Why is it that Christians today balk at the thought of fasting.?

Question

It has been a part of Christianity from the beginning, yet 80% of christians today have never fasted, or believe fasting is extra biblical.

Answer 1

Today's generation has been raised with the idea of instant self-gratification... especially in the area of food. They do not have the strength of character to deny themselves anything... especially when hunger pangs strike... Most churches have done away with fasting because they are losing members and they are trying to make it easier to be a member of their church... so fasting was... "thrown out with the bath water" I have yet to see a member of the younger generation being able to fast! I was raised with fasting as a part of my religion... until the church stopped the practice. Too bad... it was a good practice to learn and helped to develop strong character.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say that ALL Christians don't believe in fasting. I'm a Christian, and I've fasted before. Many of my fellow church members, as well as some family members have also fasted. Not sure how other Christians feel, though, so I can't really speak for them.

Answer 3

Hay be carefull, we do NOT ever do something because of what everyone else does, and we are not to look at anyone else as a example, Jesus is an example and fasting is between the person fasting and God and NO ONE ELSE should ever come between God and them, and I do not believe you know what 80% of all chrustians across the world are doing about fasting or have done, think on what you should do instead okay, free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com hay why not visit A Seventh day Adventist chruch in your area, God bless you

Answer 4

Many people are nominal Christians and feel no need to practice self-denial or sacrifice for others. If fasting is used for spiritual exercize, or to deny yourself so that you can give more to others, then it is a spiritually significant practice. If fasting is done for reasons of health or beauty, or to draw attention to oneself then they already have their reward.

Matthew 6:16-18 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


Good question! You expose yet another need for revival in our congregations.

Answer 5

I am not arguing with you on your question, just explaining why I cannot, and I am sure there are possibly tens or hundred thousands out there with the same problems. I have diabetes, heart disease, wear a pace maker, a lot of serious medical problems, and have to eat every day, but have to adhere to a very strict diet. God bless you.

Answer 6

They like to feast not fast. I have fasted for 3 days, but no longer. I have a friend who has fasted forty days-water only. He used to be real skinny.
Maybe if more people did it -we would not have as many health problems.

Answer 7

True many do. There are those who still fast. We do not eat meat on Wednesdays and we also abstain of the flesh of all warm blooded animals on Fridays.I personally fast on Fridays as well.

Answer 8

There is a scripture in Matt. that was erased from modern translations that talks about fasting and prayer. Apparently it is important enough to be removed from Matt. 17

Answer 9

some prepared religions have cases of fasting that are (i assume) spoke of by followers. So it rather is a modern-day journey, no longer something in dusty previous books. in my opinion, I even have used fasting for wellbeing motives, yet in basic terms some cases, ditto for non secular motives yet no longer at any appointed time by a church.

Answer 10

I know that it is biblical, but I really enjoy food. I guess that is why it is a sacrifice. Don't get me wrong I do fast, I just don't enjoy it.