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Mortification of the flesh

Mortification of the flesh is an act by which an individual or group seeks to mortify or deaden their sinful nature, as a part of the process of sanctification.[1]

For the theological doctrine, see Mortification (theology). For the Christian metal band, see Mortification (band).

In Christianity, mortification of the flesh is undertaken in order to repent for sins and share in the Passion of Jesus.[2] Common forms of Christian mortification that are practiced to this day include fasting, abstinence, as well as pious kneeling.[3] Also common among Christian religious orders in the past were the wearing of sackcloth, as well as self-flagellation in imitation of Jesus Christ's suffering and death. Christian theology holds that the Holy Spirit helps believers in the "mortification of the sins of the flesh."[4] Verses in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) considered to be precursors to Christian ideas of self-mortification include Zechariah 13:6[5] and 1 Kings 18:28–29.[6][7]


Although the term mortification of the flesh, which is derived from the King James version of Romans 8:13[8] and Colossians 3:5,[9] is primarily used in a Christian context,[10] other cultures may have analogous concepts of self-denial; secular practices exist as well.

a scourge usually having seven tails (representing the seven deadly sins and seven virtues) for self-flagellation of the back[19]

Discipline

a garment made of camel's hair or sackcloth worn to cause the Christian mild discomfort[20]

Hairshirt

a wire chain worn around the legs to cause the penitent mild discomfort[21][22]

Chain cilice

a round cork containing metal studs, metal spikes, or needles that is used to beat one's chest[23]

Spugna

which is carried in the imitation of Christ, especially in Lenten processions[24][25]

Cross

Katana VentraIP

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Analogous non-Christian concepts[edit]

Indigenous practices and shamanism[edit]

Some indigenous cultures' shamans believe that endurance of pain or denial of appetites serves to increase spiritual power. In many indigenous cultures, painful rites are used to mark sexual maturity, marriage, procreation, or other major life stages. In Africa and Australia, indigenous people sometimes use genital mutilation on boys and girls that is intentionally painful, including circumcision, subincision, clitoridectomy, piercing, or infibulation. In some Native American tribes enduring scarification or the bites of ants are common rituals to mark a boy's transition to adulthood. Human rights organizations in several areas of the world have protested some of these methods, which can be forced upon the participants, although some are voluntary and are a source of pride and status.[43]


Shamans often use painful rites and self-denial such as fasting or celibacy to attain transformation, or to commune with spirits.[44]

Secular practices[edit]

It has been speculated that extreme practices of mortification of the flesh may be used to obtain an altered state of consciousness to achieve spiritual experiences or visions. In modern times, members of the Church of Body Modification believe that by manipulating and modifying their bodies (by painful processes) they can strengthen the bond between their bodies and spirits, and become more spiritually aware. This group uses rites of passage from many traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and shamanism, to seek their aims.[45]


In some contexts, modern practices of body modification and plastic surgery overlap with mortification. Often, secular people will undergo painful experiences in order to become more self-aware, to take control of their bodies or "own" them more fully, to bond with a group that is spiritual in its aims, or to overcome the body's limitations in ways that do not refer to any higher power. Many times these rites are intended to empower the participant, rather than humble them. This represents a very different aim than many traditional mortifications.[46]


Roland Loomis re-creates Sun Dance ceremonies and suspensions for those who believe these painful procedures expand their consciousness.[47] Fakir Musafar explained his use of these rites as a way to awaken the spirit to the body's limits, and put it in control of them. Others who have used these experiences to transcend physical limitations report a feeling of mastery over their physical circumstance, along with a widened perspective.[48]

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Confraternities of the Cord

Flagellant

Guardia Sanframondi

Penance

Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). . Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

"Mortification" 

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