13715. THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION OF FASTING. A comprehensive study of fasting from the perspective of Scripture and Christian tradition, demonstrating how this ancient sacrificial practice developed into a Christian symbolic ritual for fulfillment of the divine precept and the performance of penance. Focusing on the historical development of fasting from the time of the Old Testament up through the modern era, examines how the role of fasting has transformed over the centuries. Concludes with an examination of the place and purpose of fasting in contemporary spiritual life. 47 pages, 103 footnotes, 35 bibliographic sources.