  Spiritual
This week: Mortification of the Flesh Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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When I was a kid, it was common to hear adult members of our church talk about and practice fasting. Fasting, a well-known example of mortification of the flesh, is relatively painless (if endured for only one meal or one day) and doesn't typically harm the practitioner when done in moderation, but some cultures and sects, even some here in the United States, seek spiritual enlightenment and forgiveness of sin through self-mutilation (asceticism).
Mortification of the flesh comes in many forms:
 Flagellation, the whipping of oneself (usually by a handheld device swung over the shoulders and onto the back), is an extreme form of mortification, and one that was apparently practiced by Pope John Paul II.
Hair shirts are made from animal hair, like goat's hair, and worn next to the skin as a shirt or loincloth.
A cilice, or spiked chain, is worn against the skin of the thigh or chest and leaves small holes in the flesh.
Sleeping on the floor, taking cold showers, denying oneself life's small pleasures like sweetened coffee or after-dinner dessert may be practiced daily while the more extreme forms of mortification listed above are less frequent, perhaps on a weekly basis.
Mortification of the flesh, whether it be self-inflicted corporal punishment or abstaining from food, alcohol, worldly possessions, and/or sex, is how some people choose to practice self-discipline as a form of penance in an effort to garner favor in the eyes of God.
Do you or someone you know practice mortification of the flesh? Is it internal (food, alcohol, sugar, etc.) or external (flagellation, cilice, etc.)? If so, please share your stories so those of us who don't can have a greater understanding. And how do those of you who do not practice it feel about it?
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The following is in response to "Cults in America" :
shaara writes, "Intriguing article. Thanks for your efforts at keeping us thinking." Thank YOU for reading and commenting. 
Quick-Quill  writes, "I loved your NL first because as I read the definition and I frowned, reread it. It sounded very generic. It didn't fit what J.Jones, Manson and others portray. I had to take a hard look at my church. At one time I would have given it a cult tendency label. The difference was anyone could come and leave at any time. Our church has evolved and changed its old time traditions. Yet, those who chose to leave the church find they continue to point their finger at us and say things that don't apply any more. As if we need to STAY that way because it justifies them in some way. When writing about cult type situations its about separation and boundaries. Keeping people from questioning authority, distance them from their relatives and friends who might influence them, or cause them to question. I just read a story in an anthology by Jane Kirkpatrick. Based on a true event, a woman subjugated people into believing her healthy hospital would make them better. She was starving them and having them sign their worldly goods to her. It really happened in Washington State. You can write a story based on facts or make one up based on the same facts." Yes, I know that story. Very sad. And I agree with you about cult-type situations: isolation, indoctrination, subjugation, dehumanization. We'd like to think we're not susceptible, but incidents like the Stanford Prison Experiment and the mass extermination of the Jews and others during WWII suggest otherwise. It's an eye-opening concept, and an interesting one. 
Joy  writes, "Thanks for an interesting NL, Shannon.  Cults are not the only ones. 'Manipulative control tactics' can be used by just about anyone, such as Hitler etc. To say, 'I won't fall for it' would be unrealistic. We are all humans and therefore susceptible to believe and follow others' manipulation. Still, at some point, we need to realize we're being used if we have some thinking power left, as did a few of the Germans at the end of World War II." YES! Exactly, Joy. Just because someone in a position of authority says something or tells you to do something doesn't make it accurate or ethical. Never be afraid to ask questions. 
Elfin Dragon-finally published  writes, "My father, a licensed Baptist minister, once put it to me this way: any religion with an 'ism' at the end of its name is considered a cult. When viewed in this manner, that's a lot of 'isms. The bible says it's a Godly person who will suffer punishment for what they've done right. I think that is the basis of what humanity is about. Being able to let others have their day and not argue about it. To work with peace, faith and love; even if others don't." That's interesting; I've never heard that one before. So is he saying Catholicism and Mormonism are cults? Now I'm sitting here with all the 'isms' running through my head.  I think many "Born Again" Christians believe that everyone who doesn't believe the same way they do is in a cult and going to hell. At least that was my experience growing up in a Baptist household. I don't agree, but I honor and respect their right to believe and say it. But I do agree with you as far as working with peace, faith, and love, even if others don't. The world could definitely use a little more of all those things. Thank you for sharing. 
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Spiritual: August 06, 2014 Issue [#6467]
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