John Cassian’s writings deal with the problem of excessive fasting in the desert communities and Benedict took this warning from Cassian quite seriously in writing The Rule. As you point out, this problem doesn’t threaten those who don’t fast at all. Fasting is the first, assumed step in historic virtue communities and a potent guardian against the entry of other sinful passions—as the Fathers saw it.
Loved this. I started intermittent fasting back in early 2018 more for physical reasons, wanting to be and feel healthier, and stumbling upon Dr. Eric Berg who recommends it. Two things...I definitely also became more spiritual starting then, willing to give more of my life to Him. I think it must be able to happen without us trying for it as well.
Second, physically, around the 18-hour mark of fasting I believe, the body begins autophagy, where the bad cells get disposed of. How cool is God? It happens both physically and spiritually. One other thing. I have mostly continued the intermittent fasting since 2018, and I will say that this year especially, I am able to see and feel signs of God's love for me almost anytime I ask. He uses what connects with me (Being in the Kingdom of God like you wrote). I've tried to explain this to people. It's really all here for the taking right now! So exciting! Thanks for writing. I have a book just about to be published called The Rebel's Hike. It's geared to the tween and older crowd, and I've started a substack that will be a continuation of it and a gathering place. I've always enjoyed your lessons since I found you, and now I'm going to go sign in as my other account and recommend your substack. Thank you.
So interesting. I'm the sort of person who never does the research on the scientific side of things, so this is great to hear. Also encouraging that fasting itself brought you closer to God. Very cool about your book, The Rebel's Hike! I am going to check it out now. Congrats. And thank you for recommending my work. Means a lot.
Really appreciated this, Ross. I led our Fellows on a silent retreat every January (which was powerful in itself), but we never did any fasting. I’m afraid it’s something I have neglected as a spiritual practice (aside from some periodic social media fasts). This was a great primer on it!
John Cassian’s writings deal with the problem of excessive fasting in the desert communities and Benedict took this warning from Cassian quite seriously in writing The Rule. As you point out, this problem doesn’t threaten those who don’t fast at all. Fasting is the first, assumed step in historic virtue communities and a potent guardian against the entry of other sinful passions—as the Fathers saw it.
Well said. And thanks for the addendum regarding John Cassian and Benedict. That makes sense.
Loved this. I started intermittent fasting back in early 2018 more for physical reasons, wanting to be and feel healthier, and stumbling upon Dr. Eric Berg who recommends it. Two things...I definitely also became more spiritual starting then, willing to give more of my life to Him. I think it must be able to happen without us trying for it as well.
Second, physically, around the 18-hour mark of fasting I believe, the body begins autophagy, where the bad cells get disposed of. How cool is God? It happens both physically and spiritually. One other thing. I have mostly continued the intermittent fasting since 2018, and I will say that this year especially, I am able to see and feel signs of God's love for me almost anytime I ask. He uses what connects with me (Being in the Kingdom of God like you wrote). I've tried to explain this to people. It's really all here for the taking right now! So exciting! Thanks for writing. I have a book just about to be published called The Rebel's Hike. It's geared to the tween and older crowd, and I've started a substack that will be a continuation of it and a gathering place. I've always enjoyed your lessons since I found you, and now I'm going to go sign in as my other account and recommend your substack. Thank you.
So interesting. I'm the sort of person who never does the research on the scientific side of things, so this is great to hear. Also encouraging that fasting itself brought you closer to God. Very cool about your book, The Rebel's Hike! I am going to check it out now. Congrats. And thank you for recommending my work. Means a lot.
🤯🤯🤯
Great post! Thanks Ross
Thankful for this Ross— insightful, super helpful and although this quasi-orthodox evangelical missed the beginning of lent, better late than never.
Really appreciated this, Ross. I led our Fellows on a silent retreat every January (which was powerful in itself), but we never did any fasting. I’m afraid it’s something I have neglected as a spiritual practice (aside from some periodic social media fasts). This was a great primer on it!