Book Review: Fasting; The Ancient Practice Series

The disciples of Jesus attempted and failed to cast out a demon from a man's son. They questioned him privately as to why they failed. Jesus told them this kind of demon could only come out by prayer and fasting (Mark 9). The scribes and the Pharisees of Jesus' day questioned him about fasting (Luke 5:33). The practice of fasting can be misunderstood and controversial. Sometimes fasting brings amazing results while at other times while nothing at all happens. It sometimes raises more questions than answers. Scott McKnight, in his book Fasting, ISBN 978-0-8499-0108-9, offers a look into the practice of fasting from a Christian viewpoint.


The book begins with an introduction of, and I quote, "A Montage of Christian Voices On Fasting." Scott McKnight opens with statements from King David to the prophet Isaiah and concludes with statements from some of the early church fathers. The A-B-C framework of fasting is then presented. The first chapter deals with fasting and body image, body image meaning to conform the human flesh to the image of God. The book then divides into two parts. Spirituality and fasting is presented in the first part. Wisdom and fasting are presented in the second.


Scott McKnight has opened my eyes to a different aspect of fasting. I thought of fasting as a means of achieving a God-granted result. I rarely, if ever, considered fasting as a response to a sacred moment. The presentation of this concept is thought-provoking, leading me into a more thorough examination of the reasons I fast.


The material dealing with spirituality and fasting is thorough and presented well. The problems, dangers, and benefits of fasting are presented clearly. This wasn't a book I could read in one sitting, reading more like a textbook than a novel. The information presented will cause you to stop reading and spend some time thinking about it.


 I would've liked the book to contain more of the history of fasting, both of ancient times and of the early church era. However this personal preference doesn't in any way detract from the value of the book to anyone interested in the practice of fasting. I recommend this book to those who desire to learn more about fasting as more of an introduction as why to fast rather than how to fast.


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."