People will be fasting in 2024 for Lent, with many still engaging in the practice today, including in Australia.

I was also surprised to read Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce who supposedly has a drinking problem, will also be giving up alcohol for Lent.

http://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/8526455/barnaby-quits-grog-for-lent-as-second-nats-mp-in-strife/

Coming up soon we also have Ramadan. A lot of people also fast for Ramadan in Australia as well.

Fasting - what is it really all for, does it achieve anything in real terms and is it worth it?

I remember this school teacher who got up at 4 am to stuff herself full with a humungous breakfast & then fasted till evening. She belonged to one of those hobby religions.

Ask the people who fast, not us, most of whom have no religion at all. There are more important things to think about.

Good Morning Nathan,

Thank You for this discussion. It brings back so many
memories of past traditions. Unfortunately, fasting
is no longer a Lent tradition for me these days. Just
as not eating meat on Fridays. Today, for our family
Easter is about coloured eggs, chocolate eggs, and
bunnies.

However, family get-togethers are still important.

I guess each of us has their own traditions - and are
they worth it? They certainly are - as my grandkids will
confirm!

I forgot to add that watching religious Easter-themed movies
still stirs emotionally, as does Easter
Mass - especially at St Patrick's Cathedral here in Melbourne
where the choir is especially glorious.

Nathan,

Fasting has been used for 1000s of years to improve health.

Modern science can now verify and explain the benefits of fasting.

Religious groups have incorporated the concept into their belief/control systems.