Self-flagellation, it seems, has always been with us. From ancient cults of Isis and Dionysus, to the roaming flagellants of the European Middle Ages, to current examples of self-crucifixion in the Philippines in the Easter season and zanjeer (ritual self-infliction of pain, often with a chain) in many Islamic nations on the Day of Ashura. Most of us recoil when we see these behaviors. “Yes, guilt is one thing,” we may think, “but why in the world would anyone hurt themselves for it?” What ever happened to saying you’re sorry? Read More...

Tags: Punishment, self-mortification