Does fasting actually have health benefits?

[Godscreated]

I should add that the best argument I've seen in favour of fasting is that you're showing solidarity with those who are starving. Still, that doesn't mean you should stop drinking water like the Muhammadans do. I find it hard to accept that a deity would want you to harm yourself and I don't understand how it brings one "closer to a deity". Is that something that can be quantified?

If you had bothered to read my above post you would've seen were I stated that God doesn't call us to harm ourselves, the fast is not for everyone, and Christians do drink water and or pulpless fruit juice during a fast. We are directed not to go into an extended fast. The fast for Christians is a representation of our willingness to forgo solid food while in deep study and prayer with God. Only those who are called by God to fast should, otherwise one is doing something God had no intention of with that person at that time. Remember this, God does not ask us to hurt ourselves in our spiritual relationship with Him. If there are still those who do not want to believe this is Christian doctrine then fine, you have no idea what you're talking about anyway. Our way of fasting doesn't bring harm to us, we are not a cult, cults do harmful thing to others and themselves, so this approach to fasting is just one proof Christianity isn't a cult. Though I do imagine there are a few churches that might call their members to fast in a dangerous way, but this is a direct denial of the way our relationship with God is to work.

GC