IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP RESEARCH (JPSLR )

E-ISSN 2504-883X
P-ISSN 2695 2432
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/jpslr.v10.no3.2024.pg28.38

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Challenges of Fasting in Nigerian Society: Persuasion from the Book of Prophet Isaiah Chapter Fifty-Eight

Emmanuel Gana, PhD & Rev. Fr. Dr. Abashiya, Danjuma John

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Abstract

Religious obligation of fasting has to be performed in accordance with the right attitude that is pleasing to God. Observation has shown that many Nigerian politicians and top government officials do not care about how they fast. All kinds of inhuman treatments and atrocities were going on simultaneously with fasting. The paper defined fasting and reasons for the observance. It examined both the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting. Brief discussions of some peculiar challenges of fasting in the Nigerian society that are similar to prophet Isaiah’ indictments of Israel in chapter fifty-eight were made. They include un-confessed sin and none repentance; talking and complaining in front of others and putting on a face that shows they are “suffering for God”; refusal to heed to scriptural warnings of no oppression of the poor and the needy, promotion of injustice, stealing from the government coffer, and continuously shedding of innocent blood; poor health conditions; receiving of answers to prayer or request after fasting; fasting as hope or prerequisite for revival; proving one’s spiritual status; and secure victory over satanic manifestations. Thus, the paper recommends that religious leaders must preach or show their adherents’ transgressions or sins; religious adherents should confess and repent of every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to their remembrance; and government should address unemployment by creating jobs opportunities through spread of wealth into rural communities.

keywords:

fasting, challenge, Isaiah, sin, repentance

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References:

Ahmad, A. (2014). Top 10 ways to help poor and needy people. Retrieved 18 th April, 2022 from
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140827214710-141895933-top-10-ways-to-help-poor-
and-needy-people.

Bright, B. (2021). 7 basic steps to successful fasting and prayer. Retrieved 18 th April, 2022
Fromhttps://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/7-steps-to-
fasting.html.

Butts, K (2022). The spiritual challenges and benefits of true fasting. Retrieved 18 th April, 2022
From https://www.harvestprayer.com/the-spiritual-challenges-and-benefits-of-true-fasting/

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