Do Christians have to ever do fasting and go without food like the Muslims do?

Question

I know It's Ramadan for Muslims now.

Do Christians have anything like that?

Answer 1

We don' HAVE to fast, nor do we have a set-aside time for that, but it is recommended, especially if you want serious communication with the Lord or are penitent about something.  

Answer 2

'Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.'  Col 2:20-23 NIV

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Answer 3

We don't have to, but sometimes we want to.

Answer 4

Orthodox Christians fast and abstain from meat on most Wednesdays and Fridays of the year, as well as during other longer periods of time that are considered preparation for observing a major feast day, such as Easter, Christmas.

Answer 5

Yes, I know that Catholics and Pentecostals fast. There may be other denominations that do it also.

Answer 6

No, most of them are fat.

Answer 7

Not a mandatory thing.  Some will fast for different reason but faith in his Grace is what saves us all not works.

Answer 8

Yes. The laws are slightly different though.... On Fridays, meat is given up for the entire day. Also, you are not allowed to eat before receiving communion on Sundays. It is also quite common to fast during the lent season and/or make sacrifices for the extent of the period.

Answer 9

Yes.

At Easter Christians Fast by not eating Milk, Chocolate, Meat, Chicken and stuff which contain milk.

Answer 10

I am non-denominational and although we don't "have" to fast, it is often done to increase our sensitivity to God.  Prayer and fasting is a way of opening your self to God.

Answer 11

No we don't have any set time for prayers of fasting.

We pray and fast as a sign of humbleness before God when there is a a special need or request before God.  Just like in the Old Testament.

Fasting is not mandatory.........besides, some people for health reasons...............cannot go without food.

Answer 12

I was an "old school" pre-vatican 2 Catholic.

They used to require lenten and pre-communion fasting! I remember not being able to eat before I was going to attend Mass any morning,  and was going to take communion.  

I wonder if any more older folks remember that?

But "mere" Bible Christians- we only fast when we want to. It isn't a requirement.   But sometimes, when some issue is pressing us- we may choose to fast and pray.

Answer 13

i think lent is when you have to give something up for a month but im sure a better christian will tell you more than i can

Answer 14

The only place we are commanded is on the Day of Atonement but other than that it is done as one so chooses and is led of God's Spirit..

Answer 15

LDS do.  We fast every first sunday of the month for 24 hours, no food or water and donate the cost of the meals or more to a fund to help the disadvantaged.  During the fast we are to pray for needed blessing, problem, give thanks.....

Answer 16

No, there is not an official time for most sects of christianity to fast. But it is done sometimes on a voluntary and individual basis by many, though not very often usually.

Answer 17

Catholics must fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We also give up something during Lent, which is 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays).

Answer 18

Read in your bible Leviticus and read about all 8 of God's Holy Days.  These are the days all of the world should be honoring.  One day does call for fasting.

Answer 19

Some christians choose to fast but it is not a requirement.