Original Purpose for Fasting?

[TurtleHugger]

I really don't get fasting. I know it was practiced in the Bible as well as in the modern day.
I've heard that in biblical days that they worshipped rather than cooking and getting together for meals, but what really was the point? Why would refraining from eating be to any advantage to God or man?
Church traditions aside (heh), what was the original purpose of fasting and of what significance was it?

 

[LutheranGuy123]

I really don't get fasting. I know it was practiced in the Bible as well as in the modern day.
I've heard that in biblical days that they worshipped rather than cooking and getting together for meals, but what really was the point? Why would refraining from eating be to any advantage to God or man?
Church traditions aside (heh), what was the original purpose of fasting and of what significance was it?

Fasting was more of a respect thing than a thing with actual purpose. Some holidays you fast, which makes you hungry and reminds you that your ancestors starved at one point. Well, maybe not yours but the Jews'. It was also used as a way to clear one's mind. You meditate all day with no interruptions, then you eat and go to sleep.

 

[All4Christ]

Fasting is a means to help overcome the passions. When we deprive ourselves from our normal means of sustenance, we can be reminded to depend on God over ourselves. In both the Jewish and Christian faith, fasting accompanied repentance and a renewed sense of urgent prayer.

 

[prodromos]

Just like an athlete has to train and exercise regularly in order to be able to overcome his competition, regular fasting strengthens our ability to say "no" when strong temptations come our way because we have been training ourselves to say "no" to some of the things we enjoy.

 

[TurtleHugger]

Interesting answers. Thanks!

 

[Halbhh]

Though All4Christ's answer is excellent, here's another angle:

When we eat plenty, even just a healthy full meal that isn't overeating, even then it dulls our senses a little, and makes us feel satisfied, already complete. Somewhat like alcohol that way.

Speaking of which, here's a new thought just now. John the Baptist, it comes to me --

"...for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." Luke chapter 1 v 15.

It's the same thing. Really. Just as wine dulls, food dulls some. Absence of wine = clearer, more able to hear and feel God. Absence of food = can help us be more able to hear and feel God.

Fasting is one way, just like praying in the early morning hours when all are asleep, or taking a pilgrimage, or meditating on Christ.

 

[dzheremi]

The ancient Jews often fasted for purification, as Moses did to receive the law written by the finger of God. We Christians continue that, but look at purity in a wider sense than ritual purity as is common in other religions like Judaism and Islam (not forgetting it, but not considering it the entirety of what it is to be pure, either). We fast in imitation of Christ our God, Who fasted the perfect fast for us in the desert for forty days and forty nights, and of course showed us perfect mastery over the passions.

Put simply, fasting and prayer are the weapons of victory over the snares of the devil. Christ our Lord taught us that by fasting and prayer demons are cast out, and so by fasting and prayer we are cleansed of our own demons and are thereby pleasing to the Lord, who similarly looked upon the prayer and fasting of the Ninevites in the time of Jonah the prophet and was pleased, and forgave them their sins.

 

[GreekOrthodox]

There is also a component that the money saved from not eating (especially luxury foods like meat) would be donated to the poor or the church.

 

[prodromos]

There is also a component that the money saved from not eating (especially luxury foods like meat) would be donated to the poor or the church.

Χρόνια Πολλά BTW

 

[gordonhooker]

There is also a component that the money saved from not eating (especially luxury foods like meat) would be donated to the poor or the church.

Felix natalis

 

[GreekOrthodox]

Thanks to both of you, I had a good 49th bday. I'm not counting after this as my first AARP invitation arrived

 

[ViaCrucis]

Christianity has always rejected two extremes: hedonism on the one hand and extreme or hyper-ascetisicm on the other.

Fasting is an ascetic practice, but the purpose of which isn't to deny the goodness and value of bodily life and the good gifts of creation, but as was mentioned earlier, to discipline and curb the appetites--the passions. Since the passions are held under sway by sin (in the West we typically refer to this as concupiscience) raw, unrestricted desire leads to sin and is destructive and harmful. And so we are called to self-control, to keep the appetites at bay. Fasting is an example of this, as another poster said, like an athlete practicing.

Fasting is part of the "not hedonistic" aspect of the Church's praxis. On the other side is the celebration of life, and of the fruit of the earth, and the good gifts of God in His creation--of food, and wine, etc. Because to deny the intrinsic goodness of creation and bodily life is to fall into Gnostic heresy.

And so there is always a tension between the celebration of life's goodness along with the recognition of sin and death and that we must be vigilant, sober minded, self-controlled; not allowing our passions and appetites to overpower us. And so we fast at times, we feast at times, and in all things pray, pray, pray.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Tigger45]

I've always wondered the connection with fasting concerning

Matthew 17:21
"But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

 

[prodromos]

I've always wondered the connection with fasting concerning

Matthew 17:21
"But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

The corollary being that if we do not fast, we are more susceptible to demonic possession.

 

[Mark51]

In Bible times, people fasted for various reasons that met with divine approval. Some fasted to express extreme sorrow or repentance for sins (1 Samuel 7:4-6), to implore God’s favor or seek his guidance (Judges 20:26-28; Luke 2:36, 37), or to sharpen one’s concentration while meditating.-Matthew 4:1, 2.

The Mosaic Law ordered the Jews to “afflict [their] souls,” that is, to fast, once a year on Atonement Day. (Leviticus 16:29-31; Psalm 35:13) This was the only fasting that God ever commanded his people to do. Jews who lived under the Mosaic Law would have obeyed that command. However, Christians are not required to observe the Mosaic Law.-Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14.

Although Jesus did fast as the Law required, he was not known for this practice. He told his disciples how they were to act if they chose to fast, but he never commanded that they fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14) However, Jesus did say that his disciples would fast after his death. (Matthew 9:15) This was not a command. Jesus’ words simply suggest that at his death his disciples would feel deep sorrow and would lose the desire to eat.