The medieval sect of Christianity known as the Albigensians took self-denial to the highest peak: they viewed the "holiest" death as self-starvation. This idea intrigues me, partly because of its affect on the imagination of Simone Weil, whose partisan I am, and partly because of the linking of contrite self-denial with holiness.
Weil, who had a predisposition towards ascetic self-denial which coincided with her anorexia, was mesmerised by the idea of embracing the true ideal of Christianity. An Atheist for most of her life, she embraced Christianity intellectually after much study and debate. The movement over her soul of troubled emotions sought in Christianity a release, and an acceptance.
As she could not accept herself, but sought to sacrifice herself, the Albigensian doctrine seized her imagination and determination in equal measure: she did indeed starve herself to death, and died in the Christian faith.
Was this needless sacrifice? Your faith's view on self-denial?
2007-10-23 20:49:39 · 9 answers · asked by Jack B, goodbye, Yahoo! 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ms. Weil's death from self-starvation, in my view, was a needless sacrifice. One merely has to read the Bible to see that nowhere is self-starvation called for or even mentioned. It certainly is appropriate for some self-denial in our consumer driven society, but to starve oneself is a form of self-murder and murder is a sin.
2007-10-24 00:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am agnostic.
Anorexia is a disorder. Self denial to the point of death? Needless sacrifice.. definitely.... I mean how does that advance humanity? As individuals we may not change the world, but we might just have a chance of providing some positive influence on those with whom we are somehow connected.
F#@% religion if it's an excuse for anorexics to starve themselves to death.
2007-10-24 06:02:23 · answer #2 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This of course was a needless sacrifice, and i think the idea of self starvation stems from Hindu asetics.
It is noted that when one achieve the extreme state of starvation, the mind is unable to cope with the stress on the body, and the person loses grip and reality.
Many Hindu asetics, starve themselves or do ritual fasting, so had to have these "visions". Even Buddha's achieved enlightenment, after fast and meditation for many days.
Most religions, deemed abstinence from worldly pleasures, for they are detrimental to the overall spiritual development. Our senses are too bombarded with information around us, making us unable to see the higer planes.
It is a common legend that God dwelled among Man. However, as Man grew more and more arrogant, the gods took offence and went up to the heavens. Despite all this, Man was still able to see god, but without the gods pure influence, Man fell further, until we are to polluted that we can no longer register divine beings
2007-10-24 04:08:06 · answer #3 · answered by Dumbguy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This act was not needless, but I believe necessary in order for her to move towards a greater understanding.
We all have different journeys but only the ONE destination.
My view on self-denial actually defines my faith. I believe that the only true spiritual experience you can have is that of finding your true self, which means revealing each layer of your being to yourself until you arrive at the source of that reality which is God, Spirit, Source (or whatever terminology you may choose to use).
JH..
2007-10-24 04:30:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People use religion to deny all variations of mental illness. For example, the child molester who claims they were under the influence of satan, the parents who refuse to deal with their sons suicide because he is damned to hell for eternity, the woman who refuses to acknowledge the harm she has caused to others because she says she has repented and that is all that matters. This is no different. The bottom line is denial of the self, the reality of the circumstances and using religion to validate the disfunction.
2007-10-24 12:33:00 · answer #5 · answered by MOL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, what purpose did that sacrifice serve to advance Christianity? If it didn't (which I can't see how it did) then yes it was needless.
If God didn't want us to eat, then there wouldn't be so many regulations about what we could and could not eat in the Mosaic Law. And how is God supposed to provide for our needs if we are not going to accept what he provides for us?
Self-deprivation is just one form of self-indulgence as I see it--we 'feed' ourselves unnecessarily copious amounts of depravation for our own satisfaction.
2007-10-24 04:11:49 · answer #6 · answered by SDW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep.
Abigensians may veiw death through self starvation, but i just do not see the logic behind it.
2007-10-24 03:53:15 · answer #7 · answered by LOTR Fan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Jack ,I have a cold again! and yes it was a needless sacrifice!
2007-10-24 03:54:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and self-denial is wrong.
2007-10-24 03:54:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋