Fasting: A Neglected Discipline

by David Rushworth Smith

Matthew Henry wrote: Fasting is a laudable practice, and we have reason to lament that it is so generally neglected among Christians.

Genres: Christianity

96 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a dry read, which isn't terribly surprising when you're dragging out 10 pages of content into a 96 page book. Still, it was worth reading and considering the importance of fasting to the Christian life.

[Michael Toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and short exposition of Biblical fasting. Its key points are (1) Biblical fasting is rarely practiced or discussed, and it’s remarkable that the literature about it is so thin; (2) the Bible presumes that Christians fast regularly (notably Matthew 6:16–17, “Whenever you fast, . . . when they are fasting. . . . But you, when you fast, . . .”) and thus does not need to issue a command to fast; and (3) the Bible gives guidance, which the book explains, about fasting in general and various types of fasting.

As with all of my pre-2000 books, the “Date finished” may be a few months off. The edition that I read (1972 printing of 1969 first American edition) is available at Internet Archive, here: https://archive.org/details/fastingne.... It has no ISBN. It was originally published in England in 1954.

[Madharasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book to know biblical basis for fasting. It addresses important issues and concerns for someone who want to try out this method of prayer. Only drawback for me is the blatant anti Catholicism spread throughout the book.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers a wide range of subjects. I would recommend this to others who would like to learn about fasting. Strong sense of loyalty to the authority of Scripture, but also approaches fasting informed by church history and great Christians of the past. Worth a read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, helpful read for any Christian who has considered fasting or wondered why people choose to fast.

[Lance Towers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because the New Testament lacks specific rules for the frequency of fasting some have believed God does not expect it of His people. Smith disagrees. He believes the freedom found in biblical fasting leaves disciples with ample opportunity to creatively pursue intimacy with Jesus through this means.