The Spirituality of Fasting: Rediscovering a Christian Practice

by Charles M. Murphy

This treasury of spiritual wisdom draws on sources ancient and current—from Augustine to Michael Pollan—to consider anew how fasting informs the relationships between creator/creature, body/soul, and rich/poor.

In a timely response to Pope Benedict's urging that the value and meaning of fasting need to be "rediscovered and encouraged again in our day," The Spirituality of Fasting is excellent for small groups, parish retreats, homily preparation, and recommended Lenten reading lists.

Genres: Faith, Spirituality, Catholic, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Religion

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2010

Reviews

[Elizabethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any Catholic who wants to reclaim the centrality of fasting and abstinence for Catholic culture or for ant Christian who wants to gain deeper insight into the three pillared prescription of virtue given to us by Christ himself. Prayer, alms giving, and fasting are linked as the way to spiritual growth and this book helps us to understand why.

As long as the writing stays grounded in the Bible and the writings of the early church or even that of some more recent posts, this is a compelling and thought provoking book. Buy the chapter on achieving solidarity with the poor veers off into a misguided discussion of global economics and an attempt to motivate the reader to fast by praising some modern youth movements based on social justice" that are unreflective and a little off putting in its preachiness. It's easy to just skip that chapter.

Otherwise, great food for thought. I especially appreciated the author's insistence that we in the modern world need mental fasts as well as physical to maintain a healthy spiritual life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great read. Lots of information on the history and different types of fasting. It was an easy, quick read, but there was so much depth to it. I really loved the spiritual aspect of it, that it's different from dieting, and it's good for both body and soul for a reason. I read it for Holy Week which was good timing as it can also touched on the importance of feasting, and that we fast in order to feast. So it was perfect timing to read it mostly during the Triduum and finish it today (Easter Monday) with the bit about feasting. I do wish I had started it at the beginning of Lent, but I will just plan to read it again next year. It is one of those books I could read every year and get something different from it each time. Highly recommend!

[Terry Pellegrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easily readable book that covers the Biblical necessity of Fasting for the practicing
Christian. Prayer, Fasting, and works of mercy are the three pillars of God's people throughout the Bible both Old and New Testament. Also covers the historical Christian practice of fasting (Wednesdays & Fridays). He quotes from Ratzinger and Augustine throughout the book. Murphy does a great job making the case that Fasting helps us distinguish needs from wants, and assist in avoiding a complaining mentality embracing a gracious attitude. My only recommendation is for the author to include a bit more of a program for fasting to a person that is not familiar with the process. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Biblical and historical roots of fasting.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to fasting: biblical, historical, practical. Great easy read on an important practice leading up to Lent. Most insightful on linking fasting to prayer and charity as well as distinguishing fasting from dieting. Make this your best Lent effort, rediscover fasting, read this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for more of a how to book this was more why do. It was a little dry at times but brought up things I had not thought about that are not mentioned in other books about fasting and is worth the read.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise, clear, well-balanced, this was a good reminder of the important spiritual discipline of fasting for those familiar with the tradition and a solid introduction for those new to the practice.

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about the history and importance of fasting. Easy read.

[Ann Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at the Catholic tradition of fasting, more on the “why” than the “how”. It was a little dry but a quick enough read that I’d consider revisiting again.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. There was some good stuff in it, particularly in the beginning, but then it started wandering all over the place. I found it difficult to stick with.

[Željko Filipin · Rating 4 out of 5]

On fasting, prayer and charity.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book. It's very short, but has a decent amount of detail considering the length.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book but Well put with a load of info