Cubist said:No, fasting is nothing to do with guilt.
Fasting is to do with denial, yes, but it's also to do with spirituality. In all religions, the great thinkers have done their "best thinking" while fasting. We're told Christ did his in the wilderness for 40 days, which is the inspiration for Lent. Mohammed (PBUH) did much the same, hence Ramadan.
Buddha sat under a tree for a long time, and came up with some pretty startling sense (ie that the best way to stop feeling unhappy because you haven't got something is to stop wanting it....something we could all learn from I reckon!)
Nowadays however periods of fasting are linked with charitable giving. Lent suggests we give something up and increase charitable giving. Muslims give in order to feed the poor during Ramadan. Both Christians and Muslims that I know believe that by fasting you enter into a more spritual, deeper thinking state, and use the time of fasting to reflect and study.
You may not be a religious man, but if you deliberately misinterpret others' beliefs, you hardly respect the good they are doing do you?
Crankarm said:Don't think there is any deliberate misinterp Cube.
I thought during Ramadan Muslims could eat at night? Seems a much better system and more practical than starving yourself for 40 days and 40 nights as the Christians seem to want everyone to do.
No, I'm not religious, well not strictly true Cube, as on occasions I like to religiously enjoy myself, hence the pancake frenzy.
Can't see why altruism, charitable work or goodwill to fellow men cannot occur 365 days of the year rather than within the strict regulatory framework of a religion's timetable.
Buddhism slightly different, the ascetic lifestyle. A lesson to all those who can never commit to such abstinance that we could all do with slightly fewer possessions and concentrate on spiritual rather than materialistic fulfillment.
tdr1nka said:
tdr1nka said:
Crankarm said:Lent - God stuff - all about control and making you feel bad or a sinner as no one can realistically keep to it.
Crankarm said:Can't see why altruism, charitable work or goodwill to fellow men cannot occur 365 days of the year rather than within the strict regulatory framework of a religion's timetable.