Fasting

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

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Fasting is not at all uncommon among Christians. I've never had a pastor who didn't touch on the benefits of fasting and prayer. Nor have I ever attended a church that didn't organize and encourage fasting and prayer events.

Fasting doesn't necessarily have to mean abstaining from food. You can "fast" from anything, for spiritual edification. Some people can't fast from food for medical reasons.

Northern Light said:

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

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My opinion is you are putting too much *standard* into this. For just about all of the flavors of religions of Abraham fasting comes down to "time for God."

Consider it an example of discipline and self-control, where you link prayer, church, and faith with other acts of going without. In that context others are right, you can fast from just about anything even though we are primarily talking about a food or foods in general. In some respects then fasting is an offering of both sorrow and repentance, not in a self-punishment or self-harm sort of way but really just a personal offering of adherence to a faith, and the priority of that faith in one's life. But it is just one example of that thinking, there are others.

I doubt you are really correct about "most Christians do not fast," it just may not be done in a way or to the extent that you think it should. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have their respective times and reasons for fasting, and there is discrepancy on the subject.

In a conversation of strict adherence to a given faith, the topic of fasting is not really a good benchmark to go with. Not excluding it of course, just saying participation in fasting is perhaps (argumentative) not the best way to determine spiritual obtainment, or value of self-offering, or adherence to a religion overall.

Besides, "westerners" especially are have a disposition to excess (in most of its forms.) Meaning, fasting for westerners regardless of faith may not have the same priority (or extent, for lack of a better way to put it) than those from say the various Islamic faiths. Does not mean they are handling fasting better than westerners are, just means the context in a given faith may not keep fasting on the same level comparing the faiths, or even flavor of the same faith.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, ...

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Catholics are supposed to fast on certain Holy days. If you mean Protestants when you say "Christian" then I know of Mormons (a form of Protestant group) who also fast at least monthly.

So your opening statement is problematic, I'm afraid.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting .. she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God...

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Ok so "communion" sounds Catholic or Lutheran to me. And there you have it. There is still fasting by Christian groups.

Northern Light said:

...So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow? ...

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Since Joseph and Mary were not fasting when Jesus was born, I do not fast at Christmas mass.

Since Jesus was fasting by default during his passion at Passover through Easter Sunday, I fast from Easter Thursday all the way up to Easter Sunday afternoon, for 2 1/2 days.

This is a rigorous Jesuit fast which requires that you drink salty water to keep your electrolyte balance going or else after about 36 hours of continuous fasting you will begin to have severe debilitating muscle cramps and headache.

With the electrolyte you can fast the 2 1/2 days.

But when you conclude such a long fast you can only eat soup with fish and vegies in it. Anything more substantial will make you throw up.

Other than certain Catholic Holy days, I don't see the need to fast at any other times.

Fasting at Easter reminds me that Jesus suffered for us.

There are no other religions where their god or gods suffered for them.

When you fast for 2 1/2 days you feel suffering and you appreciate it more.

It then reminds me for the next 12 months to keep all the laws of God and man, and not to hurt or kill anyone except in extreme self defense, and to feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned the rest of the year.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

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Off topic but I read somewhere that a 3 day fast was beneficial and stimulated the immune system. About all I can recall on it.

Riveroaks said:

Catholics are supposed to fast on certain Holy days. If you mean Protestants when you say "Christian" then I know of Mormons (a form of Protestant group) who also fast at least monthly.

So your opening statement is problematic, I'm afraid.




Ok so "communion" sounds Catholic or Lutheran to me. And there you have it. There is still fasting by Christian groups.



Since Joseph and Mary were not fasting when Jesus was born, I do not fast at Christmas mass.

Since Jesus was fasting by default during his passion at Passover through Easter Sunday, I fast from Easter Thursday all the way up to Easter Sunday afternoon, for 2 1/2 days.

This is a rigorous Jesuit fast which requires that you drink salty water to keep your electrolyte balance going or else after about 36 hours of continuous fasting you will begin to have severe debilitating muscle cramps and headache.

With the electrolyte you can fast the 2 1/2 days.

But when you conclude such a long fast you can only eat soup with fish and vegies in it. Anything more substantial will make you throw up.

Other than certain Catholic Holy days, I don't see the need to fast at any other times.

Fasting at Easter reminds me that Jesus suffered for us.

There are no other religions where their god or gods suffered for them.

When you fast for 2 1/2 days you feel suffering and you appreciate it more.

It then reminds me for the next 12 months to keep all the laws of God and man, and not to hurt or kill anyone except in extreme self defense, and to feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned the rest of the year.

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Communion is in no way exclusive to Catholicism. Not sure where you got that idea.

JANFU said:

Off topic but I read somewhere that a 3 day fast was beneficial and stimulated the immune system. About all I can recall on it.

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If you are going to fast 3 days just recognize that it will be a physically painful experience.

Work up to it slowly at first.

Add the electrolyte when you need it.

You will probably need it within 36 hours.

Riveroaks said:

If you are going to fast 3 days just recognize that it will be a physically painful experience.

Work up to it slowly at first.

Add the electrolyte when you need it.

You will probably need it within 36 hours.

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I stand corrected. You are correct.
The chemicals we need, liquids get out of whack, then bad crap happens.

countryboy said:

Communion is in no way exclusive to Catholicism. Not sure where you got that idea.

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Perhaps the mistake lies in the fact only Catholics believe they are taking the real 'body of Christ". Most other Christians see it as a celebration of community in faith, a reminder about who we follow and why; some use grape juice.

I believe the Catholic version is wrong. In that faith they believe you have to be "sinless" to accept the Host. Since that isn't possible and has no basis in scripture it isn't practiced usually. In scripture Christ sets the example as part of Seder, the pre Passover feast; he fed them of the bread not only knowing their sins, but each of them would sin before he rose from the tomb.

Fearandloathing said:

Perhaps the mistake lies in the fact only Catholics believe they are taking the real 'body of Christ". Most other Christians see it as a celebration of community in faith, a reminder about who we follow and why; some use grape juice.

I believe the Catholic version is wrong. In that faith they believe you have to be "sinless" to accept the Host. Since that isn't possible and has no basis in scripture it isn't practiced usually. In scripture Christ sets the example as part of Seder, the pre Passover feast; he fed them of the bread not only knowing their sins, but each of them would sin before he rose from the tomb.

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It's just a word.

JANFU said:

I stand corrected. You are correct.
The chemicals we need, liquids get out of whack, then bad crap happens.

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The human body seems to be "designed" to drink something every 3 to 6 hours and eat something every 6 to 12 hours.

Salt and vitamins from fresh blood seem to sustain us for 36 hours at a time.

Otherwise you need to get the salts from someplace else.

If you cook the meat then the blood in the meat will retain the salts you need.

These are electrolytes.

Vegans and vegetarians will need to drink vegie drinks with salts added to them.

Salt electrolytes are the first thing that you miss.

Water itself is the second thing that you miss -- after 3 to 4 days without water you will die of organ failure.

Food can be avoided or ignored for up to 3 weeks, but if you don't get any within 3 weeks you will begin to die and only hospitalization with an I/V will be able to save you beyond that point.

Fasting is a rebellion against decadence or, rather, a Gnostic acknowledgement of said decadence. Only quite recently has 'science' extolled the value of fasting, something those without lab coats always knew.

Daire said:

Fasting is a rebellion against decadence or, rather, a Gnostic acknowledgement of said decadence. Only quite recently has 'science' extolled the value of fasting, something those without lab coats always knew.

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I think you are trying to say "self control." Fair enough. You did not need to flower it up that much though.

I just never saw fasting happening growing up in the Church, maybe because I lived in a culture where excess was so highly valued. The same is true of most Christians I associated with. That's where my comments come from. I'm sure there are Christians who fast.

In this context, I am referring to food and drink.

Could we please stay on topic? I am genuinely interested in this subject. I don't care to argue about the different sects of faith and what they do or don't do. I just want to know what people's views and beliefs are about abstaining from food and drink for a time.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

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IMO, it is not required (we are not subject to most OT law) but if you feel a conviction to do so, carry on. Any sort of abstention from anything you're accustomed to can be a form of spiritual discipline... and removal of distractions during a period of prayer.

Note: Whatever you do PLEASE do NOT attempt a 40 day fast. A buddy of mine did it... he ended up in the hospital on day 32 and it took two years for him to completely recover from all the negative effects. 40 days can kill.


Some people cannot fast; I'm one. Low blood sugar. I won't last 24 hours and maybe not even 8 before I'm out on the floor. However, one can always abstain from other pleasures and distractions, or "fast" by limiting one's intake to only small amounts of bland foodstuffs one does not normally care for.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

Click to expand...

No, not for religious reasons. Once a week I fast for 24 hours. I've been doing it for years. I do drink coffee on the day that I don't eat. I'm religious about coffee, but going 24 hours without eating isn't difficult.

To expand a bit on the whole concept... it's about sacrifice and communion with God.

In the OT, you'll hear about someone, upon hearing something terrible, "rent his clothes" and "donned sackcloth and ashes" and prayed for days and nights. This is sacrifice of valued things (clothes), necessities (food), luxuries (meat and wine), and other activities. It is also a showing of humility before God, a humbling of one's self.

Now here's the interesting thing, a sort of a paradox. You don't HAVE to sacrifice or humble yourself... Jesus already stood in as your sacrifice and it doesn't get any bigger than GOD humbling Himself. Nor can any sacrifice of ours compare to the one He made for us. Nor can we surprise God with anything we do, nor fool him with false show of contrition.

It's more about proving to YOURSELF where your priorities are, and removing distractions from communing with God in a time of intense prayer and meditation on Him.

If fasting and praying makes you feel closer to God, less distracted or diverted, by all means use in moderation.


If fasting just makes you miserable and you can't concentrate on praying because you're faint with hunger, then by golly eat something because otherwise you're missing the point.


In modern times, frankly I think we'd do better to set a time when we will eat only bland foods, drink only water, and abstain from TV, Internet or electronic amusements for a specific period. Indeed, removing the chatter of the world of multi-media would probably go MUCH further in clearing your head and heart to commune with God than going without food, IMHO.

Goshin said:

Note: Whatever you do PLEASE do NOT attempt a 40 day fast. A buddy of mine did it... he ended up in the hospital on day 32 and it took two years for him to completely recover from all the negative effects. 40 days can kill.

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That's crazy! My understanding of OT fasts, and in the other faiths, is that you only fast while the sun is up. Muslims have huge feasts during Ramadan, just not during daylight hours!

Goshin said:

Some people cannot fast; I'm one. Low blood sugar. I won't last 24 hours and maybe not even 8 before I'm out on the floor.

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I'm the same way. Diabetes runs in my family so I'm not sure my liver is the greatest at balancing blood sugar in the absence of food. Though, I've found from my own fasts (for health reasons, not religious ones) that it can eliminate excess, reduce insulin resistance, and make it so that blood sugar fluctuations are less of an issue. After about day 2-3 I no longer feel that intense loopiness... but I can only manage it if I don't have anything major going on in my life. Lots of rest!

Risky Thicket said:

No, not for religious reasons. Once a week I fast for 24 hours. I've been doing it for years. I do drink coffee on the day that I don't eat. I'm religious about coffee, but going 24 hours without eating isn't difficult.

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Do you do it once a week just to give your body a break? That's what I do, though I don't fast routinely. Maybe once a year.

Fearandloathing said:

Perhaps the mistake lies in the fact only Catholics believe they are taking the real 'body of Christ". Most other Christians see it as a celebration of community in faith, a reminder about who we follow and why; some use grape juice.

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My understanding is that Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, and Anglicans believe in the "real presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. I was reared an Episcopalian, and this is what I was taught. And even as children, we didn't eat meat on Fridays and fasted entirely on Good Friday. No TV either.

These days I know people who fast from video games as a matter of spiritual discipline.

Northern Light said:

I was talking with a good Church friend of mine yesterday about the subject of fasting. Even though it's no longer required in the Christian faith, she fasts the day of the Sabbath, only taking communion at Church. Her fast begins at sunset the day before the Sabbath, and doesn't end until sunset on the Sabbath. For her it creates a cleansing experience and makes her feel as though she is creating room of sacrifice in her life before the eyes of God. I have to admit, I've never done anything like this before based on any kind of scriptural precedent. The Bible does talk about how Jesus fasted during his 40 days and 40 nights, and there are many other mentions of how the holy men abstained in order to gain insight. I know that our Jewish and Muslim brethren partake in fasting practices (such as the lead up to Eid, and Passover), but you don't see it that much among Christians anymore.

It seems like traditional fasts are from sunrise to sunset (or as the Talmud says, until the first stars of the evening can be seen). Some people only drink water during the day, but others think that even that would mean breaking the fast.

So I toss this question out to all the spiritual folk of DP, whether you're part of a Judeochristian faith or not: have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes before? If so, what impact did it have on your practices? Which protocol did you follow?

And I guess, as a minor topic... why do most Christians not do the fasting thing anymore, when our other Abrahamic relatives still do?

Click to expand...

I fast on Yom Kippur, the fast of Gedalia, Tisha Ba'v, and sometimes for Tammuz, Tevet, etc depending on who I'm with. But other than Tisha Ba'v and Yom Kippur those are only half fast days so they aren't so bad.

Northern Light said:

That's crazy! My understanding of OT fasts, and in the other faiths, is that you only fast while the sun is up. Muslims have huge feasts during Ramadan, just not during daylight hours!



I'm the same way. Diabetes runs in my family so I'm not sure my liver is the greatest at balancing blood sugar in the absence of food. Though, I've found from my own fasts (for health reasons, not religious ones) that it can eliminate excess, reduce insulin resistance, and make it so that blood sugar fluctuations are less of an issue. After about day 2-3 I no longer feel that intense loopiness... but I can only manage it if I don't have anything major going on in my life. Lots of rest!



Do you do it once a week just to give your body a break? That's what I do, though I don't fast routinely. Maybe once a year.

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It depends on if it is a full or a 'half' fast. For a full fast like Yom Kippur and Tisha B'av you do not drink any liquid or consume anything that would provide sustenance for the roughly 25/26 hours of the fast, from sundown until there are three stars in the sky. For Yom Kippur it is extended until you complete the lunar (katan) prayers. For the half fasts they are merely from morning until sundown.

Northern Light said:

I just never saw fasting happening growing up in the Church, maybe because I lived in a culture where excess was so highly valued. The same is true of most Christians I associated with. That's where my comments come from. I'm sure there are Christians who fast.

In this context, I am referring to food and drink.

Could we please stay on topic? I am genuinely interested in this subject. I don't care to argue about the different sects of faith and what they do or don't do. I just want to know what people's views and beliefs are about abstaining from food and drink for a time.

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no fasting due to blood sugar issues

I would not be adverse to fasting otherwise but my attitude would be fasting to cleanse the body with the idea of the body being the temple that houses the soul

I have considered "juice fasting". I can do that for two meals a day meaning a smoothie for breakfast and juice only for lunch. If one should choose to juice as a fast it has to be 80 veggies and 20 fruit. When I do this for a few weeks at a time, it feels like my whole body vibrates with health, I am more aware and alert...I am more thankful, I am more peaceful, I am more generous ...

it is tough to do because it involves being completely and totally mindful

I think that is the purpose of fasting, to become mindful again

Under Halakhah it is strictly forbidden to fast if it would sap you of your health or strength, excepting the public fast days which have special guidelines. A voluntary fast has precedent but it is generally frowned upon these days, and extraordinary fasts are forbidden. If you fast to the point where you are weakened, physically, psychologically, or morally you are a sinner and must repent.