For instance, if a person is hypoglycemic and can't go without food for longer than 3 hours or so, otherwise their blood sugar levels become imbalanced, they get dizzy and can faint - would not fasting (on days when fasting is important by religious doctrines) due to such a health problem be ok from a Christian or Jewish perspective?
2007-07-06 13:58:34 · 15 answers · asked by ♥ 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes of course. Fasting is supposed to bring you closer to G-d, but not because you die from it!
A lot of times, fasting is used in repentance, of taking something away to show that you are truly sorry and long to make amends with G-d. It is also about purifing your body - making you a worthy vessel for the indwelling of G-d.
If you cannot truly fast, but would like to do so you can instead limit your food intake. Eat only what you need to survive. Do not add treats or anything extra. Fasting is about sacrifice and purification.
I can tell you from a Christian perspective, I was once Catholic, that you can refrain from fasting if you have severe enough health problems. No one from the church is going to come police you to make sure you aren't eating. Instead, decide what you would like to do in place of the fasting.
For the Jews, the Law comes first, except before human life. One can work on the shabbat - picking corn - if they are about to die from hunger. The same with fasting. One can be exempt from fasting if it is a danger to their health.
2007-07-06 14:04:36 · answer #1 · answered by noncrazed 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anytime I've heard anyone talk about fasting, they will say that you should make sure that you are healthy enough to fast. In particular, they do not recommend doing this if you are at a risk for health problems.
I think God will understand if a person desires to do so, and truly cannot.
Some people will do mini-fasts. They may just fast for one meal. Others will do only a partial fast, where they simply eliminate a certain food group. Others still will choose to do a 24-hour fast by starting with the fasting at noon on one day until noon the following day. While others go to the extreme of a total fast (no food or water) for up to 40 days.
Ultimately, God knows a person's heart and their intentions. If a person feels they are called to fast, and medically cannot, they might want to simply spend the time in prayer and still maintain a healthy diet.
2007-07-06 14:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by Searcher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Judaism, people with health issues ask their rabbis for advice before Yom Kippur and other fast days. Some end up being exempt completely, and some are told to consume small amounts of food and drink every hour or few hours so that they stay healthy while 'getting credit' for fasting.
2007-07-06 15:09:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly permissable to abstain from fasts. You should make some other sacrifice in its place. There is a wonderful story about Saint Francis who had a vision in the night of one of his monks who was have trouble with a fast. Saint Francis of Assissi got up everyone in the monestary and had a meal. The young monk i guess was having trouble with the fast. We can learn much from the Saints.
-LOVE your neighbor as yourself
Amen.
2007-07-06 14:05:01 · answer #4 · answered by jesusfreakstreet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the power of the fast is to prove the power of the spirit over the flesh ]body needs]
its sort of a contradiction in terms to withhold fasting to bodily need , but there isnt any beliwef that forces sick people to fast
a fast is about making your will [spirit] stronger ,if refusing to fast does that , then the reason purpose of the fast is yet filled
2007-07-06 14:18:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try fasting from other things rather than food. What really matters is the purpose of fasting, what's in your heart. God will see the motive in your heart.
2007-07-06 14:05:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, and there is always "giving( a not needed or unhealthy) something up" instead and using the money saved for the poor. That is a mitzvah (righteous and faith-affirming deed) in both religions.
2007-07-06 14:09:46 · answer #7 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-sigh- It's ok to withhold fasting because there are certain exceptions outlined in the Bible / Torah. You do not have to fast if you are:
A child, an elder, sickly, or pregnant.
Hypoglycemic people would fall under 'sickly'.
2007-07-06 14:03:09 · answer #8 · answered by Integri 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Lord makes allowances for such things...
May you find Peace :)
2007-07-06 14:03:59 · answer #9 · answered by ForeverSet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is perfectly fine in my religion. No one is forced to fast, and if you have health reasons then you are actually encouraged NOT to.
2007-07-06 14:01:47 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋