I have observed in many places of worship, the devotees inflicting grave injuries on their God-gifted bodies to please Him and thus gain His blessings. The most surprising thing is that it has the sanction of the society and spirituality as a whole. The penance includes rolling over long distance, piercing the tongue and the cheek and beating the chest. Hysterical seizures are also observed in front of the Deity. One can understand it, if these practices are confined to illiterates. Even the highly literate, rich and men of eminence practice it to the dismay of the enlightened. The party-steered political atheists too are no exceptions; they do it stealthily. Is it not the duty of the Heads of Religions to stop this practice through strict orders prohibiting it? The Government cannot ban this practice as religions are involved. But it can definitely start a campaign of enlightenment against this barbaric practice of self-physical and mental violation. Can't it?
2007-02-21 08:29:05 · 12 answers · asked by Nimit 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Where the hell do you go to church at???
2007-02-21 08:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course self mutilation is a bad thing and goes against christian and for the most part moral teaching. But the sad fact is that it isn't just confined to Christianity many secular and non secular institutions believe in a practice of self mutilation as a form of enlightenment.
Whether it is just a misinterpretation of scripture or a Strong belief that pain must come from learning is hard to say, but i agree that such a practice must be stopped wherever possible and if religions will not , then put in place a wider and more understanding piece of legislation that will. Jesus himself died for our sins and i am sure that he wouldn't l;like to see the needless suffering of individuals in the name of his religion
2007-02-21 16:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by complex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Self torture does in fact create spiritual energy in the body and
brings one to states of ecstasy. I don't feel however that that
is the way to experience ones spirituality. It is like relying on a drug to get high.
Just as I do not feel magical practices are correct.
As the tools used are only extensions of the spirits power that
is within. And magical tools are crutches. What will they do in time of spiritual trouble without them?
The True path is harder and takes more effort. But we need to learn to use our own spiritual power. Not crutches or enslaving
other forms of spiritual life.
2007-02-22 06:51:49 · answer #3 · answered by Sadeek Muhammad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it saddens the Almighty more than offends Him. The Almighty YHVH set up a system. He sent His “Son” YAHOSHUA to die for the sins of mankind so they would not have to. (They could choose to, but did not have to). Any person who chooses not to allow Yahoshua to take care of their sins, chooses to remain attached to their sins. They thus will wind up in the lake of fire which is YHVH’s method of cleaning this world, and eliminating sin and sinners. The Creator set aside the Seventh day for rest and worship. Yes that is the day usually called “Saturday”. We are not saved by obedience, we are saved by faith. However we are saved FOR obedience. As He said in John 14:15 (and in many other places) “If you love me, keep my commandments.
Churchianity is a pagan religion. The only thing that will change a person is the indwelling savior Yahoshua. Obviously that is rare in this sinful world.
2007-02-21 16:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are hump teen ways and means for spirituality. What said in Bhagwadgita do your "allotted duty" which will be treated as praying GOD. (Karma Yogi) No barbaric acts. It is all depends upon individuals approach, learning process, brought up background.
2007-02-25 11:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by Srirambhaktha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is due to lack of proper orientation in religious beliefs.After all God is omnipresent, and omniscient.We live in God,move about,by His support,just as fish lives in water.God is within us and around us.This message has to be taken to the people.
2007-02-21 23:17:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My goodness, who does that stuff? Voodoo people? I have never seen the likes of any of that stuff in a Christian Church. I would definitely say that is not required of followers of Christ.
2007-02-21 16:35:39 · answer #7 · answered by angel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i know it is practiced in hinduism, especially in south India. it is cruel on the body and I personally would not advocate it.
2007-02-21 16:41:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you come a-knockin at MY door, wanting to convert ME, I'll set my hounds after you. I wouldn't even send THEM to your church. If you do any of that stuff, you are nuts.
2007-02-21 16:40:55 · answer #9 · answered by hillbilly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My thanks to Hosse_John's for his answer, I think he is almost exactly right. Jesus suffered grave injuries and suffered terribly when he was crucified, so for us to deliberately undertake these things ourselves to try and please God will do anything but. It shows a misunderstanding of what Jesus accomplished in his death.
2007-02-21 17:49:59 · answer #10 · answered by Bad bus driving wolf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not practised by catholics However believe what you want
2007-02-21 16:36:46 · answer #11 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋