Fasting: The Second Step to Eternal Life

by Alan P. Johnson

In this book, the author urges the reader to consider fasting as a privilege rather than as a chore, and he indicates the many blessings promised to those who keep this principle.

229 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Dwain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnson's book has some major flaws but still presents a worthwhile read. Like many books on Church doctrine, this one had several instances where the author's opinion was given instead of official teachings. The author was not always clear to distinguish these instances and often portrayed some controversial opinions as fact. Despite this rather serious problem, which usually keeps me away from books on Church doctrine unless they are written by an authoritative source, this book was worth the read. Johnson divides his book into four sections, the spiritual fast, the physiological fast, historical aspects, and current practices. Also, this book was published in 1964, so the science is dated. My final complaint is that some section became tedious.

Although there were tedious sections, most of the book was fascinating. I had never put that amount of thought into the subject and the author lays the subject out in great detail, drawing on scripture, ancient and modern commentary, and a variety of non-Christian sources to create a fairly holistic analysis of fasting. The section on the spiritual side of fasting I thought would be boring, since I considered myself fairly well acquainted with the practice, but it was very educational to have the author present so many sources together, logically grouped to make each point. One of the more interesting chapters in this section was "The Teachings of Gandhi," which I did not expect to find in a book about Church doctrine, but I am glad it was included. The section on the physiological fast was very interesting despite the dated science. I also found the physiological section very motivating. The section on historical aspects I thought was a mixed bag. It had interesting information but was tiring. The final section on current practices unfortunately was a disappointing end, as it was the least informative and the least interesting.

I definitely had some negative comments about Johnson's book, but I am glad to have read it because I learned a great deal and I became more motivated to make my own fasts more meaningful. This, in my opinion, is reason enough to read Johnson's book, although I would only recommend it to people who have a sound doctrinal foundation.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the blessings available through fasting, and helped me make my fast much more meaningful. I'm looking forward to growing through applying the principles taught in this book.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book read long ago on my mission. Can't remember the details but covers a very important subject that is largely neglected today.