Fasting, Renunciation, and Moderation in Early Christian Thought, Greco-Roman Culture, and the Abrahamic Traditions

Dear Colleagues,

The intersection of philosophy and theology has long been a distinguished forum for profound reflection and debate. Central to these intellectual pursuits is the enduring question of how one might live a life marked by balance and moderation. It is with this question in mind that we embark on this scholarly and editorial endeavor, aiming to bring it to the forefront of contemporary thought and promote constructive scholarly conversation. In a world often defined by turmoil and haste, it is crucial to understand the essence of moderation and to draw upon the timeless tools—both ancient and modern—that have enabled individuals to achieve self-discipline and spiritual harmony.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute this Special Issue, which seeks to explore spiritual discipline in Early Christianity, Greco-Roman culture, and the broader Abrahamic traditions. Central to this exploration is the concept of moderation—a value deeply rooted in classical culture—which serves as a cornerstone for both spiritual and intellectual balance. Within Christian contexts, as well as in Jewish and Islamic thought, moderation was embraced as a key element of ascetic practice.

The renunciation of pleasures and the adoption of a simple lifestyle were not only features of ancient philosophical traditions—such as Stoicism—but also came to define central aspects of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. Accordingly, this Special Issue invites contributions from scholars working at the intersection of Early Christian thought, Greco-Roman philosophy, and Abrahamic religious traditions, with a particular focus on how moderation and renunciation were conceptualized and practiced in ancient, medieval, and premodern theological and philosophical systems.

Spiritual discipline was cultivated through simplicity, modesty, and other virtues—such as austerity and the avoidance of excess—but also, and significantly, through fasting. In Christianity in particular, fasting emerged as a central expression of asceticism, moderation, and spiritual equilibrium.

We welcome original research articles and reviews on how fasting was understood and practiced in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and how these practices align with or diverge from Greco-Roman ideals of moderation and self-renunciation as pathways to self-control and spiritual development.

Additionally, we encourage contributions that engage with both affirming and critical perspectives on the reception of fasting traditions—especially as preserved in liturgical manuscripts—and that explore the theoretical dimensions of various forms of fasting: bodily (abstinence from specific foods), spiritual (inner purification of the heart and will), and intellectual (mental concentration on higher purposes).

Submissions may also consider how these practices relate to ancient philosophical traditions and their transformations across Eastern cultures and within Abrahamic religious frameworks.

We hope that this Special Issue will inspire new research focused on the intersection between the history of religions and eastern philosophical cultures, addressing the fundamental question of leading a balanced life in harmony with ancient wisdom and sciences.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editor, Prof. Catalin-Stefan Popa at popacatalinstefan@gmail.com, or to the Assistant Editor of Religions Ms. Evelyn Zeng at evelyn.zeng@mdpi.com. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of this Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

Deadline for abstract submission: November 1, 2025

Deadline for full manuscript submission: April 1, 2026

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

References 

• Clark, Elizabeth, Reading Renunciation: Asceticism and Scripture in Early Christianity. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999.
• Comer, John Mark, The Fasting Practice: A Four-Session Guide to Offering Your Whole Self to God. New York: Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 2025.
• Floyd, Ronnie, The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting: 10 Secrets of Spiritual Strength. Savage : BroadStreet Publishing, 2025.
• Gross, Aaron S.; Jody Myers, and Jordan D. Rosenblum. Feasting and Fasting: The History and Ethics of Jewish Food. New York: New York University Press, 2020.
• Kelhoffer, James A. The Diet of John the Baptist: Locusts and Wild Honey in Synoptic and Patristic Interpretation. In Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament (WUNT I) 176. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2005).
• North, Helen. Sophrosyne: Self - Knowledge and Self - Restraint in Greek Literature . Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1966.
• Oakes, John. The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2024.
• Palmer, Carmen. Philo’s Hellenistic-Jewish Approach in On the Decalogue and On the Contemplative Life: Blending Wisdom of Solomon’s Critique against Idols with a Hellenistic Notion of Moderation. Journal of ancient Judaism 2022, 13, 186–201.
• Sterk, Andrea. Renouncing the World Yet Leading the Church: The Monk-Bishop in Late Antiquity. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2004.
• Verheyden, Joseph; Geert Roskam, Ann Heirman, and Leemans, Johan (eds). Reaching for Perfection: Studies on the Means and Goals of Ascetical Practices in an Interreligious Perspective . Leuven: Peeters, 2022.
• Walker, Brandon. This Kind Only Comes Out by Prayer (and Fasting): Fasting, Ritual Efficacy and Magical Thinking in Early Christianity. Journal of Ritual Studies 2017, 31, 43–52.

Prof. Dr. Catalin-Stefan Popa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fasting
• moderation
• renunciation
• Early Christianity
• classical culture
• Abrahamic traditions
• antiquity
• asceticism
• abstinence
• simplicity
• modesty