I went to an Anglican church in my youth, no-one there fasted.
2007-03-15 05:46:46 · 10 answers · asked by Cader and Glyder scrambler 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Lent appears to be a man-made ritual and not biblically based.
2007-03-15 05:50:30 · answer #1 · answered by purplejadedragon 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus went to the desert for 40 days of fasting and prayer to be with the Father before He started His ministry. Catholics observe 40 days of fasting, prayer and almsgiving during Lent to draw closer to the Father in preparation for the joy of Easter.
In the book of Jonah, the king of the Ninevites declared a fast of all of his people and their animals as a sign of repentence for the evil they had done.
2007-03-15 12:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Scripture does not command Christians to fast. It is not something that God requires or demands of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and expected. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world, and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to yourself, that you are serious about your relationship with Him. Fasting helps you to gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.
Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish your flesh, but to focus on God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. Do not fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast. Some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God.
By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “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.”
2007-03-15 23:50:56 · answer #3 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, actually, they should. It's a way to focus on God more fully, and to learn to sacrifice.
All these huggy, feel good churches nowadays just tell their followers that once they say this lil save me prayer, they are saved, they are going to be raptured, and life is going to be a skate job.
Funny, Jesus says that he who endures to the end will be saved; take up your cross and follow me, etc.
If people can't even fast then they sure as heck aren't going to make it 'to the end'
2007-03-15 12:56:45 · answer #4 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are referring to "catholic"..fasting at Lent?
Fasting can be good if used for us to focus and seek answers;to supplement God for things we need.Christ fasted and withstood satin.It is a tool for awareness and spiritual awareness.
When used as a " religious" scheduled thing to do...on a calendar.....that is another matter.It can be beneficial..but this
seems a practice of men and "religious"...not a personal choice.Would it be affected by the spirit that you approached it in? Not.....do I give up my $400 shoes this week?
2007-03-15 13:00:11 · answer #5 · answered by LIFE OBSERVER 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus says we will fast when he is taken to heaven. It is very important and God recognizes a Biblical correct fast.
2007-03-15 13:01:50 · answer #6 · answered by chucky 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes,but it's your choice to fast or not.Personally I'm trying to fast but it is very difficult.
2007-03-15 16:31:35 · answer #7 · answered by Erina♣Liszt's Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!! I'm an atheist so I like the idea of shorter lines at lunch!
2007-03-15 12:51:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funny, every Catholic in mine is fasting. Even me.. :(
I want a burger....
2007-03-15 12:50:57 · answer #9 · answered by 0 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh God No. I'd starve
2007-03-15 12:50:30 · answer #10 · answered by kit 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋