Is there anything wrong with cutting (self-injuring) from a religious Christian standpoint? Like, is it against the Bible or something? Is it wrong (other than the obvious, like you could end up hurting yourself badly)? Please email me (through my profile) if you don't understand my question. Thanks!
2007-11-10 20:50:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I cut for a number of reasons, and one of them is to punish myself if I do something bad or sin. Is it still wrong?
2007-11-10 20:59:33 · update #1
The Bible only condemns "cutting" when it is associated with pagan worship and not as a sign of some sort of mental anguish. That having been said, it is not in God's will for his children to suffer in that way. A Christian's life should be characterized by joy when going through trials as they turn the things that they can't control in the circumstances of their life over to God in prayer.
Philippians 4:5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
"Cutting" is not the way God wants us to deal with sin.
1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 4:22 Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
You might want to check out the Setting Captives Free link near the bottom third of the Free Stuff page @ http://web.express56.com/~bromar/ and see if you can find a course that would help you to deal with things in a better, more Christian way.
2007-11-10 21:26:12 · answer #1 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am much more concerned with the self-mutilation itself, and your physical and psychological well being than I am about what Christianity's standpoint is.
This is a serious problem, and not all that uncommon, but please go and see your doctor about this. Have him/her refer you to a psychiatrist for help. Self-mutilation is not considered a psychiatric disorder in itself (yet anyways) but it is a symptom of other disorders and/or issues that they can help you with. You can overcome this. I know you probably feel a great sense of relief when you cut yourself, that's typical and that's what keeps you doing it, but there are ways you can get better without hurting yourself.
Here are a couple articles and sites of interest. Please, get assistance.
http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20040521-000002.html
http://crystal.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html
2007-11-11 05:24:53 · answer #2 · answered by lapis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Good Book specifically instructs us not to defile our selves. If you do something that is bad or is a sin, then pray about it or, and get help for punishing yourself.
2007-11-11 05:11:09 · answer #3 · answered by dangerous dave 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a retired pastor, and the answer is yes. For as you say, the obvious reasons.
1 Cor 3:16 "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."
2007-11-11 04:56:56 · answer #4 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I would be more concerned about your personal welfare than the opinions of the church. Self harm indicates deeper personal problems that need to be addressed and the church is not able to do this, instead they tend to provide guilt and criticism, making your problems worse
2007-11-11 04:55:28 · answer #5 · answered by Nemesis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as you don't cut others, it's fine with me.
2007-11-11 05:04:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you asking if it's wrong to slit your wrists or something like that?
I know God says that we shouldn't damage our temple (our bodies).
2007-11-11 04:53:47 · answer #7 · answered by notarealsurfer 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
- Lev 19:28 -
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am Yahweh.
2007-11-11 05:26:40 · answer #8 · answered by Obed (original) 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with oldguy63
2007-11-11 05:03:16 · answer #9 · answered by Wally 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋