I am a teacher and am aware of a student who fasts every month for 3 days straight. I think this student also fasts every Monday and Wednesday. This student is 13 years old and the fasting seems to affect her performance in school. The student informed me that this was a normal part of her religious observance. The student lives with a family member who is very observant in the Judeo-Christian religion. I would like to know if this degree of fasting is "normal" for her religion and whether she would be considered old enough within the belief structure of the religion to make such a decision. I am concerned that this fasting may be a result of influence by this family member rather than an individual choice by the child.
2006-12-06 13:39:27 · 3 answers · asked by Timothy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What a lot of people do not realize is that, yes, Judaism and Christianity IS a blended form of doctrinal beliefs. If you do not believe of its existence, then you probably don't personally know of someone in that belief system.
But that excessive amount of fasting on a continuous basis IS to be questioned. Three continuous days each month and then twice per week every week does seem excessive.
It is okay to question that much fasting.
Now, as far as the age, that has a lot to do with the individual's understanding of what is going on. If the individual is very well aware of the spiritual ramifications of such fasting, then the age should not be questioned. The emotional and spiritual maturity of the individual is what counts.
As a teacher, it is okay to question the parents about the practice, and also inform them about the potential affects in the girl's performance in school.
2006-12-06 13:50:27 · answer #1 · answered by Ambassador Z 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Their is no such thing as Judeo-Christian its either Jewish or Christian.
they are not the same in any way shape and form.
also if the kid is Jewish their has not been a Jewish fast for a while, and the next one is in a month. That one is only an 18 hour fast. I dont see how three or four fasts in the school year would affect a kids learning unless he was unhealthy and should not fast.
2006-12-06 13:42:09 · answer #2 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Judeo-Christian" is such a meaningless word.
Judaism and Christianity are totally different.
2006-12-06 13:42:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋