Some members of strict monastic orders and some members of the catholic lay organiazion ” opus dei”, practice mild flagellation using an instrument called “discipline” a cattail whip usally made of knotted cords, which is flung over the shoulders repeatedly during private prayer, Pope John Paul 11 allegedly took the disiclipine regually.
Mother Teresa is also among famous catholics who self-flagellated.
Criticism of Opus dei has centered on allegations of secretiveness, controversal recruting methods, strict rules goverining members, eletism and support of or partiticipation in authoritarian or right wing governments ,especially the Francoist government of spain until 1978. The mortification of the flesh practiced by some of its members is also critized within the catholic church, opus dei is also critized for allegedly seeking independence and more Influence.
Some Christian ascetics believe that the apostle Paul taught aseticism in the New Testament.
The Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:13 “If you live after the flesh, you shall die, but If through the sprit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live”.
The Catholics believe that this means that mortification or self Inflicted acts of pain will end the disease of the soul.
