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Author Topic: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?  (Read 8695 times)

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Offline Jaynek

Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
« Reply #5 on: December 16, 2018, 09:11:03 AM »
Quote from: Vintagewife3 on December 16, 2018, 03:39:56 AM
I don’t think the church condones corporal punishment for acts of penance like the ones who may be referring too. 
Historically, this was an accepted and common practice up until relatively recently.  It was approved by the Church and a practice of many of the Saints of the past.  
However, in the case of the OP of this thread, it sounds like someone who does not understand the function of the Sacrament of Confession.  While performing the penance assigned by the priest is part of the Sacrament, there is no reason that this penance must be physical.  We receive forgiveness through Sacraments, not through corporal punishment.
As others have already said, this sort of penance should only be done under the guidance of a spiritual director.  
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Offline Vintagewife3

Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
« Reply #6 on: December 16, 2018, 09:25:18 AM »
Yes! You’re right! I should have clarified that. Thank you!
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Änσnymσus

  • Guest
Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
« Reply #7 on: December 16, 2018, 11:13:20 AM »
This must be sorted out by a spiritual director.  One person who punishes himself for sin may be acting nobly, while another might be exhibiting psychological issues.  That's what spiritual directors are for.
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Online Ladislaus

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Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
« Reply #8 on: December 16, 2018, 11:14:35 AM »
Quote from: Anonymous on December 16, 2018, 11:13:20 AM
This must be sorted out by a spiritual director.  One person who punishes himself for sin may be acting nobly, while another might be exhibiting psychological issues.  That's what spiritual directors are for.

This was posted by me.  Self-punishment for sin could in fact involve a veiled pride, just as low self-esteem is often from pride.  Spiritual directors should discern between the two given their knowledge of the soul in question.  So you'll not get an answer to this here on CI.
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Online Ladislaus

  • Supporter
Re: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning?
« Reply #9 on: December 16, 2018, 11:16:07 AM »
Quote from: Anonymous on December 16, 2018, 12:57:11 AM
Fasting on bread and water and abstaining from meat are a good place to start. Some priests recommend putting a pebble in your shoe. But anything more serious you must consult your regular Confessor before you proceed further.

I would go a step further.  Even fasting beyond what is required by the Church should take place under the guidance of a spiritual director / Confessor.  I've known people who were practically neurotic with regard to self-punishment even in the form of fasting.  That's why the rule of St. Benedict generally forbade doing things beyond what their rule of life required.  Often it comes from pride.  When you fast according to Church law, this is done under obedience.  Otherwise, the motives might in fact be harmful.
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