Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Is Lent just a Catholic version of Ramadan?
Support the channel by visiting: brianholdsworth.ca/help
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?
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com
Is Lent just a Catholic version of Ramadan?
Support the channel by visiting: brianholdsworth.ca/help
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?
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com
