do christians participate in fasting like catholics-is it something jesus expects from us? i was raised a christian and i remember my catholic friends talking and doing that but i never was taught to do that, however i did read a certain sentence in the bible where jesus talked about fasting. can someone explain this to me? thank you.
2007-02-21 17:10:41 · 10 answers · asked by kburgess612 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christians do fast but not as a 'ritual' or tied into "seasons" like the Catholic believers. We do it whenever we feel the Lord is calling us to a personal fast. It can be for several reasons, such as for more spiritual power in our lives to overcome some weakness, for the deliverance of someone, for a desperate need, or for simply drawing closer to the Lord in a powerful way. Sometimes we will enter into a Church-wide fast (usually at the beginning of the year to start the new year off "right.") but that is not the general case. We consider it very much a "you and God" thing on an individual level.
2007-02-21 17:20:31 · answer #1 · answered by wd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I ocassionally fast, but not at a certain time or on the orders of others. If I fast, it's a personal time between myself and the Lord. It has to do with denying the flesh and focusing on feeding the spirit. The longest I have ever personally gone is about 3-4 days, and it's time spent in intensive prayer and seeking the Lord. As far as when or why, those are matters of personal decision based on any number of reasons. To me, it means nothing to give up meat but eat a fish. Either way, the flesh is satisfied and I have done nothing spiritual. I've only made an alternate dinner choice. A time of fasting is an intense sharpening and focus before the Lord. I don't go out much when I'm fasting, and I try to make sure nobody knows that I'm fasting... even avoiding the subject as much as possible with my husband.
2007-02-21 17:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by lizardmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is present in many religions. Many Christians choose to fast. Catholics, by the way are Christians. There are three major branches of the Christian Church: Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant.
2007-02-21 17:21:01 · answer #3 · answered by RCR 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes fasting is biblical and christians need to do it.When a person fast they don't eat (sometimes only certain items the person likes).Water is usually the best thing to drink (nothing else).Fasting isn't just to lose weight.Fast one or two meals to start.When you fast you body will want food.A day or two and continue the increase as you can.(be sure and pray,study the bible,seek God,fellowship with other christians.Don't broadcast that you are fasting (only mention to someone you are fasting if they insist you eat).
2007-02-21 17:29:41 · answer #4 · answered by robert p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those of The True Christian Faith may fast... not for any show or self aggrandizing...it is a private thing... and should not be done to the detriment of the body...anyone planing a fasting time should be aware of their health issues... if there are issues consult a Physician first.... usually it is a sold only fast... maintaining the bodies hydration with water and juice...
2007-02-21 17:19:45 · answer #5 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Baptist and don't participate in Lent. I love the idea of it however. It's a sybolic way of remembering the suffering of Christ by experiencing in some small way, a dose of being without. Some baptists I know when they feel they are falling away from God, fast to keep them focused much for the same reason.
2007-02-21 17:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Scott B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Jesus, the purpose of fasting is to mourn. He explained that his disciples didn't fast because He, being God, was physically with them. They were with family.
We, on the other hand, consider ourselves to be foreigners in a strange land, meaning that we see life on earth as " just passing through." As you grow closer to God, you long more to be close to him. You long to be home. That is why many Christians fast.
2007-02-21 17:22:47 · answer #7 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly many Christians fast in various ways. It is something though that Jesus commanded that when you do it you don't tell others.
2007-02-21 17:15:52 · answer #8 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based, yes, but over the years lots of theology has been developed beyond that. The Bible is the foundation, but most Christian faiths have branched out and "fleshed out" teachings beyond what the Bible says about some matters.
2016-05-23 22:12:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, fasting is in scripture and when it is coupled with prayer they make a very powerful weapon against Satan.
According to Scripture, fasting is the deliberate, voluntary abstinence from food for a specific time and for the purpose of concentrated prayer. Jesus placed equal emphasis on prayer and fasting. In the same way Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, He also pointed to the importance of fasting, using the word when and not if when instructing His disciples regarding prayer and fasting.
The Word of God tells us that as the church in Antioch “ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:2–3).
"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:16–18; see also Jeremiah 14:12 and Zechariah. 7:5).
2007-02-21 17:20:21 · answer #10 · answered by iamwhoiam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋