The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent

The Good of Giving Up addresses a growing curiosity and skepticism among evangelicals toward the ancient Christian season of Lent. Aaron Damiani, writing from his dual background in low-church evangelicalism and Anglican practice, positions Lent not as a foreign or legalistic ritual but as a theologically robust and spiritually vital tradition. He argues that Lent, properly understood, functions as a "school of Christ"—a structured period of fasting, prayer, and generosity that prepares the believer to experience the profound joys of Easter with renewed depth and authenticity. The book is structured in three movements. First, it makes a historical and biblical case for Lent, directly confronting common evangelical objections about its extra-biblical origins and potential for works-righteousness. Damiani roots the practice in the gospel itself, framing it as an invitation into a shared wilderness journey that mirrors Christ’s temptation. The second section provides a practical path through the Lenten disciplines, re-framing fasting as a means to feast on Christ, prayer as communal and honest dialogue, almsgiving as sacrificial relationship-building, and confession as a liberating return to grace. Finally, the work shifts to application for leaders, offering wise and accessible guidance for shepherding both children and entire congregations through the season. Damiani emphasizes flexibility and grace over rigid rule-keeping, encouraging practices that account for human limitation and diverse spiritual backgrounds. The tone throughout is pastoral and invitational, blending theological precision with personal narrative and illustrative stories from his church community. This primer serves as a bridge, connecting Christians from non-liturgical traditions to the formative rhythms of the historic church calendar. It demonstrates how Lent’s intentional asceticism creates space for the Holy Spirit to reorder desires, challenge cultural captivity, and magnify the centrality of Christ’s death and resurrection in the believer’s life.