Not a Mere Human Tradition

This article examines Martin Chemnitz’s theology of fasting in the Examen Concilii Tridentini, where he presents the practice as being based on biblical principles while also emphasising personal freedom and intention over ritual or dietary regulations. For Chemnitz, true fasting involves voluntary abstinence from food to humble the body and focus the mind on repentance, prayer, and devotion. He outlines the purposes of fasting in five parts: spiritual balance, penitence (individual and communal), facing calamity, aiding prayer, and church gatherings for renewal. Although Chemnitz permits communal fasts, he insists they must remain free from legalistic obligation. Notably, his exposition reveals many parallels with the depiction of fasting given by John Calvin, particularly because of its focus on inner disposition and scriptural foundation. This largely overlooked Lutheran perspective offers a theologically rich resource for contemporary Protestant efforts to renew fasting as a meaningful spiritual discipline, a discipline based on Christian liberty and scriptural authority.