Fasting and Child Safeguarding in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity

This book develops a rights-informed, child-centred approach to fasting and safeguarding in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. Drawing on research into Yoruba Pentecostalism in Nigeria and its UK and US diaspora, it brings biblical interpretation into conversation with ethnographic and documentary analysis to examine how spiritual disciplines can place children at risk. Close attention to Mark 9:14–29 informs its consideration of prayer, fasting and deliverance, and of the responsibilities of religious leaders and caregivers. The book argues unequivocally that requiring children to fast is spiritual abuse and a breach of their internationally recognised rights, and that Christian formation must respect their dignity and bodily welfare. It will interest scholars and students of theology, religion and childhood studies, alongside clergy, safeguarding practitioners and others concerned with children’s welfare.