Christian group ‘fasting’ to oppose same-sex marriage says members can still eat

[Olivia P]

US: Christian group 'fasting' to oppose same-sex marriage says members can still eat food

24th July 2014, 12:18 PM
Nick Duffy

A Christian group that is planning a 'fast' in opposition to same-sex marriage has claimed that members don't actually have to stop eating food to take part.

The Virginia-based Family Foundation announced a coordinated fast earlier this month, in order to influence the US Supreme Court into rejecting same-sex marriage when it hears the first of a series of appeals cases in October.

The group had said previously: "The Supreme Court begins their session on October 6th. We fully expect them to take a marriage case sometime in the next year.

More: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/07/24/us-christian-group-fasting-to-oppose-same-sex-marriage-says-members-can-still-eat-food/

[Jess42]

Wow, that's really stickin' to their guns. They are going to fast but can eat food? I thought the whole idea of fasting was not eating food. If they started really fasting now, there might be a whole lot less of them to protest by the time the Supreme Court gets around to looking at it.

[Dee Marshall]

I think they figured that out. Lots of religious groups "fast" that way. I used to work with a Muslim. They "fasted" during Ramedan, I believe, which to him meant, "change around my sleep schedule and only eat when it's dark out." Still, how else can one fast for 40 days?

This group doesn't seem to be doing even that.

Next they'll be redefining celibate.

[Jess42]

I think they figured that out. Lots of religious groups "fast" that way. I used to work with a Muslim. They "fasted" during Ramedan, I believe, which to him meant, "change around my sleep schedule and only eat when it's dark out." Still, how else can one fast for 40 days?

This group doesn't seem to be doing even that.

Next they'll be redefining celibate.

I think some of them already have. Personally I think they are just calling attention to themselves. Kind of like a squeaky wheel. Really, it sounds more like a temper tantrum from a three year old than a group of adults. "If you don't give me what I want I'll just starve myself, but not really though." I think they should fast, for as long as it takes.

[rma85]

I think they figured that out. Lots of religious groups "fast" that way. I used to work with a Muslim. They "fasted" during Ramedan, I believe, which to him meant, "change around my sleep schedule and only eat when it's dark out." Still, how else can one fast for 40 days?

This group doesn't seem to be doing even that.

Next they'll be redefining celibate.

Muslims I think fast from sunup to sundown, I can't see how they could just sleep all day unless they don't have a job, haha. And I believe it's 30 days...They don't drink water or eat anything all day, then it's basically a big dinner and a food coma.

Hindus can eat fruits and drink water during some of their fasts, which I never get...but in Christianity, maybe the thought is fasting from just a few things - like in Lent when kids would fast from or give up fish, or video games or whatever.

Either way, giant temper tantrum.

[Jess42]

Well with Catholic lent, I live in a big time catholic area, it is red meat they give up for lent. They can eat fish, crawfish, fisticks, shrimp, crabs and so on. What really sux is most of them would rather eat seafood. Giving up a lot there, huh? I have no problem with that line of belief and actually respect it, but when it comes to my beliefs there is no return of the respect I show them. I end up being the crazy one. So it may indeed be true.

[Amy The Bookworm]

The idea of a group of people saying "We're not going to eat until you give us our way!" is like when my daughter used to try to hold her breath to get me to give her her way. It's down right childish.

...

And saying you're fasting but eating is just as bad as when she holds her breath, breaths, then holds her breath again ... These people need to grow up.

[Jill F]

I guess I should take them seriously now. /sarc

[Missy~rmdlm]

Well I can do a fast food diet for the right cause too. LOL.

[OreSama]

I could do a much better job of fasting but I'm already skinny enough.  And spiritual fasting?  Are their spirits going to come out cleaner and less bigoted at the end of it?

[big kim]

why don't they go on a water strike and stick to it then we'll know they're serious.Get a life saddoes and let others live theirs

[janetcgtv]

Mahatma Gandhi actually fasted to get his point across to his people in fighting for rights. Also NOT to use any violence in fighting for their rights.

He was a very great man!

If they can eat, then it's beginning to look like we have a greater chance of getting our rights.
As they don't seem to have any stomach in fighting for their cause.

To me if you want to fast you also do not change a schedule or you can eat at certain times. It's like cheating. Some people would call that as being immoral.

[Jessica Merriman]

I "fasted" and ate a pizza tonight to oppose their opposition! *giggle*

[VeryGnawty]

This is like that time that I wanted to become a breatharian but I decided that it was better to shove my face with potato chips and root beer.

[Rose City Rose]

Well, that's what happens when bloated bigots try to "fast."  What they really mean is "fast food."

[Vicky]

Where's a Pharisee when you need one??

[LoriLorenz]

Oh, that title made me *herngh?* then made me laugh as I read through the posts!

Fasting is (in simplest and broadest terms) not partaking in one thing or another to remind or demonstrate some value or belief.

For Catholics: Fasting during Lent usually means "Fish Fridays". Though if you LIKE fish you should REALLY be trading what you LIKE for something you DISlike. I knew a guy who ate lentil paste as part of his fasting "additions" practice during Lent. (yikes and YUCK) It can also be abstaining from food in part or altogether (a fast is considered a fast when you only eat one regular sized meal and two small snacks that do not equal a full meal in a 24 hour period). These partial fasts are designed particularly so that people with health issues (such as diabetics) can still partake of the ritual without jeopardizing their health. There is also the kids version, where they give up something like chocolate for Lent as a discipline type of practice (like a marathoner who gives up certain foods in preparation for a race).

It's the meaning behind the fast that is usually the most important. Mahatma Ghandi was mentioned, solid meaning. Opposing marriage rights? Not so much.

Thanks for the laughs!

[Joelene9]

  I remember the "Fish Fridays" in the1960's and earlier. My elementary school was evenly divided between the Catholics and Protestants and the Catholics had to observe the Fish Fridays year 'round. Every Friday at my school, there was a choice of fish, chicken or just fish during lunch. There were even the Catholic weighted calendars widely available back then with a little red fish logos on the Fridays and on other certain Catholic observances. We kids were diplomatic about this and was nothing to worry about. We all had friends from all different backgrounds. Fasting to prevent a law such as same-sex marriages is probably not a proper observance according to the Bible. Fasting is for the individual for health and for the faith reasons and it is not for a protracted period of time. Not for weight loss.

Joelene

[Devlyn]

Fasting but eating is like having an AA meeting ..........at a bar! 

[amZo]

They're saying you don't have to fast to join their cause, I don't think they're saying you can eat as part of your fast.

I don't understand fasting for any reason other than losing weight fast... that you need to not eat for it to be effective.

I'm against all marriage... it's the craziest thing a person will ever do.