FABRICATIONS · TEXTUAL VARIANTS
The Omission of Fasting
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Some early manuscripts omit "and fasting," indicating it may have been a later addition to emphasize spiritual discipline. For his reason, even the NIV Bible has omitted this phrase.
THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Fasting is a recognized spiritual practice, and its inclusion emphasizes the need for devotion. Whether or not 'fasting' was in the original text, the concept is biblically supported.
THE ISLAMIC POSITION
The perfect Words of God shouldn't need additions. Adding words to Scripture, even to promote piety, compromises its integrity. It suggests that human additions have influenced the teachings, which should be divinely protected.
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The Omission of Fasting