Fasting

Mega Churches abound in my neck of the woods. I am a member of one actually! But one in our area really gets under my skin. Having a large gathering of people, they have a focus on Fasting at the beginning of the year, and attached to the fast is the idea of a very public unified prayer for a move from God, based on some slapped together scriptures that are taken out of context. Then, as if this weren't enough, the leader has declared himself to be America's expert on fasting and has a flock of books for his following.

Not so fast, I want to declare! Have you read the scriptures in a real way? Before I get to riled up, I have to say that a much smarter and more seasoned view of fasting is very much available. Scott McKnight's book on fasting is fantastic. It goes back to the roots of the ancient practice, in sound exegesis of the scripture. Fasting is quiet a profound and personally touching spiritual discipline that is more about a private relationship to God in scriptures, rather than a public announcement of faith or political statement. In Fasting, McKnight lays all of this out in a real way that is simply an explanation of the various ways that fasting can be personally powerful and even the very practical discussion of the physical repercussions of the fast.

In a world where fasting has become hyped up, McKnight offers a very thoughtful analysis of this ancient practice.