The definition of fasting is simply to abstain from food. In Christianity, fasting is a spiritual discipline encouraged to bring us closer to God. There are many examples of fasting throughout the Bible, and a quick internet search will yield not only examples, but explanations, how-to’s, and everything you ever wanted to know about spiritual fasting…almost.
Fasting is also one of the problem symptoms of most eating disorders. Again, if you search the internet or any bookstore, you will find tons of information and everything you want to know about fasting and eating disorders…almost.
At this point I want to throw in a disclaimer. Everyone and everything I have heard and read is very clear that if you are actively suffering from any type of eating disorder, you should NOT fast. If you have medical problems, you should talk to your doctor before fasting in any way. With that being said, I want to take it another step.
What happens when the concept of Biblical fasting and the reality of eating disorders collide? As a generality, people who are dealing with eating disorders want to do things “right”. They are usually very aware of what others may think (whether accurate or not) and for the most part struggle with the eating disorder behind a wall of secrecy. Again, as a generality, pastors may not know how to address the issue, may not have an understanding or knowledge of eating disorders, and typically state a disclaimer about medical conditions and move on.
All of this raises questions that don’t readily have answers:
- Is there a point “post-eating disorder” when it’s ok to attempt a spiritual fast?
- As a pastor, what answer would you give someone asking the first question (talk to your doctor may not be the only answer!)?
- As someone “post-ED”, what strategies can you use to keep from slipping from spiritual fasting to ED fasting? How do you recognize the change? What do you do about it?
So why this post? It’s an invitation to join me on a journey. Today I begin a spiritual fast, as someone who is “post-eating disorder”, as someone who is now “in ministry”, and as someone who is only going to find the answers by experiencing them personally. I honestly don’t know how this will turn out! Years ago I fasted many times under the guise of spiritual fasting, yet knew the eating disorder was the real driving force. It’s different now…or is it? That’s what I’m going to find out and I’m willing to do it in front of all of you! 
I hope you join in. The only request is to keep this a learning experience. In other words, it’s fine if you don’t agree with fasting or Christianity, but don’t slam it—this is what I believe, this is who I am, and this is for others like me and the people who know us. Other than that–all input is welcome!!!
Here we go…
Filed under: Christianity, Health | Tagged: anorexia, Christianity, eating disorders, fasting
I hadn’t thought of the effect of a biblical fast on eating and post-eating disorders. This will be interesting to follow. It would be good for me as an overeater to take on fasting again. As a diabetic however, I don’t believe that is physically a good idea. Then there is the idea “God will provide my needs” that is balanced with the wisdom of medicine. I like your thinking.
Readung this post this morning. You have also opened my eye and my heart and my spirit as I struggle with Eating Disorders. I am a Beliver in Faith and want nothing more then to be in right right alignment with My God. It is true that spiritual fasting is not always the tue reason I have chosen to fast in that I struggle with weight issues and try to losse the weight I so desire to loose in my own way as I see and like might work for me. needless to say, I ahve often failed at my attempts of trying to do the weight loss thing my way. So you have sparked a sensitive aspect about my life journey and spiritual journey as well. I want to send you blessings of strength and of right motive as you move into this fast that you have shared about. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing about this journey that you are embarking upon. God Love you and You ahve the faith and trust that God is going to help you do this fast that is in agreement with Him. Wishing the most success.
Be Blessed
Always
Barbarie
This is awesome, Rindy! I’ll bet there are a lot of people out there who have questions about this. One of the first things that came to mind was to be sure to have some accountability so that if things were to get out of control, someone could knock you upside the head (in a most loving way, of course). I think blogging about it is great. I do wonder about the verse that says if you fast you shouldn’t put on a show. I don’t think that is the case here, since you are not saying “Hey, look at me! I’m fasting!”, but rather you are saying “Hey! I’m doing something new and I could use some support”. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. My only other thought is to take it slow and give yourself a way out. Make sure it’s OK to stop the fast at any time and not feel like you’ve failed. That, and CONSTANT prayer.
I don’t think there is any one answer to your timing question. Each person is on their own journey to “recovery”.
Just my thoughts. I’ll be praying for you!!
I love the comments!!
@ Joni–I have thought about the medical implications also, knowing my body’s reactions & history–will be taking some precautions/modifications that will maintain health, yet still push me with the spiritual part of fasting. keep questioning! I love it!
@Barbarie–thanks for the encouragement & traveling along on this journey!
@Karen–about not talking about fasting…this is definitely not about a show. would be much easier to do this quietly, but have felt God pushing me in many ways to talk about my experiences and “live out loud”, not for my gain at all I I would love to do this anonymously since 99% of the people I know don’t even know I struggled with eating disorders…until now that is!
–about stopping…that is a question I asked myself before I got started–if I do this and I don’t “make it”, could I not only stop, but also blog it publically? the answer to both is yes–this is too important and beyond me…it’s not about me
–and about timing–you are right–there is no “one answer”, but I’m wondering if there’s a point where attitude/motive/thoughts should or need to be before this can happen, or if there are strategies that help in the transition. I think what happens is people just avoid it as “all or nothing” and I guess I’m thinking it might not be that. I don’t know…
Keep it coming!! The more we talk about it, the closer we get to getting it out from under the rug!! Thanks!!
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Hello,
I have not talked to any one, or even thought about researching fasting disorders. I myself went through a period of abusing fasting. I thought that i was doing something right and spiritual, but it was obvious that it turned into a disorder. I was afraid of doing wrong, and i thought that when i was fasting i was being right, although i was being disobedient to my parents. I know now that i had a problem, and now i find myself not wanting to fast at all. But i dont want to be that way, i want to conquer this fear that tells me that i will slip back into the disorder, or that i can never fast again. I want to fast for what fasting is for,
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? ” Isaiah 58:6-7
I am glad that you are seeking to beat this fear of falling back into that eating disorder, and i pray for you as you take this journey! God Bless you!!
I am really interested in joining this fast. I know this is personal between me and God, so I am really responding, because I am a food addict, according to my therapist and I tried to fast today at 7p.m., I went a little crazy from feeling sad without my comfort. As a Christian I need comfort in Christ not food any longer, but in order to break the bondage of sugar, flour, wheat, I chose to fast for deliverance.
Any advice, I am gaining more weight and really need to lose, tired of being overweight, burden with this disease of food addiction and depressed by it.