The Function and Practice of Fasting in Early Pentecostalism

Abstract

This article is a first step toward the development of a Pentecostal theology of fasting. An examination of early Pentecostal periodical literature from 1906 to 1915 shows that Pentecostals practiced both individual and corporate fasting, but there is no mention of universally established fast days. Fasting was viewed through the theological lens of the Fivefold Gospel, which was the core belief system of the movement. Therefore, fasting was valuable particularly in preparing seekers for the experiences of sanctification, Spirit baptism, and divine healing. Fasting was generated by affectivity – the seeker’s passionate pursuit of God and deep-seated love for others, whether the other be sinner or believer. Pentecostals practiced a kind of fasting that might be described as crisis oriented fasting in which fasting was joined with prayer as a means of appealing to God for the outpouring of God’s grace in identifiable acts of revival, salvation, sanctification, healing, and Spirit baptism either for oneself or for others.

Keywords

• fasting
• liturgical theology
• spirituality
• spiritual disciplines