FL Woman starves to death during fast

notofworks · #1 03-14-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Yes. There are plenty of misguided people in all denominations. Pentecostals certainly have no monopoly on nuttiness/overzealousness, whatever you want to label it.

When I read of this, it never crossed my mind that she might be Pentecostal. There are a lot of "radical" Christians out there.

Honestly, when I read it, I never thought she could be anything but pentecostal. Pentecostals have mostly a completely different view of fasting than mainstream Christianity.

Off the top of my head, I can cite 7 cases in my past of people doing extreme fasts, and in my now, 20+ years of mainstream Christianity, I know of none.

I know I can't prove this and some will think it's just part of my anti-pentecostal bias, but for me, it's an easy call.

*AQuietPlace* · #2 03-14-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

Honestly, when I read it, I never thought she could be anything but pentecostal. Pentecostals have mostly a completely different view of fasting than mainstream Christianity.

Off the top of my head, I can cite 7 cases in my past of people doing extreme fasts, and in my now, 20+ years of mainstream Christianity, I know of none.

I know I can't prove this and some will think it's just part of my anti-pentecostal bias, but for me, it's an easy call.

Maybe it depends upon the circles you're in. Most Pentecostals I know are doing good to make it until dinner time, myself included.

Fasting just isn't a major deal in my circles. Hardly ever mentioned, actually.

notofworks · #3 03-14-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Maybe it depends upon the circles you're in. Most Pentecostals I know are doing good to make it until dinner time, myself included.

Fasting just isn't a major deal in my circles. Hardly ever mentioned, actually.

Yeah, I agree. But what about you....or the others....what were the "rules" of your fasts? We weren't allowed food OR water. Brutal. I went to work once on the second day of a food & water fast and nearly passed out numerous times.

MissBrattified · #4 03-14-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

Yeah, I agree. But what about you....or the others....what were the "rules" of your fasts? We weren't allowed food OR water. Brutal. I went to work once on the second day of a food & water fast and nearly passed out numerous times.

I don't believe in anyone forcing anyone else to fast. It should always be an autonomous decision, just like prayer. So we don't have any "rules" about what you're allowed. I choose what kind of fast I'll go on, and what foods I avoid. Whether I do a full fast or just from certain things is up to me.

My parents always discouraged me from informing anyone about when I'm fasting, except when it was a church wide thing.

Currently our church is doing "March Impact", which is a church event of consecration, fasting and prayer. Everyone is encouraged to participate, but no one is made to feel bad if they don't or can't. In our house, we told our kids the terms of the fast, and then left it up to them whether to participate. My oldest daughter has actually fasted more than I have so far. (from food) My middle daughter isn't interested, really, so no biggie. My son tried to fast from chocolate milk, but forgot and had one his Grandma bought from McDonald's. LOL!!!!

Anyway...our pastor made it clear that people are not expected to fast above what they are able, especially children, elderly people, ill people or those who work physically taxing jobs.

notofworks · #5 03-14-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I don't believe in anyone forcing anyone else to fast. It should always be an autonomous decision, just like prayer. So we don't have any "rules" about what you're allowed. I choose what kind of fast I'll go on, and what foods I avoid. Whether I do a full fast or just from certain things is up to me.

My parents always discouraged me from informing anyone about when I'm fasting, except when it was a church wide thing.

Currently our church is doing "March Impact", which is a church event of consecration, fasting and prayer. Everyone is encouraged to participate, but no one is made to feel bad if they don't or can't. In our house, we told our kids the terms of the fast, and then left it up to them whether to participate. My oldest daughter has actually fasted more than I have so far. (from food) My middle daughter isn't interested, really, so no biggie. My son tried to fast from chocolate milk, but forgot and had one his Grandma bought from McDonald's. LOL!!!!

Anyway...our pastor made it clear that people are not expected to fast above what they are able, especially children, elderly people, ill people or those who work physically taxing jobs.

Well, no one is ever forced to fast, are they? We all just get the "you unspiritual little schmuck that doesn't love God" look every time we walk in church.

But that was when I was a teen. The first time I did a total fast for two days and then threw down all the pizza I could find, I suffered severely!!

The hunger discomfort was MUCH less than the food pain!

MissBrattified · #6 03-14-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

Well, no one is ever forced to fast, are they? We all just get the "you unspiritual little schmuck that doesn't love God" look every time we walk in church.

But that was when I was a teen. The first time I did a total fast for two days and then threw down all the pizza I could find, I suffered severely!!

The hunger discomfort was MUCH less than the food pain!

OHHHHHH, so you're the guy CC! was talking about....

No one has ever treated me badly for not fasting (or fasting as much). I think every Christian should be encouraged to fast, just as they are encouraged to pray. It isn't about a guilt trip, or at least, it shouldn't be.

notofworks · #7 03-14-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

OHHHHHH, so you're the guy CC! was talking about....

No one has ever treated me badly for not fasting (or fasting as much). I think every Christian should be encouraged to fast, just as they are encouraged to pray. It isn't about a guilt trip, or at least, it shouldn't be.

Oh come on, what planet were you born on?? 98% of everything I ever heard in those days was based on guilt trips!! The other 2% was flat-out fear!!!

notofworks · #8 03-14-2010, 02:47 PM

Here's another fast we did. Our district cancelled Sheaves For Christ one year and decided to get spiritual instead of raising money.

Section 4 was the champion with a total of 16,922 days fasted. Sis. Jemima was the champion with 313 days fasted in 1977. She was my aunt. My Aunt Jemima made the most amazing maple syrup. She was presented with a trophy at District Camp meeting. Sis. Betty Crocker finished second. She was from our church. That gals scalloped potatoes were the best.

I ate twinkies the entire time. I gained 82 pounds that year and nobody believed my claim of 206 days, so I wasn't awarded a trophy.

MissBrattified · #9 03-14-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

Here's another fast we did. Our district cancelled Sheaves For Christ one year and decided to get spiritual instead of raising money.

Section 4 was the champion with a total of 16,922 days fasted. Sis. Jemima was the champion with 313 days fasted in 1977. She was my aunt. My Aunt Jemima made the most amazing maple syrup. She was presented with a trophy at District Camp meeting. Sis. Betty Crocker finished second. She was from our church. That gals scalloped potatoes were the best.

I ate twinkies the entire time. I gained 82 pounds that year and nobody believed my claim of 206 days, so I wasn't awarded a trophy.

Stho sthilly.