Plea for the relevance of Christian fasting
Article summary proposed by the Contacts review with LLM assistance
This article, written from a Protestant perspective, examines the contemporary relevance of Christian fasting through a theological and historical study drawing on biblical, patristic, and Reformed sources. The author begins with a twofold observation: fasting today faces competition from secularized dietary practices that distort its meaning, while the Reformed tradition has largely marginalized it. The article analyzes Calvin's position, which recognizes three functions of fasting — mortification, disposition toward prayer, and expression of humility — while stripping it of any meritorious value. It also explores the dimensions of solidarity, ecology, and eschatology in fasting, as well as its roots in the Abrahamic traditions. The main contribution lies in the formulation of four criteria for envisioning a Protestant reappropriation of fasting, articulating prayer, solidarity, liturgical or cosmic rhythm, and Christological orientation.
This article has not been translated yet — it is available in its French version here.
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