God's Chosen Fast

Rating:
Summary: A Tentative Recommendation
Review: Gods Chosen Fast is a comprehensive survey of fasting as presented in the Bible. Wallis does three things: Firsts he pleads for the renewal of fasting in the church as a channel to regain its lost apostolic power; second, he tells us the benefits of fasting; and finally, he tells us how to fast.

I appreciate the chapter on freedom from Satans power. Like Neil Anderson, Wallis believes much of what troubles Christians today can be attributed to the release once dormant demonic forces as Gods Spirit is being poured out afresh. For too long the church has either ignored Satans role in binding Christians or has attributed demon possession to psychological pathos. Wallis commonsense approach to fasting was good. He points out that fasting has been abused in the past, but that abuse does not negate the biblical imperative to fast, or the power to be gained through fasting.

Unfortunately, after chapter nineteen, the book goes downhill. The chapter on health and healing was terrible. The evidence he submits for the healing power of fasting was anecdotal and the authorities he cites were suspect at best. On page 117 he quotes as a medial source a certain Herbert M. Shelton who writes for the Natural Hygiene Press. Does Wallis know that one can find a doctor to endorse almost any quack scheme? Where were the articles from the American Medial Association or the New England Journal of Medicine? His exegesis of the story of the Egyptian abandoned by the Amalekities who was revived after being rescued by David is amazing. How in the world could one attribute going three days without food for the poor man's revival? Did not the food and water David provided have something to do with the Egyptians regaining his health?

I give this book a tentative recommendation. It is of uneven quality and the documentation is weak. It does, however, present a much broader picture of fasting than Foster is able to do in his book (The Celebration of Discipline).

Rating:
Summary: God's Chosen Fast
Review: If you've ever considered fasting but weren't sure why to fast, when to fast, or HOW to fast, this is the book for you!

A scripturally-based analysis of fasting which should be in every Christian's library, after it's been in your lap. The answers for spiritual renewal are found in the advise in this book.

Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Classic on Prayer & Fasting!
Review: My pastor lent me this book after I had questions for him about fasting. I was able to read through this book in one sitting, but it pretty much addressed all of my questions. It's quite enjoyable and easy to read. It's very biblically based, but it does address the physical side of fasting as well. It's very much worth reading!

Rating:
Summary: Complete, concise, informative, and interesting
Review: My pastor lent me this book after I had questions for him about fasting. I was able to read through this book in one sitting, but it pretty much addressed all of my questions. It's quite enjoyable and easy to read. It's very biblically based, but it does address the physical side of fasting as well. It's very much worth reading!

Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Classic on Prayer & Fasting!
Review: This book explores the depths and heights of fasting in layman's terms. Arthur Wallis shows the practical and spiritual side of fasting and how effective an agent-of-change it can be. I have never read a better book on the subject. A must-read for those who wish to embark on a prayer & fasting journey. God bless you as you read this amazing little book.