Pope John Paul II flagellated himself to get closer to Christ

[Alive in Christ]

I personally cant imagine how anyone can think they can get closer to Christ...when for the christian (which is debatable in this case, of course) Christ is permanently alive, and well, inside the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This is just so tragic and sad...

(CNN) -- Pope John Paul II used to beat himself with a belt and sleep naked on the floor to bring himself closer to Christ, a book published Wednesday says.

The late pope had a particular belt for self-flagellation and brought it with him to his summer residence, according to the book, "Why he is a Saint: The True story of John Paul II."

"As some members of his own entourage were able to hear with their own ears, both in Poland and in the Vatican, Karol Wojtyla flagellated himself," the book says, using the name the pope was given at birth.

"In the closet, among the cloaks, a particular pant-belt hung from a hook, which he utilized as a whip and one which he always had brought to Castel Gandolfo," the book says.

Here is the link for the entire article...

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/01/27/pope.flagellate/?hpt=T2

 

[Thinkingstuff]

Sounds pretty stupid. Did he wear a hairshirt too?

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Sure glad I'm not in that cult.

 

[Agnus_Dei]

does sound strange...sounds like he needed therapy...kind of like when people cut themselves as punishment for things they do...

In XC
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[billwald]

AMEN! I like the Real Christian system of getting close to Christ with after church pot lucks where I can stuff myself and go home for a long winter's nap.

 

[annsni]

AMEN! I like the Real Christian system of getting close to Christ with after church pot lucks where I can stuff myself and go home for a long winter's nap.

It's just SO much less painful, isn't it??