Posted: 5/26/2009 12:54:52 PM EDT
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I have to go for bloodwork and they told me I need to "fast" for 12 hours before hand. I found it funny that they used that term.
Anyway, it got me thinking about fasting in connection with a religion. I know the Muslims make a big deal about fasting (Ramadan). Its been awhile since I've picked up a religious book but I'm pretty sure fasting was mentioned in the bible. For the believers here: Do you fast because of your religion (is it even part of your religion?) If so, what is your religion, and why/under what circumstances do you fast? |
| I fast but it's never a set time of the year. As a Christian, I am not commanded to fast but at the same time it can be beneficial. People think that 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 to focus completely on God, which is why it is often a good thing not to broadcast to everyone that you are fasting. |
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As Observant Jews there are a few fasts.
1. Yom Kippur. Day of Attonemnet 2. Fast of the First Born. day before passover for first born males. commerating the first born Hebrew males being saved in Egypt. (the second time)(first time they were killed) 3. Tisha B Av. this day we associate with many calamities to befall the Jewish people. 4. Tzom Tammuz commerating the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon. this led to the destruction of the Temple 5. Fast of Esther this day is the day befoer Purim 6. Asharah B tevet. this day is commerated as the begining of the siege of Jerusalem. also associated now with remembering the 6 million murdered in the Shoah 7. tzom Gedaliah this fast is remebering Judean governors murder. 7 fast days for strictly observant Jews. But for many just one (Yom Kippur) there are actually many more times that Jews fast during the year. |
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I posted about this not too long ago, but fasting is integral part of life for Orthodox Christians. It's one of many things that I think are essential to keep focused in a world full of distractions. Usually today, when people say "fasting," they mean a total fast, which to my knowledge is only prescribed in the Orthodox Church between the end of vespers on Holy Thursday evening until the wee hours of Pascha (Easter), and from the first day of Great Lent until that Wednesday.
The typical fast day, which includes nearly all Wednesdays and Fridays, is one free from animal meats (except invertebrates), animal products (except honey), foods containing olive oil (which in some cultures is taken to mean oil of any kind), and wine (which in some cultures means any alcohol.) http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html Now, do I do it? I try. |
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As a Catholic, I fast during Lent like most other Catholics do, but I also do it when I'm praying for something that means a lot to me. For example, if I'm praying for a friend who is going through tough emotional and spiritual times (like I am doing now), I'll fast or offer something up as a way of both keeping my focus on God and also putting myself in his place, so to speak. When I heard that other people were praying and fasting for me when I had my lung surgery in the Fall, I was amazed at the sincerity and dedication to prayer that they exhibited and how much they actually cared about the outcome. It's one thing to say a prayer, it's another to both pray and change your lifestyle for the sake of another. It really shows how much you care and that you are trying to be like Christ, who was tortured for your own sake.
It's kind of like this. Jesus was tortured, rejected, and killed for me. The least I can do is go through a small hardship for him or someone I know. It's a difficult thing to describe and I didn't really do it accurately, but that's basically my thoughts on the matter. |
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Not sure about Jews, but as I understand the commandments to gentiles, there is no requirement to fast. it is certainly okay to do so as a positive thing, as long as it is done within reason. It should never be considered sinful to not fast, as no commandment was given to do fast. It's just a generally good thing to do, occasionally and within reason, for gentiles, for religious purposes.
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Quoted:
Members of the LDS church are counseled to fast for 24 hours each month on the first Saturday/Sunday Having worked in the medical field in Utah, they always understood what I meant when I told them to fast prior to a test/labwork And as part of that monthly fast, they are counseled to donate the proceeds of what they saved on food to help other members in need. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Members of the LDS church are counseled to fast for 24 hours each month on the first Saturday/Sunday Having worked in the medical field in Utah, they always understood what I meant when I told them to fast prior to a test/labwork And as part of that monthly fast, they are counseled to donate the proceeds of what they saved on food to help other members in need. Yup. Just wanted to add that besides the regular fast on the first Sunday of each month, LDS members sometimes fast on other days when a personal or family need arises. |