Lent is not 'Catholic Ramadan'

Is Lent just a Catholic version of Ramadan?

When a Catholic bishop recently referred to Lent as “our Catholic Ramadan,” it raised important questions about ecumenism, historical roots, and the dangers of superficial comparisons. In this video, I explore why the analogy between Lent and Ramadan fails under closer scrutiny—not only because Lent predates Ramadan by centuries, but also because the theological foundations and aims of each practice are vastly different. I also discuss how Christianity’s model of progressive revelation leads us from legalism to spiritual maturity, while Islam reverts back to a master-slave paradigm. Lastly, I reflect on the modern ecumenical movement’s tendency to emphasize similarities at the risk of religious indifferentism. Are we truly building bridges, or just confusing the faithful?

[BrianHoldsworth]

As I mentioned in the video, I've been told that YouTube is restricting impressions for my videos because of my defense of Church teaching in the face of alphabet related assertions. That means I need your help more than ever to spread these videos. Please watch, like, subscribe, and share so that we don't have to rely on the algorithm to allow us to discuss important topics.

[CarbonEternity]

The Catholic Church was first, then Islam emerged as a heresy.

[crimcrammoo]

Traditional lent is harder than Ramadan

[nariko]

Muslim countries during Ramadan actually have a boost in food / grocery sales ... and thats because people binge eat at sundown.

[joejackson]

Everyone should study up on what Saint Thomas of Aquinnes wrote about Islam.

[opencurtin]

I live near a halal shop and the amount of extra rubbish they have during Ramadan says to me people are eating twice as much as they do during non Ramadan !

[youtubeKathy]

the more I learn about islam, the less I think we should compare it to christianity.

[AaronJediKnight]

In the Didache we read "Don’t let your fasting coincide with those of the hypocrites."
Now the modernists want us to join muslims on their fasting as if theybwere an example to Christians and not the other way around

[csongorarpad]

When I first learned that muslims actually gain weight during the course of Ramadan, while Catholics lose weight, I was more solidified in my faith as a Catholic - everything the Catholic Church teaches is true and good.

[susanjorstad]

Friendship is on an individual level. I as a Catholic can befriend a neighbor who is Muslim and through that relationship hope to convert them to the Christian faith. But an entire religion befriending another religion is nonsensical. The role of our bishops is to teach uncompromisingly the one true Catholic faith.

Very good explanation with relatable examples, Brian.

[jackieann]

Lent leads into Ressurection Sunday.
I love this holy season .
Thank you for sharing your edifying insights !

[peterweston]

Thanks Brian, I am not a practicing Catholic but am exploring beyond the cliches shared by secular folk about it. This explanation of the evolution from Old to New Testament was a revelation (apologies, probably not a great word given the context). You have also shown me the clear water between Islam and Christianity. Further I am seeing a consistent pattern in Christian’s thought which is quite beautiful. At the moment I am reading Thomas Ashbrook’s work, Mansions of the Heart (an evangelical btw), who indicates that St. Teresa suggests in her writing that Love of God through Christ is the ‘work’ of being a Christian. Holiness, service to others and wholesomeness are critically important, but secondary to the loving relationship with God. It isn’t about rules, one just naturally comes these things as your relationship deepens. As we mature in our relationship we start the see that “brushing our teeth” is not a rule but just makes sense. I apologise to any theologians who read this, I may not have expressed myself totally correctly.
Thanks again.

[juancawalker]

I love the metaphors you used about children learning to brush their teeth.

[ConvincedofChristianity]

Like Arianism, Gnosticism, Nestorianism, etc., Islam is a Christian heresy

[terezagrbin]

once I rented room to Muslim family and one day was awaken early with noise in kitchen and they were preparing meal to eat before sunrise

[Jamesmc]

Exactly. Lent is Lent. It has its own character, its own purpose, and is not a Catholic version of anything else - let alone of the fake fast that Ramadan is. Ramadan is a fast in name only - unlike Lent - because one can stuff one's face during Ramadan, as long as one does so at night. Calling Lent "Catholic Ramadan" implies that Ramadan is the standard by which Lent is measured; which in turn implies conceding that Ramadan is superior to Lent; which is nonsensical.

[providebitdominus]

Brilliantly put! Thank you very much, dear Brian.

[truecatholic]

The kind of stupidity/nonsense that people say is breathtaking. And then others talk about it as though it is worthy of refutation or argument.

Free speech does not permit purposefully "sabotaging" the conversation by preying on the ignorance/gullibility of others.

Error has no rights and it ought not to be tolerated. Much less does LYING.

[BensWorkshop]

Excellent work. Lent is about spiritual discipline to grow closer to God not following the letter of the law.

[bladeofnexus]

This video helped me realise I haven't been doing Lent right really at all this year... I started my reversion about a year ago and went to Mass in my local parish for the first time on Ash Wednesday this year

I did try my best, I didn't eat any meat (intentionally) other than fish, but I followed it more like a law with loopholes rather than a chance to better myself

On the bright side, I must have done an alright job because I look like I'm sucking in my stomach half the time