Layer Cake 8 - Is Lent an Excuse for Anorexics

In an article published on the Boston Globe, author Jennifer Graham posted a blog about anorexia. She specifically says that the cause of anorexia is religion. Graham goes on to talk about how, during lent, women give up eating solid food. Also, she blames the media for pressuring young women into not eating as much because they feel that they have to look like fashion models.

Saint Thomas Aquinas commented on fasting, and how it is not an excuse to starve yourself. When asked whether fasting is a virtue or not, Thomas presents three reasons that it is a virtue to fast. The first reason he says is that it prevents lust, one of the seven deadly sins. (2 Corinthians 6:5-6). The second reason that fasting is a virtue is that we may have a revelation from God, like Daniel did in: (Daniel 10). Finally, the third reason is that fasting cleanses your soul and brings you closer to God. (Joel 2:12).

Thomas also makes the point that fasting is an act of abstinence. Therefore, fasting should be done as a form of sacrifice, but not a form of harm. To fast as a form of self-harm, it would be considered a sin, as opposed to a virtuous act.

There have always been a few questions about who has to fast.  "How old do I have to be to fast?" or "What if I am sick?". All people are called to fast, within reason. When considering your fast you have to be reasonable and knowledgeable. If you are poor and do not have enough money to go without eating, the church makes exceptions to that. Children, on the other hand, are not called to fast because of their natural weakness. They need to eat and gain nutrients to grow properly. According to the church, as long as the growth period lasts they are not required to fast. The church classifies the growth period as the third period of seven years.

Fasting is done in the Easter season for Christians. As Christians we fast during this time because of the two purposes of fasting: for deletion of sin, and cleansing of the mind. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, it is a form of reverence to go and confess ours in church. We do not have to fast during the Passover because fasting is done during days of sorrow. The Resurrection is a form of joy and would not be fitting to fast.

Saint Thomas Aquinas has a few valid points in regards to whether lent is a cause of anorexia. Personally, I believe the same as Aquinas. Lent is not the cause for anorexia at all, but it may be a good excuse for some people.