Pope John Paul II self-flagellated to get closer to Jesus

[Joe Republic]

And this man was the guiding light for a billion people?  Disturbing.

[Joe Republic]

I really don't think it's a big deal. The reasons for doing it were perfectly sound from his perspective. Not that it makes any real sense.

The same can be said for anybody who self-mutilates, of course.  And just like them, they require psychiatric help, not reverence.  That serves only to encourage others to do the same.

[Joe Republic]

That aside it's not something that anyone should be driven to do.

Oh? And why is that?

Because it's self-harm...?

[Joe Republic]

Bodily harm, yes. But harm in the broad sense?

Err..bodily harm? mental suffering as a the result of phsyical pain ? It's not difficult to grasp.

Bodily harm, yes. Pain, yes. But harm in the broad sense?

That an action has costs does not demonstrate that it is a foolish one. You simply aren't making any sense.

What on earth are you talking about?  "Harm in a broad sense"?  What does that even mean?

If you deliberately punched yourself in the face on a daily basis because you mistakenly believed it would lead to some kind of reward, don't you consider that to be foolish?