Fasting by Scott McKnight

Eighth in the Ancient Practices series, “Fasting” by Scott McKnight is an informative read if nothing else. Having started a partial fast myself at the start of the New Year I was seriously looking forward to reading this book. McKnight's central belief is that fasting is the natural result of a person's response to a “grievous sacred moment”. To be fair I didn't quite understand that at first. McKnight explains that as we experience an event that causes us to suffer (grievously) our natural bodily response is to want to stop or at least pause the joys of life. We feel as though it wouldn't be 'right' to enjoy a sumptuous meal after the death of a loved say, or when we hear of terrible suffering in the world around us we may feel guilty partaking of earthly pleasure. He makes wonderful points (“...This isn't about us. What we give up when we fast should be given to others.”) that I found helpful, insightful and encouraging.

Fasting is an ancient practice and it forces people to connect to God in a wholly personal and tangible way. It is as McKnight says a “whole-body spirituality” and can be deeply satisfying. The author examines various methods of fasting and touches on all of the assumptions that we may have regarding this ancient practice. It has helped me immensely on my journey and though the book is a slim volume it is packed with a lot of very useful information and insight.

Fasting by Scott McKnight


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