2007-08-19 15:15:56 · 32 answers · asked by Jeffrey b 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
the mind becomes more clear and it humbles a person ... puts one more in touch with reality .. and God if those are your beliefs ..
2007-08-19 15:19:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Its purpose is to experience the effects of not eating. It also serves to be a penance or a sacrifice - for the purpose of strengthening us. When we don't eat, for even a little while, we get hungry. When we get hungry, we have a heightened sense of awareness. If, when we eat too much, we have a sluggish feeling, when we fast, we have a feeling of alertness. Fasting is a wonderful exercise whenever we want to sincerely ask for an important grace from God. It is not that our fasting "earns" God's attention, but by fasting, we clarify our thinking and our feeling. It is purifying and prepares us to pray more deeply.
2007-08-19 15:31:49 · answer #2 · answered by ddingler1250 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking from the Christian tradition, fasting is a part of penitential days such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. However, there is also the Eucharistic fast (not eating before Communion) which is not penitential but a sign of reverence for Christ's presence in the sacrament.
There is also abstinence, which is traditionally observed during Lent, and entails skipping red meat and poultry, rather than not eating period.
In the Roman Catholic Church, fasting is defined as having one meal (often this is taken after sunset) and not more than two "collations" (snacks), which together must not equal more than the meal. Abstinence involves going pesco-vegetarian.
2007-08-19 15:59:25 · answer #3 · answered by raxtonite 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To remember that others are less fortunate and to thank God for your good fortune. When you fast, the money normally spent is donated to charity. The time normally spent is devoted to additional prayer, religious study, or volunteer work.
The most common fast is to skip a meal. However, you can also fast (or sacrifice) a vacation or some luxury item.
2007-08-19 15:27:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The only Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ.
"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" (Matthew 6:16-18).
2007-08-19 15:29:10 · answer #5 · answered by dreamdress2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On a physical level it is done to purify the body (scientists note that fasting CAN allow for some level of detoxification)
On a spiritual level it is a form of self-discipline designed to focus the mind on spiritual and religious matters instead of solely matters of the body.
2007-08-19 15:21:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The spiritual reason is that if you do it and pray your prayers are more focused and powerful. Y0u can also do it if you want an answer to a question. Something about fasting makes the spiritual person more and the worldly person less.
2007-08-19 15:23:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is a way to show reverance to God and to your faith by giving up something you enjoy but do not necesarrily need. It helps to focus your mind and heart on praying and or meditating.
Some give up foods that contain caffine and other stimulants. The objective is to focus the mind and body to become one in the cause of enlightenment.
2007-08-19 15:22:59 · answer #8 · answered by "Ask Dr. Stupid" 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it is done for spiritual reasons in private, then it is about denying yourself for a request from God. The pharisees would fast and pray before men for their 'pats on the back'. But if it is done in secret, to not gain the word of men, then God may honor the request you are asking. It's all about denying yourself for His purpose.
2007-08-19 15:21:27 · answer #9 · answered by witnessnbr1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The purpose is to draw closer to God. However it is important that you do it properly. During the time you normally eat you should be using that time for God. Basically you give up earthly food for spiritual bread. Besides that there are health benefits.
2007-08-19 15:22:49 · answer #10 · answered by linnea13 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When you fast- without cheating- you become much more spiritually aware. Especially after the 3rd day. The scriptures come alive and it puts wings on your prayer.
2007-08-19 15:24:19 · answer #11 · answered by copperhead89 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋