Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5794 asceticism Rigorous self-denial of bodily pleasures and needs. This can be motivated either by a praiseworthy desire to dedicate oneself completely to God, or by an erroneous belief that the physical body is evil. Types of ascetic practice The ascetic practice of fasting Esther 4:15-16 See also Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 1:11-12; Jeremiah 36:5-6; Luke 2:37 The ascetic practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes Daniel 9:3 See also 1 Kings 21:27; Nehemiah 9:1; Esther 4:3 The ascetic practice of celibacy 1 Corinthians 7:1 See also Exodus 19:15; 1 Samuel 21:4; 1 Corinthians 7:8,36-38; Revelation 14:4 People who practised asceticism The Nazirites and asceticism Numbers 6:1-8; Judges 13:4-5; Judges 16:17 John the Baptist and asceticism Matthew 3:4 pp Mark 1:6; Matthew 11:18 pp Luke 7:33 John's disciples, the Pharisees and asceticism Matthew 9:14 pp Mark 2:18 pp Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12 The Jews and the ascetic practice of regular fasting Leviticus 23:26-32; Zechariah 7:1-5 Jesus Christ refuses to enforce ascetic practices Mark 2:18-19 pp Matthew 9:14-17 pp Luke 5:34-35 Ascetic practice symbolises separation from the world and dedication to God Asceticism as a sign of repentance Jonah 3:6-9 See also 1 Samuel 7:6; Ezra 10:6; Joel 1:13-14 Asceticism accompanying prayer Ezra 8:23 See also 2 Samuel 12:16; Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:5 Ascetic dedication to God's service 1 Corinthians 9:27 See also Daniel 1:8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 False asceticism opposed Rejection of fasting without true repentance Condemnation of ostentatious asceticism Asceticism not necessary for right worship and conduct Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Asceticism that is based on a negative view of the material world is rejected. See also
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