Penitensya as part of sacrifice?
By asdomencil
@asdomencil (4265)
Philippines
March 27, 2013 1:56am CST
On my way to our plant this morning, I saw group of men walking on the road while hitting their backs. I was shocked when I saw their back full of blood already. This is the first time I saw this tradition.
They believe that this is part of their sacrifice to lessen their sins. I know that the Catholic Church is not favor of doing this as penalty to themselves and I agree with it.
What can you say about this mylotters?
1 person likes this
9 responses
@urbandekay (18278)
•
27 Mar 13
I think it is foolish, why would God want you to suffer needlessly?
all the best, urban
1 person likes this
@leon3000502000 (1564)
• Philippines
27 Mar 13
what do you mean?
Do you mean that God won't allow sufferings?
@urbandekay (18278)
•
29 Mar 13
No, I mean why would God want you to inflict suffering on yourself
all the best, urban
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I think I have to agree with urban. I think hurting ourselves does not mean that we are reducing the sins we had. There are other ways to punish or ask forgiveness for our sins and not by hurting ourselves.
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
28 Mar 13
Perhaps, these people wanted to repent for their sins by suffering the pain of being hit on the back and nailed on the cross. I have been watching all the interviews made on these individuals and it seems that there is a common purpose for the sacrifice which is to atone for their sins committed against other people. A few believe that this sacrifice is a way for the Lord to grant them their desire like a parent or a child getting well from a serious illness. Many shun this form of sacrifice including the Church; however, these people believe in the power of their sacrifice. I only hope that the good Lord looks favorably on these kind of pinitensya.
@quieley (316)
• Philippines
30 Mar 13
You can't see this kind of repentance in the Bible. We do not need to do what Christ did for us in the cross. We cannot save ourselves from sin. Only God can save us. If people did such things thinking that they will be saved from the lake of fire, then, why did God die for us. Only faith in the Son of God can save us from our sin. Not ourselves, or any work, or sacrifices. See Ephesians 2:8-9
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I think we can do our own sacrifice not by hurting ourselves. I think there are other ways of doing sacrifices instead of hitting and beating ourselves.
However, I think we just respect what they are doing for their own beliefs but I am really against to such activity.
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I agree with you asdomencil. Even if we do not believe in such kind of sacrifice we need to respect the wishes of the individuals concerned. If they gain the peace of mind from this kind of sacrifice and creates a better person from it, then perhaps society should not frown upon this activities.
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
This is an old tradition in the past. I know Catholic church is not recommending this kind of penitence but they have tolerated this since I know this was being done in the past years and is still being practiced to this day.
I also believe that you need not put yourself into this situation to feel that your sins will be forgiven by God.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
yes, Catholic Church is not in favor of this way of askign forgiveness for your sins. But because of the hard-headed persons, they still do this stuffs. Sometimes, they wil get angry with the church if they try to stop them from doing this penintence.
@mharizadik (63)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
The sacrifices that our Lord Jesus did on the cross is enough to pay for our sin we doesn't need to do that kind of sacrifice. the bible tells us that if we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful to forgive us. We just need Jesus as our lord and savior.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
3 Apr 13
That is a good point. I think admitting our sins and pray for it is already enough. Some say that they did such thing because is it one of their "panata" already.
I know that Catholic Church is not favor with this activity.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I think this is thir "panata". But do you think it is too much to make this every year hurting their own back bu hitting until become fully covered with blood?
@quieley (316)
• Philippines
30 Mar 13
For what reason? God does not even command this in the Bible.
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
27 Mar 13
I respect their way of making those "panata". Though, in my opinion, it's not what it should to be.
Flogging yourself until it bleeds is dangerous. It could get infected. 
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I also respec their decision in making this every lenten season. However, like what you said, precautions is really needed due to some infections that may be resulted from this one.
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
27 Mar 13
Although i respect peoples beliefs, i think there are better and more productive things to be done like , being kind, helping other people and sharing what little we have. Honestly in my opinion, I think God does not delight on this, it's like God saying " is not sacrificing my only begotten son to save you from your sins not enough?", but then again some people believe that this is the way for them, then so be it.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
That is what I thought of. I know that there are other ways to suffer or show our sincere sorry for our sins and not by hurting ourselves during the holy week.
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
I agree with you. we can do other stuffs to cover our sins and ask forgiveness to what we did and not by hurting ourselves.
