In this episode of Naughty vs Nice, Todd, Laura, and Kelly tackle a topic almost every church gets wrong: fasting. Why do we do it? Should Christians today even practice it? And is it biblical for churches to pressure people into communal fasts “so God will move”?

The crew digs into the Old and New Testament, revealing that fasting was:
• Only commanded once—on the Day of Atonement
• Tied to repentance, humility, and self-denial, not spiritual point-scoring
• Often abused in Scripture when it became performative or manipulative
• Never prescribed by Jesus, except to warn how not to do it

They expose how Western church culture has adopted occult-like ideas—treating fasting as a way to “generate” spiritual power, manufacture revival, or earn God’s favor. Laura reframes fasting in its Jewish context, while Todd breaks down how coercion, guilt, and peer pressure have replaced genuine repentance. Kelly highlights how churches weaponize fasting language toward vulnerable people, including those with eating disorders.

You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of:
• What fasting is and what it isn’t
• How to discern if fasting is healthy or harmful in your context
• Why abiding in Christ matters more than chasing spiritual experiences
• Other modern “fasts” (phone, social media, spending) that may reveal more about your heart than skipping meals ever could

This episode pushes back against the shallow, mystical, guilt-driven fasting culture—inviting believers into something deeper, healthier, and rooted in Scripture.

Scripture Cited
Leviticus 16:29–31
Joel 2:12–13
Nehemiah 9:1–2
Isaiah 58
Jeremiah 14:12
Zechariah 7
Matthew 6:16–18
John 6 (Bread of Life)
Acts 5:29
Galatians 5:22–23
Romans 12:18–19
Colossians 2:20–23

Works / People Mentioned
• Moody Bible Institute anecdotes
• Traditional Jewish fast days
• Rabbinic interpretations on fasting
• “Bread of Life” and firstfruits themes
• Dr. Rosalie Rosette (cell phone fasting exercise)