The "in order to" Problem

So, would you say that fasting is an ancient Christian practice, but not a spiritual discipline?

The definition that came to my mind is, a purposeful withholding of something that is good, for the purpose of mourning, anticipation, or sacrifice. I'm sure that is left wanting. I've always thought of it as a practice in solidarity.

I think I have come to understand fasting as a response to the grievousness of sin; period. I do agree and note that many of the mentions in Scripture coincide with times of grief, mourning, sadness, and/or moments of the intimate and sacred. I also note, for my own journey, fasting serves to bring intimate awareness to my own brokenness and need for God's sustaining grace. I do not view fasting as a spiritual bartering tool, but as I said, an act that recognizes my need...looking forward to the hope and future when we live in the fully realized glory and presence of God.

I've tended to say that fasting is equivalent to celibacy, as nutrition is equivalent to chastity.

Scot, I finished reading your book on fasting Monday and it is the best book I have read on the subject. Your definition and process of showing how people fasted in the Bible and why we should do it today was wonderful. In the past I fasted in order to gain insight and closeness to God and often felt empty and unsatisfied when I didn't feel like I received my desired result. Your book has helped me to rethink and see fasting as not a way to get something.

I am now reading constant prayer.

I agree with you on this point. As a child I saw fasting as a "giving up" of red meat, 3 full meals, etc. While I still give a little attempt at fast thru Lent, I also see "being mindful" as more of the point. Now, I won't try to come close to saying what Church doctrine defines as the "purpose" of fasting, but the "being mindful" seems to bring me into the present more fully. Now, I will also add that I have a memory disability-so remembering what day it is, where we're at in the liturgical calendar, etc. is difficult for me, "being mindful" is in itself a task. But I keep working on it-failing daily, but trying none the less.