Christian Asceticism: A Path to Spiritual Growth

Asceticism has been a practice within Christian tradition, often involving self-discipline, fasting, prayer, and renunciation of material comforts in order to grow closer to God. The roots of Christian asceticism can be traced back to the early Desert Fathers and Mothers in the 3rd century, such as St. Anthony the Great and St. Syncletica. The New Testament also speaks of the importance of self-discipline and self-control in spiritual growth, such as in 1 Corinthians 9:27 where the apostle Paul writes, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”