Fasting?

[MrJim]

Right, that makes sense.

I shouldn't feel intimidated by it

It's just that when there's cheesecake nearby

It's been a while since I've done serious fasting~~maybe time to take it up again...our house has strange eating schedules anyhow so it isn't awkward here...it does help as any spiritual discipline does (prayer, bible study, worship, etc)

 

[Rhamiel]

another good way to fast is to eat simple food
fast from meat and sweats.
modern people have a hard time understanding the idea of fasting, it is hard to get in the mindset that this is a tiny sacrifice and not a diet lol
lent is a traditional time to fast and to give up something

 

[Mikeb85]

A few links concerning fasting in the Orthodox Church:

http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=93
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/pr_fasting.aspx

It's important to remember that fasting is not about self-deprivation, but about self-discipline.

 

[Rhamiel]

yeah, the Orthodox have a really healthy understanding of fasting, check out Mikes links

 

[MrJim]

yeah, the Orthodox have a really healthy understanding of fasting, check out Mikes links

Healthy understanding? I think it's their favorite sport

 

[porterross]

I think I'd have to ask the monastery to at least have cheesecake on my "day off"........

St. Augustine's has numerous mandatory times of silence, including meal time, so I don't think the sound of ecstasy from the consumption of such a treat would be welcome.

I have done those herbal detoxes a few times, they do seem to work pretty well - you get alot of energy near the end of those.

I'll have to look into this - I think it becomes a little bit of a problem when you're married & have to make dinner & stuff -
I'd feel wierd not eating with him.

That's where the discipline comes in. I have managed it several times while still providing meals for my daughter, so it's possible and even strengthening. People might give you a hard time about it, though. I ran into that from my parents, which shouldn't surprise me. My grandmother fasted once a week for most of her life in honor of Christ (not sure why) and my mother never appreciated it. It was what she wanted to do and that was her day to wrap herself in the Word, so why not?

 

[Lpe04]

If you are praying hard, it will be hard to keep down any food. Probably the point of fasting.

God bless.

 

[Lpe04]

As far as not being able to eat certain things,

1 Tim. 4:3 "They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth."

God bless.

 

[Mikeb85]

As far as not being able to eat certain things,

1 Tim. 4:3 "They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth."

God bless.

I should note, that in the Orthodox church, fasting is not at all required. Highly recommended, but not required. Furthermore, the fasting 'rule' is also more a recommendation than anything, if you can't follow it that's alright. Also, it's seen as a waste of time to abstain from certain food items if we indulge in other 'passions'. Fasting is to be done joyously, in private, and is not only about food... Just wanted to make sure there's no misconceptions.

 

[MrJim]

I should note, that in the Orthodox church, fasting is not at all required. Highly recommended, but not required. Furthermore, the fasting 'rule' is also more a recommendation than anything, if you can't follow it that's alright. Also, it's seen as a waste of time to abstain from certain food items if we indulge in other 'passions'. Fasting is to be done joyously, in private, and is not only about food... Just wanted to make sure there's no misconceptions.

I've read through many fasting threads at TAW over the years and what you say is very true; IIRC there are cases where fasting is prohibited, like kids and pregnant women. All the time TAW folks are telling people with questions to ask their priest for guidance and that's because there is no "hard and fast" rule ().

It is funny though to read about folks eating "meat substitutes" during their fast...