Historical Significance of Fasting in Church History

In the early history of the church, fasting was a common practice with regular fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays, along with periodic fasts like Lent and before significant events such as baptism or the Lord's Supper. This tradition lasted up to the time of John Wesley, a prominent figure in church history who emphasized the importance of fasting. Wesley criticized the decline in fasting practices among some Methodists in the 18th century, highlighting its significance in spiritual life and suggesting that those who never fast are not on the path to heaven. Despite the patriarchal nature of his society, Wesley's teachings on fasting continue to hold relevance in contemporary spiritual practices.