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Reviews
Fasting: Fasting as Body Talk in the Christian Tradition by Phyllis A. Tickle, Scot McKnight
bngambill's review against another edition
5.0
Strongly recommend for anyone learning about the spiritual disciplines and wanting to deep dive into fasting. Super good and an easy read. It’s written by a more modern writer so it doesn’t make you feel like it was written for people ages ago and it makes it practical for our time frame.
kanejim57's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful introduction and re-introduction to the vital Christian discipline of fasting. McKnight challenges common assumptions of contemporary fasting practices and asserts that fasting is in response to a "grievous sacred moment." There is a depth of material here that will make your rethink, and perhaps, re-embrace, this common Biblical practice.
joyfilledwander's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
adamrshields's review against another edition
4.0
My full review is at http://bookwi.se/fasting-by-scot-mcknight/
Short version review: This is a very good book. I think the best of the three Ancient Practices books I have read. It is enough background and history to understand fasting while still being personal and relevant to fasting today.
The majority of the book was really about how not to fast (bad motivation, bad theology, bad health, etc.). I have read or started a few books on fasting in the last week or so and the main addition of this book was the focus on motivation. McKnight says that "fasting should always be the natural result to a grievous sacred moment." Something that draws us to fasting, not because of what we can learn or what we can get but something that causes us to fast because we don't have any other thing we can do.
Short version review: This is a very good book. I think the best of the three Ancient Practices books I have read. It is enough background and history to understand fasting while still being personal and relevant to fasting today.
The majority of the book was really about how not to fast (bad motivation, bad theology, bad health, etc.). I have read or started a few books on fasting in the last week or so and the main addition of this book was the focus on motivation. McKnight says that "fasting should always be the natural result to a grievous sacred moment." Something that draws us to fasting, not because of what we can learn or what we can get but something that causes us to fast because we don't have any other thing we can do.
sydschamay's review against another edition
A compelling little volume on the heart, history, and practice of fasting. McKnight brings theological clarity to a practice that has been often misunderstood and wielded into legalism. His argument is beautifully summarized in this line: "fasting is a natural and inevitable response... to a grievous sacred moment."
paigewetzel's review against another edition
3.0
I think this book is an invaluable tool for anyone even considering a fast. Contemporary Christian culture has allowed fasting to become something it is not. I usually don't find that equations and Christianity mix, but McKnight's A-B-C understanding for fasting is extremely helpful for correcting incorrect understandings. I have no doubt that my own fasting will continue to be molded and shaped by this book and out of that a more faithful reading of biblical texts concerning fasting. I also greatly appreciated McKnight's use of John Piper within this book because I found that Piper was able to express well what many of the early church fathers also spoke about. Again, I would strongly encourage any Christian interested in fasting at any point in their lives to read this book. I know that I will be reading this immensely helpful book again as I continue on a journey of exploring spiritual disciplines.
jtisreading's review against another edition
3.0
McKnight's book on fasting is a very practical step by step take on the sacred practice. It is very easy to read and understand. McKnight does a great job at bringing the Ancient Voices to light each step of the way while also illuminating contemporary concerns. I read this while I am doing a 21 day abstinence/fast. It helped a lot with my focus and warning me of my own pious weaknesses. I enjoyed the book. IT is a helpful resource for Christians and others to understand religious motivations and practices.
jtisreading's review
3.0
McKnight's book on fasting is a very practical step by step take on the sacred practice. It is very easy to read and understand. McKnight does a great job at bringing the Ancient Voices to light each step of the way while also illuminating contemporary concerns. I read this while I am doing a 21 day abstinence/fast. It helped a lot with my focus and warning me of my own pious weaknesses. I enjoyed the book. IT is a helpful resource for Christians and others to understand religious motivations and practices.
wakela's review
4.0
Many religions throughout history have used fasting as a way to get closer to their dieties and to atone for sins. Many people follow along with the practice not knowing the origins or meanings behind this practice.
Scot McKnight breaks down the barriers that hold back this knowledge.
In the first half of the book, he talks about fasting as it applies to spirituality. How does it help you get closer to God? How does it help you tune into your spiritual being?
In the second half of the book, he talks about the physical implications of fasting. Is it actually healthy for you to fast? Can it cause you health problems if not done correctly?
Even though I am not a Christian, I came away with a great knowledge about this practice that can be applied to my religion as well.
Scot McKnight breaks down the barriers that hold back this knowledge.
In the first half of the book, he talks about fasting as it applies to spirituality. How does it help you get closer to God? How does it help you tune into your spiritual being?
In the second half of the book, he talks about the physical implications of fasting. Is it actually healthy for you to fast? Can it cause you health problems if not done correctly?
Even though I am not a Christian, I came away with a great knowledge about this practice that can be applied to my religion as well.
bogxcross's review
5.0
This book has changed my whole view on fasting. McKnight gently leads you to conviction and a deeper longing for Christ.