Dr. Darren Whitehead, senior pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, Tennessee, believes fasting is the “most neglected spiritual practice in the modern world” and argues that it may be more essential now than ever. In his book, The Digital Fast: 40 Days to Detox Your Mind and Reclaim What Matters Most, Whitehead explains how fasting—historically a means to focus fully on God—can apply to food and digital habits that now dominate our lives.
Fasting in a Culture of Instant Gratification
Whitehead highlights society’s constant access to instant gratification as a significant challenge. Pointing to Jesus’ 40-day fast, he advocates for periodic fasting, especially at the beginning of each year, to refocus and reconnect with God. Whitehead’s church commits to 21 days of prayer and fasting each January to “help people take their eyes off this world.”
The Need for a “Digital Fast”
While fasting traditionally involves food, Whitehead extends the concept to digital consumption. He sees a troubling pattern where people, especially teens, use technology as a way to escape uncomfortable emotions. Much like comfort eating, digital consumption offers a quick fix for anxiety, fear, and shame. Whitehead argues that habitual “doom-scrolling” can rob people of both time and real connections.
Technology’s Impact on Relationships
Whitehead warns that this constant focus on screens affects our relationships. He reflects on missed family moments and fears these distractions intrude on spiritual connections. According to him, if technology fills all our discretionary time, we lose the quiet moments needed to listen for God’s guidance.
A Call to Reclaim Attention
Beyond affecting family life, Whitehead emphasizes how smartphones, especially for teenage girls, can damage self-esteem, attention, and social development. By stepping back and practicing a digital fast, he believes individuals can reclaim their focus and strengthen their spiritual lives.
Source:
Pastor Reveals How Smartphones, Tech Are ‘Decimating’ Kids’ Self-Esteem, Sowing Chaos
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
About Post Author
