pay attention to whatever Netflix is offering. We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolize the feast on our Easter plates.
*We were made to look upward and outward with our imaginations to behold the beauty of God in Christ.
*We are called to worship, but we have chosen to fantasize. We have exchanged God’s exhilarating and expansive story for lesser stories shaped by our fears, pain, and unhealthy desires.
Here are a few reasons why he wants you to celebrate Lent:
*The desert is where God called his people to make them holy. We might assume that the wilderness is a place of exile and isolation, and it certainly can be that. But in the story of redemption, the wilderness has always been a sacred rendezvous spot for God and His beloved sons and daughters. In the wilderness, we detox from our false attachments and renew our sacred, primal bond with our loving Father.
*We enter the wilderness of Lent because the gospel is true. We do not go into the wilderness to find God. We enter the wilderness because God has found us. He has delivered us, blessed us, and called us His own. The desolation and quiet gives us space to ponder the great salvation we have already witnessed. Even our struggles and failures in the wilderness teach us the truth of the gospel.
Lent, then is a profound picture of the Christian journey. It stands between our deliverance and our home. It is a time of faith and longing, hope and expectation. No, we are not ready for Easter. Not yet. But with the world behind us and the cross before us, we go repenting and rejoicing one faltering step at a time.
*We need Lent because repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness. Our default posture is to use Jesus’ forgiveness like we use the car wash: as a fast, convenient solution to a surface problem. The truth is that the cleansing process needs to go much deeper, like a thorough spring cleaning. It cannot be rushed. Lent provides forty days for us to behold Christ and His cross, not only to understand it more deeply, but also to cast our soul’s toxic waste upon it. I invite you to imagine Lent as a season when Jesus heals and restores what sin has destroyed in our souls, families, and congregations. The sermons, silence, and ancient prayers of confession during Lent all teach us a posture of gospel repentance.
Much of this book could be considered Lent for beginners. He explains just about everything including what it is and what it isn't. It is a very practical book in many ways.
Did Aaron Damiani convince me? Not really. Oh, I am glad to know that his reasons for celebrating Lent seem wholesome enough--biblical enough. To focus on Christ and WORSHIP him. Not to boast to anyone and everyone, HEY LOOK AT ME, I'M GIVING UP SOMETHING FOR LENT!
Here's where we agree, I think: Drawing near to God is good. Seeking the LORD is good. Spending time in prayer and Bible reading is wonderful. Applying what you read to your life is great. Give of yourself--not just financially but your time and resources. Live in God's presence and REJOICE in the resurrection.
Here's where we disagree, I think: The focus of Lent seems to be on the 'giving up' something. I don't think that is where the focus should be. I think the focus should be on what you're gaining. It isn't the giving up of something that makes for a richer spiritual life. It is the realizing that Jesus is BETTER than anything you have going in your life. The wrong way to do Lent is to give up something without gaining anything in return, or to gain something merely temporarily. The right way to do Lent--to do life--is to make Jesus your ONE THING and let that love of Christ rearrange your daily schedule forever more.
This one had some good insights:
*In theory the gospel is compelling, but in reality we would rather pay attention to whatever Netflix is offering. We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolize the feast on our Easter plates.
*We were made to look upward and outward with our imaginations to behold the beauty of God in Christ.
*We are called to worship, but we have chosen to fantasize. We have exchanged God’s exhilarating and expansive story for lesser stories shaped by our fears, pain, and unhealthy desires.
Here are a few reasons why he wants you to celebrate Lent:
*The desert is where God called his people to make them holy. We might assume that the wilderness is a place of exile and isolation, and it certainly can be that. But in the story of redemption, the wilderness has always been a sacred rendezvous spot for God and His beloved sons and daughters. In the wilderness, we detox from our false attachments and renew our sacred, primal bond with our loving Father.
*We enter the wilderness of Lent because the gospel is true. We do not go into the wilderness to find God. We enter the wilderness because God has found us. He has delivered us, blessed us, and called us His own. The desolation and quiet gives us space to ponder the great salvation we have already witnessed. Even our struggles and failures in the wilderness teach us the truth of the gospel.
Lent, then is a profound picture of the Christian journey. It stands between our deliverance and our home. It is a time of faith and longing, hope and expectation. No, we are not ready for Easter. Not yet. But with the world behind us and the cross before us, we go repenting and rejoicing one faltering step at a time.
*We need Lent because repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness. Our default posture is to use Jesus’ forgiveness like we use the car wash: as a fast, convenient solution to a surface problem. The truth is that the cleansing process needs to go much deeper, like a thorough spring cleaning. It cannot be rushed. Lent provides forty days for us to behold Christ and His cross, not only to understand it more deeply, but also to cast our soul’s toxic waste upon it. I invite you to imagine Lent as a season when Jesus heals and restores what sin has destroyed in our souls, families, and congregations. The sermons, silence, and ancient prayers of confession during Lent all teach us a posture of gospel repentance.
Much of this book could be considered Lent for beginners. He explains just about everything including what it is and what it isn't. It is a very practical book in many ways.
A partial fast is distinct from repentance of sin. Do not take a partial fast from using pornography or sleeping with your significant other. Rather, confess your sin to God, receive Christ’s forgiveness, and take drastic, intentional steps to remove it permanently from your life. The same is true for any other sin, such as gluttony, racism, violent behavior, slander, envy, or deceit. A partial fast may help you repent of sin, but it is a different path altogether. A partial fast is not an addiction treatment program. If you feel powerless to break a dependence on alcohol, sexual activity, gambling, drugs, overeating, or any other vice, seek professional help from a licensed counselor and an addiction recovery program in your church or community. Also seek support from your local pastor and church family. There is hope! The spiritual benefits of observing Lent with the people of God will be a support and encouragement as you walk the road of recovery.
If this is your first time observing Lent, keep it simple and make a short list of one or two abstentions that will challenge you without crushing you. Consider getting input from a mentor or pastor to ensure you set realistic goals. If you have already practiced the partial fast and are ready for more, then consider adding other items to your list.
Did Aaron Damiani convince me? Not really. Oh, I am glad to know that his reasons for celebrating Lent seem wholesome enough--biblical enough. To focus on Christ and WORSHIP him. Not to boast to anyone and everyone, HEY LOOK AT ME, I'M GIVING UP SOMETHING FOR LENT!
Here's where we agree, I think: Drawing near to God is good. Seeking the LORD is good. Spending time in prayer and Bible reading is wonderful. Applying what you read to your life is great. Give of yourself--not just financially but your time and resources. Live in God's presence and REJOICE in the resurrection.
Here's where we disagree, I think: The focus of Lent seems to be on the 'giving up' something. I don't think that is where the focus should be. I think the focus should be on what you're gaining. It isn't the giving up of something that makes for a richer spiritual life. It is the realizing that Jesus is BETTER than anything you have going in your life. The wrong way to do Lent is to give up something without gaining anything in return, or to gain something merely temporarily. The right way to do Lent--to do life--is to make Jesus your ONE THING and let that love of Christ rearrange your daily schedule forever more.
February 14, 2017
When we practice Lent in the spirit of Jesus, it's not about making God happy, looking spiritual, or repeating empty traditions. It's not a power move or a forced march. Jesus and the cloud of witnesses show us that Lent is about Jesus - and, therefore about love. The Holy Spirit uses fasting, prayer, and generosity to satisfy us with God's Fatherly love. As a result we are moved to share that love with others. And that is history worth repeating.
What a great text and study on Lent. I in the past have had mixed feelings about Lent but this text has clearly shown how biblical Lent really is and how beneficial it is for our spiritual maturity. The history of Lent is important for us to grasp as it will help us see the value of Lent for our heart and how we love.
The text comes in the parts. The Case for Lent, The Path for Lent. and Leading others through Lent. The Path for Lent was helpful in that it discussed how we may fail with good intentions. What was encouraging was that failure always leads to the Gospel and the Gospel is centered around Lent. I for one have the mind-set that I will fail to deny something or anything and in doing so, miss the work of Christ in changing my heart to be more like His.
Another aspect of the text that I found encouraging is Liturgy. I now attend a church that practices Liturgy. This is how the author explains the beauty of Liturgy. Liturgy means "the work of the people", and Christian liturgy is a series of scripturally based prayers that proclaim the gospel and help us participate in it. It exposes our need for the Lord and the beauty of redemption.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging
When we give way to excess, injustice follows close behind.
The ambient culture has confused the meaning of freedom, which no doubt affects the way many of us understand it. In the Scriptures, Jesus is the Lord who sets us free to love God and neighbor. Fasting helps us participate in that freedom. But in the modern West, pleasure is the Lord who is said to set us free to consume our neighbor and God for that matter.
When we confess our sin and receive forgiveness, we experience both sides of the gospel.
Lent is much more than giving up desires but revealing our greatest need. I highly recommend this book for all Christians.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What a great text and study on Lent. I in the past have had mixed feelings about Lent but this text has clearly shown how biblical Lent really is and how beneficial it is for our spiritual maturity. The history of Lent is important for us to grasp as it will help us see the value of Lent for our heart and how we love.
The text comes in the parts. The Case for Lent, The Path for Lent. and Leading others through Lent. The Path for Lent was helpful in that it discussed how we may fail with good intentions. What was encouraging was that failure always leads to the Gospel and the Gospel is centered around Lent. I for one have the mind-set that I will fail to deny something or anything and in doing so, miss the work of Christ in changing my heart to be more like His.
Another aspect of the text that I found encouraging is Liturgy. I now attend a church that practices Liturgy. This is how the author explains the beauty of Liturgy. Liturgy means "the work of the people", and Christian liturgy is a series of scripturally based prayers that proclaim the gospel and help us participate in it. It exposes our need for the Lord and the beauty of redemption.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging
When we give way to excess, injustice follows close behind.
The ambient culture has confused the meaning of freedom, which no doubt affects the way many of us understand it. In the Scriptures, Jesus is the Lord who sets us free to love God and neighbor. Fasting helps us participate in that freedom. But in the modern West, pleasure is the Lord who is said to set us free to consume our neighbor and God for that matter.
When we confess our sin and receive forgiveness, we experience both sides of the gospel.
Lent is much more than giving up desires but revealing our greatest need. I highly recommend this book for all Christians.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 11, 2018
I don't have enough good words about this book. As someone who lives in the netherworld of loving and cherishing Catholicism and the heritage it gives me and loving and cherishing the Reformation and Reformed theology, this was a book I hardly knew I wanted so much. It helps me to respond to the questions I get about Lent from other protestants and those who speak harshly towards tradition as being contrary to "Mere Christianity" even as it has helped me to prepare my heart to respond to the invitation of Lent. Aaron gives an historical, theological, and practical case for why Lent is Good Medicine--not a mandate of works righteousness, not a lure away from Mere Christianity, but a gift to anyone who desires to participate in prayer, fasting, and generosity in a more structured and communal way on the path of discipleship.
Loved this so much. I'm sure I'll return to it in future years to prepare for the Lenten season, but it was especially providential to read it this week before Lent.
Loved this so much. I'm sure I'll return to it in future years to prepare for the Lenten season, but it was especially providential to read it this week before Lent.
January 19, 2021
A simple yet faithful overview of Lent which is especially suited to evangelicals who have little to no background or confidence in the Church's observance of ancient feasts and seasons. Do not expect a mind-blowing experience while reading this. It is a simply (yet richly) composed book meant to equip the soul in the most basic ways to prepare it to be refreshed by the gentle yoke of the Lenten journey.
Recommended for those newly interested in the season of Lent and for those wishing to teach and lead people new to Lent.
Recommended for those newly interested in the season of Lent and for those wishing to teach and lead people new to Lent.
January 7, 2022
Great intro to Lent! I grew up in Methodist churches where I observed Lent loosely and never wondered at the empty ritual, then felt similarly empty when I joined an evangelical church where I felt like we just hopped from celebration to celebration. The author keeps the main thing the main thing the entire time without which this book would have fallen off. Lent is about drawing closer to God and being made into his image. As a Christian, what more could you want? Loved the historical context he gave.
March 14, 2018
A good book for those of us who didn't grow up practicing Lent. I've been guilty of viewing Lent as an empty ritual and this simple book helped lay out a case and path for practicing this season with intention. 4/5 because it felt directed mostly at church leaders, but accessible & recommended for anyone wanting to understand more about church rhythms.
February 8, 2024
This book has been helpful in shaping my new understanding of what participating in Lent looks like.
- fasting, prayer, repentance, and generosity -
This book will be a great guide as I step into this upcoming season of Lent for the first time. Grateful for Aaron Damiani and the loving pastoral invitation to become more like Christ that fills each page of this book.
- fasting, prayer, repentance, and generosity -
This book will be a great guide as I step into this upcoming season of Lent for the first time. Grateful for Aaron Damiani and the loving pastoral invitation to become more like Christ that fills each page of this book.
January 18, 2021
This is a wonderful book on the season of Lent. It is both practical and thought-provoking. Lent is not a season of purposeless self-denial, but rather a time of anticipation and self-control as we prepare for the joy and feasting that comes at the celebration of Easter!
March 28, 2017
A great introduction to Lent, especially for Christians who did not grow up in churches where Lent was practiced.
February 26, 2023
Excellent Lent primer with lots of practical helps. Would recommend for both those new to Lent and those who have observed in the past. Very encouraging!
August 16, 2017
Even though we're not yet in the Lenten season (it starts 1st March for 2017), I thought it would be a good idea to read this. The Good of Giving Up is a book on what Lent is, why one should practice it, how to practice it, as well as how you can lead others in Lent.
The author is Anglican, but the precepts are applicable to all denominations, even if the applications may differ from Church to Church. Since I'm Methodist, I do know what Lent is. My Church celebrates Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also encourage each other to do a partial fast, but I don't recall having an in-depth lesson on the meaning of Lent and it's relation to the Church.
If I were to summarise part 1, the explanation of Lent and why we should practice it, it would go like this: Lent is a way for us to prepare ourselves for the feasting and rejoicing of Easter: as the book puts it:
We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolise the feast on our Easter plates.
When we learn to focus our attention on our Heavenly Father and not on the issues of this world, the meaning of Easter becomes stronger. The author paraphrases Lord of the Rings when he says that on Easter:
[E]verything sad was coming untrue. Death itself had been turned on itself. Satan and his demons had run into the mousetrap of the cross, forfeiting their treats. And our Hero was making good on all His promises, sending His Spirit to renew the face of the earth, giving gifts as He ascended to His rightful throne.
Part 2 is on how we can practice Lent. Lent is practiced through fasting, prayer and generosity (also almsgiving). The fast can be a partial or a whole fast, and there is concrete advice for the prayer and almsgiving sessions as well.
The last part, part 3, is for pastors, parents and Church leaders, and deals with how one can lead others through Lent.
I am really thankful that I read this book. I've never really practiced Lent (apart from celebrating the different days), and I realise that this is leading me further away from God. The purpose of Lent isn't to be good only for that 40 days (as the book says, we can make every Friday a 'little Lent' and every Sunday a 'little Easter'), but to help us reorientate ourselves towards God, which carries over to the next year.
I suppose it's good that I read this way before the Lenten season. It will give me time to digest all the information here and prepare myself to practice Lent next year.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
The author is Anglican, but the precepts are applicable to all denominations, even if the applications may differ from Church to Church. Since I'm Methodist, I do know what Lent is. My Church celebrates Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also encourage each other to do a partial fast, but I don't recall having an in-depth lesson on the meaning of Lent and it's relation to the Church.
If I were to summarise part 1, the explanation of Lent and why we should practice it, it would go like this: Lent is a way for us to prepare ourselves for the feasting and rejoicing of Easter: as the book puts it:
We are so full on the junk food of our culture that we cannot metabolise the feast on our Easter plates.
When we learn to focus our attention on our Heavenly Father and not on the issues of this world, the meaning of Easter becomes stronger. The author paraphrases Lord of the Rings when he says that on Easter:
[E]verything sad was coming untrue. Death itself had been turned on itself. Satan and his demons had run into the mousetrap of the cross, forfeiting their treats. And our Hero was making good on all His promises, sending His Spirit to renew the face of the earth, giving gifts as He ascended to His rightful throne.
Part 2 is on how we can practice Lent. Lent is practiced through fasting, prayer and generosity (also almsgiving). The fast can be a partial or a whole fast, and there is concrete advice for the prayer and almsgiving sessions as well.
The last part, part 3, is for pastors, parents and Church leaders, and deals with how one can lead others through Lent.
I am really thankful that I read this book. I've never really practiced Lent (apart from celebrating the different days), and I realise that this is leading me further away from God. The purpose of Lent isn't to be good only for that 40 days (as the book says, we can make every Friday a 'little Lent' and every Sunday a 'little Easter'), but to help us reorientate ourselves towards God, which carries over to the next year.
I suppose it's good that I read this way before the Lenten season. It will give me time to digest all the information here and prepare myself to practice Lent next year.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
March 5, 2020
I very much enjoyed this on a second read. I used to go to Aaron’s church in Chicago and he is a wonderful pastor and preacher so it’s not surprise that this is so well written and easily accessible. The first time I read this I was still an Anglican, but this time I am a Catholic convert. But I still really appreciated Aaron’s fresh perspective on the how and whys of Lent. There were a few things in the book that were exclusively evangelical and don’t necessarily align with Catholic doctrine, but as Aaron is not a Catholic this makes sense. So I really do recommend this book to evangelicals and Catholics alike who need to rediscover Lent or learn about it for the first time. I think especially a lot of Catholics who are so used to Lent that it has become mundane could use this fresh inspiration, with the caveat that it is coming from a Protestant perspective. I will definitely come back to this again!
August 9, 2017
I purchased this book because I wanted an introduction to Lent. I grew up in a church tradition that generally does not talk much about the church calendar outside of Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. The Good of Giving Up was a very good introduction to both the "why" and "how" behind Lent. I am definitely glad I read the book and I highly recommend it to other evangelicals who may associate Lent more with the Filet-O-Fish deals at McDonalds than anything else.
March 1, 2017
Aaron Damiani, The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent (Chicago: Moody, 2017).
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a 40-day season of fasting formalized by the Council of Nicea is A.D. 325, though based on precedents from the second century onward. Lent is observed by many, though not all Christians. Indeed, during the Reformation, Protestants objected to the way the Roman Catholic Church had turned Lent (and many other Christian traditions) into a form of works-righteousness. Some Reformers worked to restore Lent to its original purpose (e.g., Anglicans and Lutherans), but others dispensed with it entirely (e.g., the Reformed and Anabaptists).
As a Pentecostal, I belong to that wing of the Reformation that dispensed with Lent (and many other Christian traditions) entirely. And yet, over the past few years, I have found myself fasting something for Lent—whether a food item or an activity—to focus more closely on Jesus Christ. Not only that, I have found fellow Pentecostals picking up other Christian traditions that they find helpful to the life of the congregation. At church I attend, for example, we observe Advent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Please don’t misunderstand me! Pentecostals have no biblical obligation to observe Christian traditions. Both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul warned about the potential abuse of human traditions. To the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:8). And Paul said, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
By the same token, however, the Bible doesn’t prohibit Christians from observing traditions simply because they’re traditional. Jesus himself, for example, participated in “the Festival of the Dedication” (John 10:22), better known to us today as Hanukkah, a festival that celebrated the dedication of the Jerusalem temple in 164 B.C. and thus came into being well after the final book of the Old Testament had been written. Similarly, most Pentecostals hold special services on Christmas and Easter, even though the New Testament nowhere commands us to set aside December 25 or one Sunday in spring to commemorate Jesus’ birth and resurrection, respectively. The crucial question of any tradition is whether, to use Paul’s language, a tradition is based on merely “human tradition” or “on Christ.”
With that in mind, I’m happy to recommend Aaron Damiani’s The Good of Giving Up, a short book about Lent. Damiani is an evangelical Anglican and pastor of Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago, Illinois. The book is published by Moody Publishers, a reputable evangelical book company also in Chicago. Damiani divides his book into three sections: (1) “The Case for Lent,” which includes answers to common evangelical objections to Lent; (2) “The Path of Lent,” which focuses on making Lent a season of focused fasting, prayer, generosity, and confession of sins; and (3) “Leading Others through Lent,” which offers practical guidelines for leading children and congregations through the Lenten season. Throughout the book, he focuses on how Lent helps us better experience the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he is very attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit in helping us fast, pray, give generously to others, and confess our sins. As a Pentecostal, I was especially heartened by repeated references to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Again, no Christian is biblically obligated to observe the tradition of Lent. Even so, Aaron Damiani shows why this season of prayer, fasting, generosity and confession is a good idea, and how you and the church you lead might put it into practice.
_____
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. This review is cross-posted at InfluenceMagazine.com.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a 40-day season of fasting formalized by the Council of Nicea is A.D. 325, though based on precedents from the second century onward. Lent is observed by many, though not all Christians. Indeed, during the Reformation, Protestants objected to the way the Roman Catholic Church had turned Lent (and many other Christian traditions) into a form of works-righteousness. Some Reformers worked to restore Lent to its original purpose (e.g., Anglicans and Lutherans), but others dispensed with it entirely (e.g., the Reformed and Anabaptists).
As a Pentecostal, I belong to that wing of the Reformation that dispensed with Lent (and many other Christian traditions) entirely. And yet, over the past few years, I have found myself fasting something for Lent—whether a food item or an activity—to focus more closely on Jesus Christ. Not only that, I have found fellow Pentecostals picking up other Christian traditions that they find helpful to the life of the congregation. At church I attend, for example, we observe Advent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Please don’t misunderstand me! Pentecostals have no biblical obligation to observe Christian traditions. Both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul warned about the potential abuse of human traditions. To the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:8). And Paul said, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
By the same token, however, the Bible doesn’t prohibit Christians from observing traditions simply because they’re traditional. Jesus himself, for example, participated in “the Festival of the Dedication” (John 10:22), better known to us today as Hanukkah, a festival that celebrated the dedication of the Jerusalem temple in 164 B.C. and thus came into being well after the final book of the Old Testament had been written. Similarly, most Pentecostals hold special services on Christmas and Easter, even though the New Testament nowhere commands us to set aside December 25 or one Sunday in spring to commemorate Jesus’ birth and resurrection, respectively. The crucial question of any tradition is whether, to use Paul’s language, a tradition is based on merely “human tradition” or “on Christ.”
With that in mind, I’m happy to recommend Aaron Damiani’s The Good of Giving Up, a short book about Lent. Damiani is an evangelical Anglican and pastor of Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago, Illinois. The book is published by Moody Publishers, a reputable evangelical book company also in Chicago. Damiani divides his book into three sections: (1) “The Case for Lent,” which includes answers to common evangelical objections to Lent; (2) “The Path of Lent,” which focuses on making Lent a season of focused fasting, prayer, generosity, and confession of sins; and (3) “Leading Others through Lent,” which offers practical guidelines for leading children and congregations through the Lenten season. Throughout the book, he focuses on how Lent helps us better experience the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he is very attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit in helping us fast, pray, give generously to others, and confess our sins. As a Pentecostal, I was especially heartened by repeated references to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Again, no Christian is biblically obligated to observe the tradition of Lent. Even so, Aaron Damiani shows why this season of prayer, fasting, generosity and confession is a good idea, and how you and the church you lead might put it into practice.
_____
P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. This review is cross-posted at InfluenceMagazine.com.
November 24, 2025
Folks, this book just blew my mind WIDE OPEN to what all Lent is ~ what it means ~ what it can do ~ and why I should do it. A few quotes from the book:
The desert is where God called his people to make them holy. We might assume that the wilderness is a place of exile and isolation, and it certainly can be that. But in the story of redemption, the wilderness has always been a sacred rendezvous spot for God and His beloved sons and daughter.
We do not go into the wilderness to find Good. We enter the wilderness because God has found us.
We need more than a Good Friday service two days in advance to get into the state of mind and heart to celebrate Jesus' victory over death and hell.
Lent is not our ultimate destination. The wilderness fast is temporary ... The bright light of the resurrection is ahead.
Hebrews 12
12 Therefore, *since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses*, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~~ A cloud of witnesses invites us to feast on Jesus through fasting, prayer and generosity [the trifecta of Lent]. Along with Jesus they are cheering for us to sit at the table. To do so may mean that we lay aside some comfortable hindrances, that we say goodbye to a few attachments. "Good riddance, I want a seat next to Jesus at the table!" That is what I'm called to do. And so are you.
We need Lent because repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus' forgiveness.
Practicing Lent is like taking a long bath in the wonderful grace of Jesus.
And so we trekked out to the wilderness of Lent, unsatisfied on purpose, clinging to the promise of something better than the world could ever offer. So we put one weary foot in front of the other, fueled by the hope of Easter. And one glad morning we find that the journey is over. Lent has come to an end. ... When we come hungry to Easter, Jesus is ready to satisfy us with a heavenly meal. ... We are nourished by Jesus as Scripture is read, as the gospel is preached, as songs are played, and as communion is served.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Even if you don't read it for this season, it’s an incredible book and you will WANT to read it!!
The desert is where God called his people to make them holy. We might assume that the wilderness is a place of exile and isolation, and it certainly can be that. But in the story of redemption, the wilderness has always been a sacred rendezvous spot for God and His beloved sons and daughter.
We do not go into the wilderness to find Good. We enter the wilderness because God has found us.
We need more than a Good Friday service two days in advance to get into the state of mind and heart to celebrate Jesus' victory over death and hell.
Lent is not our ultimate destination. The wilderness fast is temporary ... The bright light of the resurrection is ahead.
Hebrews 12
12 Therefore, *since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses*, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~~ A cloud of witnesses invites us to feast on Jesus through fasting, prayer and generosity [the trifecta of Lent]. Along with Jesus they are cheering for us to sit at the table. To do so may mean that we lay aside some comfortable hindrances, that we say goodbye to a few attachments. "Good riddance, I want a seat next to Jesus at the table!" That is what I'm called to do. And so are you.
We need Lent because repentance is not just a prayer. It is a posture. We need time and space to become repentant people, to experience the depths of Jesus' forgiveness.
Practicing Lent is like taking a long bath in the wonderful grace of Jesus.
And so we trekked out to the wilderness of Lent, unsatisfied on purpose, clinging to the promise of something better than the world could ever offer. So we put one weary foot in front of the other, fueled by the hope of Easter. And one glad morning we find that the journey is over. Lent has come to an end. ... When we come hungry to Easter, Jesus is ready to satisfy us with a heavenly meal. ... We are nourished by Jesus as Scripture is read, as the gospel is preached, as songs are played, and as communion is served.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Even if you don't read it for this season, it’s an incredible book and you will WANT to read it!!
March 31, 2025
I came into reading this book already embracing Lent. I just wanted to see if Damiani did a good job of explaining, describing, and making a case for Lent. While I don't actually like the words "making a case for", those are Damiani's words so I'll use them here. Now that I process that sentence, what I would question is "Does he draw one into the practice of Lent in a way that is enticing and encouraging?" He does, and he does it well. I own the book, and I recommend it. That sort of calls for 5 stars. So consider it 5 stars, but I'm putting 4 stars, and I'm not even sure why. It's not a fireworks book for me, but that is probably because I'm a long time Lent observer. I liked the book a lot. I have a number of places underlined. It doesn't bother me that the title is "The Good of Giving Up" (as it bothered one reader) because I now know that authors don't get to choose their titles.
Would my mom read it? She practices Lent and she probably doesn't care to read about history (I found the history fascinating). And, even though she might agree with another reader that the book is geared toward clergy, I didn't feel that way at all. This really, really seems like I need to give it 5 stars. I'm just being stubborn today or having an off day or give away 5 stars too easily. It says much that no one has given this book 1 star (at this point in time). That is awesome!
Would my mom read it? She practices Lent and she probably doesn't care to read about history (I found the history fascinating). And, even though she might agree with another reader that the book is geared toward clergy, I didn't feel that way at all. This really, really seems like I need to give it 5 stars. I'm just being stubborn today or having an off day or give away 5 stars too easily. It says much that no one has given this book 1 star (at this point in time). That is awesome!
March 13, 2019
As my wife and I prepared to participate in Lent for the first time, this book was an indispensable guide. Aaron ably captures the history and reasons for Lent from an accessible viewpoint. Within the first few pages, we were convicted by the ways our lives have been ruled by the "disordered desires" Aaron writes about, and we knew we needed to approach this season with humility. In addition to arguing for the usefulness and spiritual benefits of Lent, Aaron also devotes an entire section of the book to how to approach the season, as well as methods for leading others during this time. As a church planter who's both practiced and lead his own family/congregation through Lent, these tips are both practical and profound. We'll be using it as a reference for years to come!
May 1, 2025
This was a really good book to clarify Lent. The practices and the motivations behind them were explained well. It gave me a vision for Lent. I didn’t grow up practicing Lent and had many misconceptions of what it is and what it accomplishes. This is a helpful tool for anyone who is curious about what Lent is or for churches or small groups to read before beginning their Lenten worship. I would recommend starting this book at the beginning of the calendar year so that you have time to plan for Lent. I read it during Lent this year and wish I would have finished it beforehand. This will be a book I refer to each year to brush up on Lent and get my vision focused. Highly recommend!
March 24, 2018
Easter is my favorite part of the church year, and with Easter comes Lent. Damiani does a good job of putting all the pieces of Lent together and into perspective. This book is a good reminder that Lent is not just about giving up your favorite dessert or tv show, nor is it just for Catholics. (Or the High Church folks on the Protestant side of the aisle.) As the Pastor in a Baptist church, I have introduced Lenten ideas and practices for over a decade. People seem to enjoy the idea, once they get over their fear of something different, and unknown.
March 24, 2018
This book was a rich delight. Seminary was a while ago, and I simply wanted a reminder of the whys and wherefores of Lent. I was pleasantly surprised to find Damiani's book offered far more--the kind of poetic, theological reflections that are worth returning to year after year, as well as practical ideas for guiding others in discovering Lent. (I found his chapter "Leading Children through Lent" especially helpful!) Grace-filled, Christ-centered, and accessible to anyone vaguely interested, this is a book to re-read and to share with others.
February 14, 2018
Aaron Damiani provides an excellent introduction to Lent for evangelicals who might be unfamiliar with this rich Christian tradition. He begins with teaching on the right motivation for Lent then introduces different ways to practice Lent. The bottom line: Lent is not legalistic, nor is it an impossible attempt at perfectionistic rituals. There is room for failure (and grace!), and all of us can practice Lent.
February 1, 2020
This is an excellent resource for guys like me who wants to lead his church in seasons of focused discipleship but fears the trappings of religious legalism cloaked in the Roman Catholic traditions. Aaron’s book is helpful in showing a gospel-centered, Christ-exalting, spiritually formative path to embrace and celebrate Lent. With practical tips and pastoral care this resource will help any pastor lead himself and his church well in “denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus.”
January 16, 2023
I’ve never whole-heartedly participated in Lent before but feel led to do so this year; this was a really great, digestible read to help me prepare to fully engage my mind/body/heart in the practice. The author’s tone is pastoral and genuine. I’ve really been digging the Anglicans lately so it’s been encouraging (and intriguing) to read authors like this one who celebrate the Spirit’s movement through elements of the church’s practices that are more unfamiliar to me.
March 30, 2023
1. This book was written for pastors. And before Shawn comments about the priesthood of all believers, not everyone is a career pastor.
2. Because it's written for pastors, it isn't always useful to the lay person.
3. For pastors and lay people, it's not a well-written, unique, or enriching book. Damiani brushes over well-used axioms that he doesn't even use in a "6 degrees to the left-simple but profound" sort of way.
2. Because it's written for pastors, it isn't always useful to the lay person.
3. For pastors and lay people, it's not a well-written, unique, or enriching book. Damiani brushes over well-used axioms that he doesn't even use in a "6 degrees to the left-simple but profound" sort of way.
April 4, 2023
As a liturgical confessional Lutheran, I’ve grown up observing Lent. This was a wonderful book as an introduction to Lent if you’ve never done it, as well as a powerful and convicting reminder of why we do it.
I especially appreciated the chapters on fasting and alms giving, two disciplines of Lent that I personally have been led more to do these past few years.
In our chaotic modern society, the good of giving up to focus on Jesus and His passion is a beautiful thing indeed.
I especially appreciated the chapters on fasting and alms giving, two disciplines of Lent that I personally have been led more to do these past few years.
In our chaotic modern society, the good of giving up to focus on Jesus and His passion is a beautiful thing indeed.
April 17, 2025
A solid and broad introduction to Lent. I didn’t find two of the three sections (The Case for Lent and Leading Others Through Lent) relevant to me, and the other (The Path of Lent) is very practical and thus probably most helpful if read before the season begins and not, you know, during Holy Week (oops). There seems to be enough good in here for me to plan to reference certain chapters next year in preparation of the season.
October 7, 2017
Observing Lent has gained popularity among Christians, even though not from a liturgical background. While there are numerous devotionals available to read during Lent, Damiani fills a gap. He's written both a guide and a meditation on the various practices associated with this season in the church calendar. A book of preparation, to be read before the season begins.
January 22, 2019
This book will serve as a resource book in my home for many years to come. I am so thankful for Aaron helping me begin to think about how my family will worship the Lord in the season of lent and easter. What a good gift this book is to my family.
I want to learn to train myself to be self-controlled by giving up things that I have access to obtain.
I want to learn to train myself to be self-controlled by giving up things that I have access to obtain.
February 12, 2020
A helpful primer for Lent. Although this blog post is not commenting on this book (well, obviously not because this blog post was published in 2014), I resonated with Trevin's thoughts here on Lent for those participating in it and for those who aren't: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl....
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