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Fasting Is Part of Many Faiths
It is also part of a healthy lifestyle for many atheists
Since I was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer about 2 years ago, I have adopted intermittent fasting. I have also researched fasting, and the health benefits, particularly where this relates to cancer.
In recent weeks, my fasting protocol has coincided with Lent in the Christian calendar.
Many Christian groups encourage members to give something up for Lent. Very few still encourage them to practice it in a rigorous way, however, the way the Catholic church once did.
In the “olden days”, Catholics might have only had one meal a day, which would correspond to the modern intermittent fasting practice of OMAD, or one meal a day. They also were not supposed to drink milk during this time. This rule applied even to young children and the elderly, though babies still nursing at the breast continued to do so. They were supposed to fast like this for 40 days.
In modern times, the group that comes closest to these practices are devout Muslims, who fast during the month of Ramadan. In these communities, children, the elderly, and pregnant women often participate in these fasts, though there is some leeway given to those who might be at medical risk.
Modern Catholics gave up the traditions of Lent because “they were too hard” or because “they would hurt my health.” Yet, St. Teresa of Avila said, “I don’t know anyone who has ruined their health by fasting too much.”
Today, many non-religious people, including atheists, have taken up fasting due to the health benefits.
These are not just physical. There are also mental, emotional, and yes, even spiritual, benefits to fasting. And yes, atheists can also appreciate that last aspect of fasting, though they may see it in a different way. I have had, over the years, atheist friends who meditate and do other things to help clear their minds and feel centered.
What I sometimes find amusing — as the modern church has given up its once strict fasting protocols for things as mild as “I’ll give up chocolate for Lent” or even “I’ll give up taking bubble baths”, many modern atheists might be diligently following and reaping benefits from following…
