Why do some believers use physical pain to reach a higher spiritual state?

History · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Self-flagellation is a ritualized practice of inflicting pain upon oneself, found across diverse religious traditions. While often misunderstood as mere punishment, practitioners frequently view it as a profound method of spiritual purification, a way to share in divine suffering, or a means to achieve deep, rhythmic religious focus.

The practice of self-flagellation, or the mortification of the flesh, is rooted in the belief that physical discipline can elevate the spirit. In Christianity, this tradition has historically been linked to emulating the suffering of Jesus during his Passion. Figures like the 11th-century monk Peter Damian advocated for physical penance, suggesting that salvation required sharing in Christ's agony. Throughout the centuries, this manifested in various forms, from the extreme public processions of the 13th-century Flagellants during the Black Death to the private use of a 'discipline'—a specific type of whip—by figures such as Martin Luther and members of the Anglican Tractarian movement.

Beyond Christianity, similar rituals exist in other faiths, though they often carry different cultural and theological significance. In Shia Islam, the practice known as matam or latm involves chest-beating or the use of blades and chains to honor the martyrdom of Imam Husain. Participants often describe the experience as 'somatopsychic,' where rhythmic pain induces a trancelike state that fosters community bonds and reaffirms faith. Similarly, while Judaism strictly prohibits self-harm, some historical traditions involved symbolic enactments of atonement, though modern practice largely favors fasting and introspection over physical affliction.

The practice remains deeply controversial. Within Christianity, debate persists regarding its spiritual utility, with some leaders condemning it while others, including Pope John Paul II, have reportedly engaged in it. In Islam, the ritual has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the involvement of children, leading some leaders to suggest blood donation as a less harmful alternative. Despite these tensions, for many, the act remains an affirmational performance of devotion, intended to strip away worldly distractions and focus the mind entirely on the divine.

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