The Present and Future of the Protestant Spiritual Discipline: Focusing on Fasting and Spiritual Journal

ABSTRACT

This study aims at considering the present Protestant spiritual disciplines, reviewing them critically and proposing some implications for the Christian community. “Spiritual discipline” means holistic exercises that help individuals follow Jesus way in their daily lives. Fasting means abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose. The Bible says fasting is a Christian duty. There are many benefits from fasting both personally and for the community, such as spiritual sensitivity and helping others in need. Fasting is, however, performed carefully based on an individual s health and nutritional condition. Writing a spiritual journal is a way of walking with Jesus in daily life. A spiritual journal is also useful to build a spiritual community for oneself and toward the broader community. Methods and some tips for writing spiritual journals are also examined. Based on the examination of those disciplines, there are some implications for future spiritual disciplines as well. First of all, we need to keep in mind that the purpose of all spiritual disciplines is focused on God. Second, the Christian community has to perform diverse spiritual disciplines from Christian tradition. Third is that the individual has a good influence on the world, not to limit the spiritual discipline to oneself only. Finally, the faith community and ministers try to develop new spiritual disciplines that are effective and beneficial to Christians and the community as a whole.