On the fast track to spirituality

In what one booster calls "the hydrogen bomb of all Christiandisciplines," fasting is gaining in popularity as a way to increasespirituality.

"We have seen this grow and grow," said Bill Bright, a prominentevangelical Christian who has devoted $1 million to promotingfasting.

Particularly linked with the 40-day period of Lent, fastinghelps believers better appreciate the gifts they have been bestowed,and connects them with their Lord, some say."You feel closer to God because you realize how much he hasgiven you," said Jessica Solgers, a ninth-grader at Lincoln-Way HighSchool in Frankfort, who went without food for 30 hours.Some fasters eat less food than normal and give the money theywould have spent on full meals to charity.But health experts warn that depending on how one definesfasting, it can be dangerous.Religion coverage, Pages 32-33.