Skip to main content

A Christian Perspective on Fasting




A Christian Perspective on Fasting


Throughout the ages of the Christian centuries, fasting has been viewed both positively and negatively. John Wesley said, "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it." 

At times it has been considered to be a panacea of all spiritual problems, an activity permeated with magical powers.  This is not unrelated to the problems experienced in biblical times in the matter of fasting.
For example, consider what Isaiah had to say,

"'Why have we fasted,' they say,'and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. (Isa. 58:3)


At other times fasting has been considered as something that is "old fashioned" and not belonging to the life of the Christian. 

So, what is fasting? Is it a part of a Christian's life? Is Christian fasting different to the fasting practiced in other world religions?



Download the whole study guide:



Check your answers at:

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The God Buffet Our primary source of "knowledge" when it comes to God, His purposes and will is obviously the Bible. This marvelous book holds all we need for a lifetime of revelation and awe as we pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord. We believe that God will never contradict His Word, thus any "revelation" outside the parameters of the Bible cannot be accepted as having the same authority as the Word itself. Tradition and culture, though they play a role in shaping the mind and identity of man, must never have a greater influence on us than the Bible. Dreams and visions might be compelling, but if they contradict scripture they are might as well be fairytales. The doctrines and philosophies of man must take a back seat in the life of the believer, for in this regard the Word of God is in a category of its own. It must be said that the role of the Holy Spirit in the interpretation of the Bible cannot be overstated. I believe that without the illu...
Hearing and doing I'm amazed at how easy it becomes to nod our heads at all the right places after serving God for a while. We are quick to agree when someone speaks to us about God's Word (given that it is sound doctrine of course), without asking ourselves if it is merely theory to us. The fact of the matter is that most of us believe what the Bible teaches with all our hearts. How is it then that we so easily fall into the trap of knowing but not applying? Hearing but not doing? How do we keep ourselves from thinking we know it all but hold on to a zeal for God's Word that leads to obedience? It is relatively easy to read the 'thou shalt not' passages, to apply it and to tap ourselves on the shoulder thinking we did well! Of course we are doing well if we abstain from all the things we know is bad for us - sinful behaviors, unhealthy attitudes, etc. - but I do think there is more to living a life of abundance and victory! There are many pas...