This might belong in the D & D so mods please move it if you think it is too controversial. Pics are on the link. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17978154/ Filipino devotees crucify, whip themselves Lenten ritual goes on despite opposition by Catholic leaders in Philippines Updated: 4:57 a.m. CT April 6, 2007 SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines - Seven devotees were nailed to crosses on Good Friday in a northern Philippine village where the rites drew thousands of tourists and spectators. The Lenten ritual is opposed by religious leaders in the Philippines — Southeast Asia’s largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation. But it has persisted to become one of the country’s most-awaited summer attractions in San Fernando City’s San Pedro Cutud village. The devotees’ palms and feet were attached to wooden crosses with 4-inch nails soaked in alcohol to prevent infection after a nearly mile-long walk to the mound, each carrying a wooden cross on their backs. Among the yearly penitents in San Pedro Cutud was Ruben Enaje, a 46-year-old commercial sign maker who was nailed to the cross for the 21st time on Friday. ‘They take this religion to the extreme’ Earlier in the day in the same village, dozens of half-naked men hit their bloodied backs with bamboo sticks dangling from a rope in a flagellation rite meant to atone for sins. More than 100 foreign tourists flocked to this year’s Good Friday rites, with many of them seated on a stage at the side of the mound. “They take this religion to the extreme,” observed Gomas de Miguel, a tourist from Spain. “In Spain, we say we are Catholics but we don’t do this anymore I think.” “It’s not my belief, but I know that they are sincere in what they are doing so I respect it,” said American tourist Dennis Smith.
No, they didnt die. It's usually the same people every year. And i might be wrong but i think they only nail the hands. They do have holes in their hands but i dont think they're actually hanging from them, i think there is something that usually supports them at the bottom.
I thought the whole reason Jesus died on the cross was so we didn't have to do stupid stuff like this to atone for our sins.
What's the hourly rate? What about benefits and stock options? Medical insurance has to be mandatory in this case!
"Stupid?" I'd say it's extreme, not stupid. These people are willing to severely punish themselves, humble themselves, and go through more pain to show their devotion for a personally-held belief. The Filipino brand of Catholicism is an attitude of humility and sacrifice - i.e. "if something bad happened to me, I did something to deserve it" or "if something great happened, it's a gift from God." So sorry if it doesn't compare to you giving up chocolate for a couple of weeks during Lent. Now THAT'S commitment.
My first thought is that these people were really doing it for attention, though they might think it was for devotion. It still, of course, does not come close to the actual crucifixion... extra supports and antiseptic nails, come on... Many Christians unintentionally get into "holier-than-thou" contests with each other, and that may be what's going on here. About the flagellation... well, what Cannonball said...
There's a video on the link, [warning] its pretty bloody.[/warning], and it looks like they just hang them on the cross for a few minutes and then take them down. So they survive. It may not be anywhere near like the actual crucifixation but it still looks unbelievably painful. And it is being done by choice.
Scientific studies have shown that Jesus could not have been nailed to the cross thru his hands and feet. The tissue in those areas are not strong enough to support the body. It is believed the nails were driven thru the wrist and ankles. A study of the Shroud of Turin tends to support this theory. If you're gonna crucify yourself, at least put the nails in the right place.
