Forced Fasting: How Controlling Churches Turn Discipline Into Duty - EP119

January is open fasting season in Oneness Pentecostalism. Complete with promised breakthroughs, pressure from the pulpit, and guilt for anyone who doesn’t participate. In this episode, we walk through what the Bible actually shows about fasting, and why it was never meant to be a bargaining chip with God. We look at the dangers of transactional fasting, superstitious promises, and the shame many believers carry when they “don’t do it right.” Then we contrast that with healthy, grace-centered fasting rooted in humility, dependence, and wisdom. No fears attached. Our hope is that you leave lighter, understanding that you are fully loved in Christ whether you fast or don’t, and that any fasting you choose comes from freedom, not obligation.But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret… - Matthew 6:18 ESVLast Week: Abusive Pastors: Different Churches, Same Playbook — A Year in Review - EP118Playlists:Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - YoutubeHoliness StandardsThe Church BuildingExamining PentecostalismThe “MOG” (Man of God)All About The MoneyAbuse In The PulpitAddressing NAYC CommentsFEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!Show Links:Empty Promises: Is Pentecostalism Authentic Or Just Hype? - EP71Doug Klinedinst - “WAIT until January!”Anthony Mangun - “you need to feel guilty”Josh Herring - “I do 2–3 days, and it gets CRAZY!”Gentry Mangun - “glad to see 2025 go!”Joel Holmes - “Joel’s 52 Days”Nathan Holmes - “52 days ain’t nothin’!”Josh Herring - “ahem… I fasted 40 days”Dillon Morgan - “in the Spirit = fasting”Cody Marks - “Year of the Answered Prayer”Joel Urshan - “it’s only a matter of time”Benjamin Rodriguez - “the stuff no one else does”Landon Gore - “OLD in fasting”Resources:DivideTheWord.blogResponsible Faith - YouTubeSpiritualabuse.orgB.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDFBook: Toxic FaithBook: The Subtle Power of Spiritual AbuseBooks: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church PracticesBook: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness PentecostalismBook: Free: From Legalism to GraceConnect with us!📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]💻 http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠InstagramDISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.