The Virtuous Act of Feasting as a Cure for Gluttony

Abstract

This article explores how feasting is a virtuous habit that cultivates temperance. To begin, by looking back on the history of extreme fasting and the critiques of it by Jerome and Aquinas, I examine how relying on fasting alone is insufficient for dealing with the vice of gluttony. Next, I distinguish between what feasting is and is not by presenting biblical and modern-day examples and by comparing and contrasting feasting, fasting, and gluttony. Through exploring biblical accounts of the food ministry of Jesus, I show how the virtue of feasting aids in loosening the grip of gluttony on an individual. Finally, I offer suggestions for how the church might properly promote feasting in its worship and discipleship. This article offers the current-day disciple of Jesus a well-rounded approach to pursuing the virtue of temperance that is grounded in how God created humanity and in the example of Jesus.