Why is this?

Question

I used to be catholic, but in 16 years of church-going and 13 years of catholic schooling, I never understood the concept of mortification. I mean, I understand that it is enduring physical hardships in order to clean the soul, but I don't see why people would do that instead of just praying and doing good works.

Also, why does the church condemn self-injury (cutting, burning, et cetera) but allow (even promote, as it is extolled in some accounts of saints) very serious mortification? Where is the line between sin and virtue, between holiness and insanity?

I don't understand why it is considered acceptable to flagellate oneself, or go on excessively long fasts, or wear metal spikes that dig into your leg, or bang your head against a rock. I did much less in my teen years and was almost committed to a mental hospital!

Please help me understand this. Mind, I'm not in any way being anti-catholic... I just am very curious.

It seems that the church still doesn't mind it too much, though. The Fatima kids did it, and so do a bunch of highly-lauded people in my area (Fr. Solanus Casey is among them). Or was I just being lied to by my chaplain?

Answer 1

See paragraph2280 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Church does not condone those things anymore since the Church leadership ,which has always looked askance at Desert Father Simeon Stylites-type sado-masochisms(but none the less promoted his shrine and cultus in the Byzantine World and that of similar fruitcakes in the West) because such behavior is against Natural Law, the 5th Commandment,Incarnational Theology and Ethics and any real Theology of the Body.

There is a real difference between authentic self-discipline and things like intercessory fasting and the like and creation-hating self-torture like " mega-flagellations"

Such practices were always "functionally heretical" and not compatible with Catholic Christianity in spite of its popularity. "A bad custom is simply an ancient error"(St.Cyprian)

The saints who were deluded into harming their bodies and minds would have been better saints if they used that energy in healthier ways of dealing with inner conflicts. Most of these folks were in the days before therapy. I would prefer a good confessor myself.

Answer 2

I'm a Christian. I do not believe in self mortification. I think it's a man made custom and has it's roots in self righteous works theology. Check into some other churches and other beliefs than Catholicism.God bless!!

Answer 3

You're right. Paul said that the mortification of the flesh does not bring humbleness, but it does bring religious haughtiness and pride. In other words, it's not a good thing.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

It is GREAT that you are asking questions and thinking for yourself! Your arguments make sense too!! We are saved by faith....and THAT is a gift. (Ephesians 2:8,9) We cannot do anything good enough to "deserve" heaven. Our righteousness is as "filthy rags". (Isaiah 64:6) BUT, once you have been saved, because you love Jesus, you will want to serve Him....and obey Him and keep His commandments. (James 2:17 and John 14:15)

Answer 6

it doesn't 'promote' that kind of mortification.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01767c.htm

http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=8210