Who decided to put Spring Break smack dab in the middle of Lent? Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, is a Christian tradition encouraging discipline and commitment under the guise of promoting self-denial as worship for Christ. The idea is to memorialize his suffering, most notably during the "Passion" (the last 12 hours of his life including his betrayal, trial and crucifixion), the climax of Lent.
Dean of the Chapel Samuel Wells has published a timely book called Power and Passion, considering the lives and motives of six characters involved in Jesus' Passion.
The nature of these peoples' commitment is brought into question by Wells, who probes possible motives for their behavior during the Passion and suggests more faithful uses of their individual influences.
Wells portrays the Roman governor of Jesus' time, Pontius Pilate, as a man unwilling to allow a "discussion of the truth." He argues that Pilate shirks his duty as a representative of the Roman government by literally washing his hands of guilt in Jesus' case, and blaming the pressure local religious leaders placed on him to execute Jesus. Pilate's commitment to truth and justice wasn't quite a shining example of the virtuosity of his Roman government.
Two lesser-known characters, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, are examples of what Wells calls "disciples by night." These men have day jobs in touchy political situations, and open knowledge of their faith in Christ would threaten their special positions. So instead, Nicodemus approaches Jesus under the cover of darkness to learn from him, and Joseph of Arimathea, who was a member of the jury who convicted Jesus, didn't show his true allegiance until he offered his personal plot as a burial cave for Jesus' body.
Contrasted with these less-than-stellar examples of commitment and personal integrity, Wells examines Mary Magdalene. Her presence at the foot of the cross and her attendance at the tomb on Easter morning attest to her deep devotion to Jesus.
Though a woman and apparently unsupported by a husband or father, Mary Magdalene refuses to remain in the shadows of the Passion. Wells even includes the vignette of the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus in his study of Mary Magdalene, citing this woman's foresight and courage as evocative of Mary Magdalene's brave character of commitment.
Wells emphasizes the new brand of power that Jesus preaches, and the passion each disciple displays in their varying degrees of power-personal, political and spiritual.
There is more in his analysis of these individuals than merely their power and passion. By looking closely at their behavior in the face of challenging commitments, their character of commitment is exposed.
All religions seek to instill this type of commitment in their followers. Lent is about self-denial, an act of worship paying homage to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Islam's Ramadan, Ba'hai's 19-day Fast and Judaism's Sukkot all require similar commitment among the faithful.
These religious holidays encourage the development of commitment and self-discipline-important values often lacking in our society-but is religion the best way to acquire these traits?
Fear, guilt and cultural pressure are mighty motivators, but hardly the foundation for sincere spirituality. Religions can demand a level of commitment that strip an individual of his or her identity or even call for suicide (Kool-Aid, anyone?).
On the other hand, religion sometimes helps people find themselves, gives them a sense of purpose and a belief system they can live with. It seems that while religion can crush with its strong fist, its sometimes-gentle hand also nurtures. Self-discipline and commitment may be easier to develop under the auspices of religion-why not use Lent as an excuse to curb a bin-candy addiction? Every time a longing for chocolate pretzels hits, instead one thinks of Jesus' much greater suffering.
Still, everyone needs a few days to break loose from fetters, relax and not be concerned with rules or-to a certain extent-self-discipline. So again, moderation seems to be the best policy.
In that spirit, do you think the Pope might approve a dispensation during Lent for college students on Spring Break?
Emily Thomey is a Trinity junior. Her column runs every other Tuesday.
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