Ash Wednesday Timeline

1500s

Martin Luther Argues Against Fasting

The protestant reformer threw out fasting during Lent because he believed it wasn't Biblically based.

325 AD

Lent Lasts 40 days

Decided by the Council of Nicea, Lent becomes a fixed amount of days.

c.130-c.200

St. Iraneus Writes about Lent

The Roman bishop mentions a Lenten period during the early church that was much shorter than 40 days.