Fasting vs Abstinence
It is important to understand the difference between fasting and abstinence in the context of religion. Both terms are often confused due to their similar meanings and concepts. In Christianity, the Church instructs followers to fast on certain days and abstain from specific types of food, such as meat and dairy products, on other days. Church calendars usually indicate the designated days for fasting and abstinence for the convenience of Catholics.
What is Fasting?
Fasting involves going without food and drink for a specific period of time or limiting one’s normal food consumption. According to the Catholic Church, the First Day of Lent and Good Friday are fasting days. On these days, faithful Catholics do not consume meat or dairy products but eat only one meal or snacks. However, those who are sick are exempt from fasting or abstaining. Fasting is also practiced in other religions, such as Hinduism and Islam, during specific religious periods like Ramadan and Maha Shivaratri.
Key Takeaways
- Fasting involves going without food and drink for a specific period, while abstinence involves avoiding certain types of food or drink for a determined period.
- Fasting pertains only to food and drink, whereas abstinence can also apply to other activities, such as sex.
- During fasting, one still consumes at least one meal per day, but during abstinence, one must completely avoid the designated food or drink for the specified period.
