2006-07-09 07:49:31 · 18 answers · asked by Jesikah R 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's when you stop eating. People do it at a variety of times and for a variety of reasons. Usually it's some sort of purifying & tribute ritual, if it's in a religious context.
2006-07-09 07:53:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Roman Catholic Church in the United States of America there are two offical days of fasting: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (however the Supreme Pontiff may suggest another one.) The rules for fasting in the United States are: eating one full meal a day, with two smaller meals sufficient to maintain energy. You may take nothing between these meals besides water. Anyone on medication or who has a medical problem is exempt. People under 18 and over 59 are also exempt. For more information see http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Lent/faqle9902.asp
2006-07-09 09:28:42 · answer #2 · answered by Maurus B. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't eat for a period of time. How long depends on the reason you are doing it. There are religious reasons to fast and also medical reasons. For example, you should fast for several hours before having your cholesterol checked so the most recent thing you ate doesn't skew the results.
Interesting to note that the first meal of the day is called breakfast because you break the fast that you had been doing during the night.
2006-07-09 07:56:06 · answer #3 · answered by mathsmart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is simply not eating. The idea is to spiritually purify yourself and focus on spiritual matters.
Muslims do it during the days of the month of Ramadan. I forget the reason for this, but it has to do with the life of Muhammad.
According to the New Testament, Jesus was asked by his disciples why they couldn't drive out a particular demon, and he replied that this demon will only come out with fasting and prayer.
Fasting is considered a spiritual discipline, much like abstinence, and an act of devotion to and faith in God.
2006-07-09 10:55:48 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is making a commitment to God to go with out food or drink or both for a set amount of time. You choose what to give up and for how long. People fast for different reasons. Usually when you need a special touch from God,an answer to something urgent in your life , revival for your church,etc. Something special or important. I hope this helps. I've fasted in the past and God always comes through for me. Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves so that we can be more open to God. God Bless
2006-07-09 07:58:46 · answer #5 · answered by chitchenitza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting means abstaining from food and/or liquids.
Some people fast for health reasons.
For christians, it is a means of spiritual growth, by means of subduing the flesh, which is contrary to the Spirit.
Some spiritual attainments are impossible without fasting.
It can be done for any length of time, from one meal to forty days or more, though not advisable for for such great lengths of time.
It can be abstaining from all food and liquids (but 3 days at most recommended without water), or just from foods, or even from just caffeine or sweets. It all depends on your purpose.
Some hindrances to effective fasting would be the seeking of pleasure, unforgiveness, and selfishness.
2006-07-09 08:10:05 · answer #6 · answered by petezsmg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is when one does not eat for a prolonged period of time. It an be for medical or religious reesons. Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Jewish people also have times of fasting. I believe it is meant to display a sort of suffering for sin to their respective God.
2006-07-09 07:56:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRUE FASTING IS NOT EATING OR DRINKING ANYTHING FOR AT LEAST 24hr PERIOD OF TIME. GOD HAS COMMANDED US TO FAST ONE DAY OUT OF THE YEAR . IT IS CALLED THE ((( DAY OF ATONEMENT )))
Ac 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Le 23:26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Le 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls,
AFFLICT YOURS SOUL MEANS FAST. THIS YEAR THE DAY OF ATONEMENT LANDS ON OCT.2
2006-07-09 08:04:38 · answer #8 · answered by His eyes are like flames 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not eating solid food. Some people do it for religious reasons, some for health reasons.
On one end, some consider fasting to be putting nothing in their mouths. On the other end, some consider liquids OK, so they drink vegetable broths and juices.
2006-07-09 07:54:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
fasting means one thing to some religion and different to others.
fasting is a form of prayer . Some people fast to show gratitute for answered prayers and some fast to ask for blessings and some fast because they are told to do so by their priest....or suffer hell ....and etc and etc.
Just read the Bible and if God is in your side , then you will be enlightened.and do so with aqn open heart.
2006-07-09 08:01:47 · answer #10 · answered by cristina r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fasting is when u live ur life normally but u don't eat from sunrise 2 sundown 4 a day or a few days or in some cultures weeks
2006-07-09 07:53:50 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋