Christianity Essay -- essays research papers fc

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism place on FastingOne of the longest established disciplines of the sympathetic body is that of frugality.Fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth(www.alinaam.org.za).Fasting has as well as been used in nearly any religion in the world, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Many of historys great spiritual leaders profuseed for mental and spiritual clarity, including Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed. Fasting is an important element in religious practices.Christian PerspectiveNowhere in the overbold Testament is fasting commanded as a binding obligation upon the Christian. However, if one elects to fast it should be nothing less than conscription nearer to matinee idol. Even though fasting is not commanded that doesnt mean that fasting isnt recommended as a part of a Christians spiritual growth. Fasting is very important in Christianity. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Act 134, 1423). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2 37 533). Although fasting in Scriptures is almost always a fasting from food there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Cor. 71-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is food. The occasions for a fast is total voluntary. Christians fast for different reasons. They fast during difficult times, to express sorrow or regret for sin or to seek guidance from God. Christian also fast to communicate emotion to God.Christian fasting is more than denying he or herself food or something else of the flesh its a sacrificial life-style before God. In Isaiah 58, a true fast? is not just a one-time act of humility and denial before God it is a lifestyle of handmaiden ministry to others. Isaiah tells us, fasting encourages humility, loosens the chai ns of injustice, unties the chords of the yoke, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. (Isaiah 58 1-9). The concept of Christian fasting isnt a one-day thing its a lifestyle of servant living for God and others. Jewish PerspectiveFasting is a part of the Jewish tradition. Fasting was instituted in Biblical times as a bless of morning, or when... ...d Judaism rely heavily upon law for fasting. They have major fasts based on the Holy Quran and the Torah. Christian fasts are not restricted to commands from the Bible. As a matter of fact, fasting is not required at all. They are encouraged to fast for spiritual growth. If Christians decide to fast, they have individual freedom to choose when and how they fast. unlike Christians, Muslims and Jews have to fast completely from food. Christians have a choice to fast from whatever keeps them from focusing on God. Even though Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have different stead on fasting, t hey all have a common goal to get c mislayr to God. No matter how a fast is carried out, one should never lose sight of the main goal of fasting. Fasting provides an environment for a deeper spiritual life.Bibliographyhttp//www.aish.com Retrieved February 20, 2005.http//www.alinaam.org.za/ramadhaan/freligions.htm Retrieved February 20, 2005.Fisher, Mary Pat (2002). Living Religions, Fifth Edition Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.The Holy Bible, New International Version Grand Rapids, Michigan 1973.http//www.islamworld.net / Retrieved February 26, 2005.