Tell Us if You’d Give These Things Up for Lent and We’ll Guess if You’re Going to Heaven or Hell

RELIGION

By: Elisabeth Henderson

6 Min Quiz

Image: TJC/Moment Open/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word for “lengthen” and refers to the forty days that the church observes between Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, and Easter. The first festival of wild decadence is preparation for those who are about to enter into a season of fasting and discipline, letting go of the habits they use to get through life rather than living in the spiritual tension. However, many people celebrate Mardi Gras with beads abounding and move right past Lent into the celebration of Easter. 

Why give up something for Lent? Why do people give up a wide variety of pleasures, from chocolate to social media to gossip? Some do so because it’s a tradition, something that you just do at this time of year. Some relinquish certain pleasures as a way to stay disciplined, to remain master of the body. Still others fast because in giving up something that they enjoy, they find their stronger spiritual hunger and desire. 

What does it matter what you’d give up? Does it make you a more spiritual person to be able to relinquish more of what you enjoy? That’s between you and God. But, as a spiritual exercise, consider scrolling through this valley of the shadow of temptations. Be honest with yourself about what pleasures you are in control of and what’s in control of you. 

If you realized that you have a shoe shopping addiction that you need to get over, how would you incorporate that into Lent?

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In the Orthodox tradition, parishioners have a whole list of culinary items that they give up over the course of Lent, including dairy products. How much dairy could you let go of?

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You have a serious chocolate habit to get you through the afternoon. Can you let go of this dark pleasure?

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You need coffee just to get out of bed every day. Could you go without a cup of joe?

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With current events swiftly changing, you’ve become addicted to keeping up with the news. How might you cut back on this over Lent?

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You don’t often struggle with eating and drinking too much, but you do tend to say negative things whenever you get the chance. Is this something you could let go of?

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You’ve noticed lately that you’re quite concerned about your appearance. What would you be wiling to do over Lent to get that in control?

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There is a show that you can’t go a day without seeing. What do you think you should do about it for Lent?

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At nighttime you always have something sweet to get you through the evening. Is this something you should give up?

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Whenever you get in a tiff with your partner, you just can’t let a comment go unanswered. Could you be silent when you know you’re right?

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Every Friday, you go with friends to the coffee shop after work to usher in the weekend. Is this something that has to go for Lent?

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You have an affinity for horror movies, even though it doesn’t sit well with you morally. Should the slashers get slashed for Lent?

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You run obsessively every morning before work. Is this an addiction you need to keep in check?

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How likely would you be to give up writing in your journal every night?

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You’ve been conflicted lately about the environmental problems associated with eating meat. Is this something you’ll incorporate into Lent?

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Your father suggested that you should give up being so introspective for Lent. Is he right?

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What would happen if you quit Facebook for forty days?

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You always take work home from the office because there’s always more to do. Is this something you should consider dropping for Lent?

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You listen to music compulsively as a way to distract yourself from various anxieties. Is there a better way to address what’s going on with you?

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As an artist, would you quit making art every day because it’s something that makes you feel whole?

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Under what circumstances would you give up your afternoon nap for Lent?

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Some call Sunday "the Lord’s Day,” but you call it “Game Day.” Should you give it up for a holier occupation?

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Which of these condiments could you give up so that food wasn’t such a pleasure?

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Which of the following would you consider a reasonable sacrifice of sleep for your spiritual development?

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You know that you're addicted to having your phone with you at all times. How will you address that for Lent?

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A group of coworkers always gossips with you about other people at work. How should you handle them over Lent?

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Which of these things should you shield your eyes from this Lent?

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