Shockingly, not everyone loves Lent Madness as much as we do. As the global media frenzy took hold this week, we've noticed a few online comments that have been less than flattering. It would be easy to get indignant, defensive, etc: "But we have God on our side! And saints! And a whole army of Lent Madness fans!"
But the fact is, we just like these quotes too much to let them go unnoticed, even as today's battle between Joan of Arc and Mary Magdalene opens the Round of the Saintly 16. Thus we offer you a few examples for your reading pleasure.
After reading Sara Pagones' witty commentary in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Maria wrote:
"I'm sitting here with mouth a-gape. It feels like this exercise mocks all that's holy. Is it just me? I would think there would be other "fun" ways to introduce the participants to the lives of the saints without offending the sensabilities (sic) of other Christians."
If we were literally able to "mock all that's holy," I'd say that's a pretty impressive accomplishment, wouldn't you? I mean, there's an awful lot of holy stuff out there. And, as one subsequent commenter put it, "Oh, Maria...Seriously? This is a great way to get people more involved with their faith. Come on, girl--lighten up! PS: Yes, it's just you."
Robin Jarrell posted the following on our Facebook fan page:
"I find this whole endeavor very troubling. Look at the wording: "pits" and "smackdown" recalls the roman gladiatorial games where some of our dearest saints were martyred. Wasn't it the Roman Empire that killed Jesus as non-violent threat to Caesar? I guess this type of genuflecting to the American Empire is what happens when we leave the leadership of the church the hands of a couple of boys."
Our initial reaction to this one was "she called us leaders of the church!" Then we replied: "Actually, the leadership of the Episcopal Church in the USA belongs to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies. They are not boys. On the other hand, Lent Madness is meant to be fun. If it is not fun for you, we're sorry. Really. Others are enjoying the festivities while they learn about God's work in the lives of women and men through history." Plus, it's no longer called "genuflecting." It's Tebowing.
This from "markstra" on the Religious News Service website:
"There is NO scriptural support for Lent nor churches creating “saints” either. Every Believer in Jesus since 30 AD has been a saint and all Believers who follow Jesus’ teachings in modern times are saints."
Well, besides Jesus wandering in the wilderness for 40 days. Sounds like someone needs to take their three-legged stool (Scripture, Tradition, Reason) in for repair.
Ultimately, we realize that Lent Madness is not for everyone. Some might even resent the Colbert-esque pomposity of the Supreme Executive Committee. The good news is that while Lent is not optional for Christians, Lent Madness is. Sure it's their loss and, as we like to say, "There's nothing worse than a humorless Christian." Or, as Tim was quoted eloquently stating in the Toledo Blade, "If God doesn't have a sense of humor, I'm hosed."
60 comments on “Unsaintly Vibes”
I think it was C.S. Lewis who said, "The devil hates to be mocked."
And, so it is.
I am shocked! Shocked, I tell you, that someone thinks that Episcopalians are having fun! The very idea is ludicrous. Are we not God's Frozen Chosen?!
Laughing at Satan is also a very Lutheran sentiment. Also, I believe, “You have as much laughter as you have faith.” [M. Luther, SL 4]
I spent my weekend Lent Madness Withdrawal thinking about LM and comments along the way from people offended by the competitive premise and the encouragement of ‘smackdown’ and trash talk language. I get where those folks are coming from. Language matters. But this is *clearly* all tongue-in-cheek and meant in fun. It would be quite something else if this contest had the remotest chance of erupting into real sectarian violence or even into a bona fide virtual (?) internet flame war…but it is a tribute to the benevolent dictatorship of the Supreme Executive Committee and to the participants themselves how civilized the discussions have been. One does not always find such restraint and mutual respect (let alone outright joy!) operating within a Christian community. It should be celebrated, not reviled!
(Sorry - I got serious there for a moment. Back to the fray!)
I wish Maria had said exactly how LM is offending the sensibilities of other Christians. By using too non-Other-Christian a voice? I have been having such a great time with my daily fix, but now I'm offended. 🙂
I love Lent Madness.....love the "boys" and love the ignorance of the nay-sayers. Why are they on the site if they are offended?
I am truly enjoying Lent Madness. I have learned a lot about many saints I had never heard of, Plus you are helping me survuve without what I denied myself for the lenten season, all meat save fish, and CHOCOLATE, my biggest sin. Lent madness is keeping me sane. Thank you both for all the fun.
I pray for those born without funny bones. So very sad.
I agree with a few others - it's educational & fun. As a Christian - I enjoy learning a little about the various leaders, who in some cases, help build the faith.
I just tuned in to this a couple of days ago, and am loving it! As Todd Rundgren sang, "Don't take yourself too seriously..."
I haven't take the time to read every single comment but I don't really need to after reading the main post. It pretty much speaks for itself. During a meaningful Lent, we are not to wear our penitence on the outside, only the inside, where God sees it. We are not to try to outdo each other in looking mournful and grim. We are to be witnesses of God's love and Spirit during Lent, and that is what Lent Madness does. It is a cheerful spirit we show to the world, not sackcloth and ashes. So, I'm with the rest of us who "get" Lent Madness. Lighten up people; put away your "Woe is me" attitude and vote for the Fabulous 16. Tell us your "bracket" and cast your vote, for some Lenten Levity.
What? You're saying Stephen Colbert is pompous? Gasp!
For those people who are unhappy with Lent Madness, methinks you are taking yourselves a bit too seriously. Although Lent is penitential, we can still have a little bit of whimsy. Relax and enjoy.
In the immortal words of Sgt. Hulka...
Lighten up Francis! or is that St. Francis?
Personally, I was really excited when my priest mentioned this in the weekly e-pistle to the parish. I had no idea what I'd do for Lent this year and here lands a great way to learn about the saints - something about which I've been woefully clueless. So you have my thanks!
To these Lent Madness haters I can only quote the words of Martin Luther: "You are like a mouse dropping in the pepper."
'@markstra: There is NO scriptural support for driving a car either, yet for some, driving a car has been the primary means for people to get to the church, much the same way that the time of Lent has been a way for people to come to know Christ. And Lent Madness - well, what a fun way to learn about our ancestors in the faith!
Sounds like someone turned the milk in Maria's cereal yesterday morning. There are always sour cranks who will make it their business to scold everyone in creation for enjoying something. One can only feel terribly sorry for such people and hope that they learn to laugh at some point in their lives.
One thing I've always loved and admired about Episcopalians is an attitude that their religious practice (and perhaps their faith) is not only more than capable of weathering humor or skepticism, but may also emerge from the experience an even more exciting, dynamic animal, richer for the encounter.
I would like to thank you for your Lenton Madness. I know Lent is to be traditionally a time sacrifice and meditation. But please people, remember to wash yourself, comb your hair, and do not appear self-righteous. God loves a cheerful giver. Why ever else would he have given us that wonderful, uplifting, healing gift of laughter!
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams must be following Lent Madness. He was so impressed with Mary Magdalene's trouncing of Joan of Arc that he was moved to accept the post at Magdalene College!
I just have to say thanks to you this is the best Lent I've ever had. I'll be back next year. I was so excited to find out their was a saint from my home state: Oklahoma. Go David Oakerhater!
I have learned so much about saints I wasn't familiar with - all because of Lent Madness! I think it's educational, fun and done in a reverent manner. For those who think otherwise, I think you'll be surprised to find that God loves to see his children having fun!
Hooray for Lent Madness and the S.E.C!