Quoting Post Archived Topic: It will not be bumped to the top of the forum. Topic religion and self injury Membername   Not a member? Sign Up Free (takes 20 seconds) Password   Forgotten your password? Post Font: Verdana Arial Black Georgia Comic Sans Impact   Size: Tiny Normal Big Huge   Color: Default Dark Red Red Orange Brown Green Olive Cyan Blue Dark Blue Indigo Black [ Check Spelling ] [ Post Preview ] [ LiveTags ] Quote: from Anonymous at 9:08 pm on July 5, 2009[quote]I'm a recovering cutter.. I know I shouldnt do it anymore, but its a process.  For quite A while i've been wanting to cut a cross into myself.. I know I shouldnt destroy the body God has given me because he didn't have a choice and I do, but do you think it would be wrong in a sense to cut a cross into my skin if it does so happen that I cut again?[/quote] FAQ Keyword Search: Post Options Favorites Manager Notify me of new replies to this topic by email Notify me of new replies to this topic by private message Original Post Anonymous Posted at 9:08 pm on July 5, 2009 I'm a recovering cutter.. I know I shouldnt do it anymore, but its a process.  For quite A while i've been wanting to cut a cross into myself.. I know I shouldnt destroy the body God has given me because he didn't have a choice and I do, but do you think it would be wrong in a sense to cut a cross into my skin if it does so happen that I cut again?

Replies Prince o palities Posted at 4:54 pm on July 7, 2009 Quote: from Anonymous at 11:19 pm on July 5, 2009 My Pastor and I have talked numerous times on the subject. I stand in Faith that He will bring me away from this, as long as I surrender to Him. So far He hasn't guided me away. Surrender in the context of the Christian faith has largely to do with subsuming your will under God's will.  That doesn't mean that God wills for you, but that you conform your will to that of God.  In other words, God isn't going to act on an otherwise passive object.  He doesn't possess us and overwrite our will, even if we ask Him to.  If you want to be guided away, surrender yourself to Him in the sense that you choose to do what you know is consistent with what He wants instead of what you want.  You must take initiative. That having been said, cutting a cross into yourself is no better or worse than cutting anything else into yourself.  The intersecting lines that form what we traditionally think of as a cross have no special power.  You could cut a division sign into yourself and it would be no different. The point is not what you cut into yourself but that you cut into yourself.  Your very life, and the body in which you live that life, are possessed by you through the grace of God.  He crafted it in His image, and when you disgrace it in the way you're describing it is tantamount to desecrating the very image of God Himself.  That doesn't change no matter what you're cutting into it. Continue in the process, but realize that it is a struggle.  Sitting back and expecting God to compel you to do what is right misunderstands His will for you.  He wants you to do what is right. Mindwalker Posted at 10:17 pm on July 5, 2009 I don't think that cutting a cross into yourself is a great idea. I think if you really like crosses you could just wear one, or possibly get a cross tattoo. I know cutting is a process, and it will take some time to get to where you don't feel the need to do it all the time, and while it may end up in the back of your mind, hold on and things will get better. Try to set up a support network, your priest can be there to help, but you may need more help than he alone can give to help you through all this, if you have friends or family members who know and are sympathetic, ask for their help. I truly wish you the best with your recovery. RachLeigh13 Posted at 9:20 pm on July 5, 2009 Quote: from Anonymous at 12:19 am on July 6, 2009 Quote: from RachLeigh13 at 7:16 am on July 6, 2009 Is there anyone you are close to or someone you can confide in? I don't like the idea of cutting, but I know that's how some people cope with things. I think your best bet is to talk to someone you can trust. As a Christian, I've been asked what I think of piercings and stuff, and I always say its "decorating the temple" ( i have a nose piercing) however, you should do what you personally feel convicted of.  Is God really tugging at your heart to stop? Medically, you should because you run risk of getting infections or scarring. What is God telling you though? What really seems to be your gut feeling when you think of cutting? My Pastor and I have talked numerous times on the subject. I stand in Faith that He will bring me away from this, as long as I surrender to Him. So far He hasn't guided me away. I edited that right as you quoted, I just added that you should consider a tattoo instead of cutting if you really want a cross. Anonymous Posted at 9:19 pm on July 5, 2009 Quote: from RachLeigh13 at 7:16 am on July 6, 2009 Is there anyone you are close to or someone you can confide in? I don't like the idea of cutting, but I know that's how some people cope with things. I think your best bet is to talk to someone you can trust. As a Christian, I've been asked what I think of piercings and stuff, and I always say its "decorating the temple" ( i have a nose piercing) however, you should do what you personally feel convicted of. Is God really tugging at your heart to stop? Medically, you should because you run risk of getting infections or scarring. What is God telling you though? What really seems to be your gut feeling when you think of cutting?  My Pastor and I have talked numerous times on the subject.  I stand in Faith that He will bring me away from this, as long as I surrender to Him.  So far He hasn't guided me away. Aria of Silence Posted at 9:17 pm on July 5, 2009 I feel like that's on the list of bad ideas... RachLeigh13 Posted at 9:16 pm on July 5, 2009 Is there anyone you are close to or someone you can confide in? I don't like the idea of cutting, but I know that's how some people cope with things. I think your best bet is to talk to someone you can trust. As a Christian, I've been asked what I think of piercings and stuff, and I always say its "decorating the temple" ( i have a nose piercing) however, you should do what you personally feel convicted of. Is God really tugging at your heart to stop? Medically, you should because you run risk of getting infections or scarring. What is God telling you though? What really seems to be your gut feeling when you think of cutting? Have you thought of doing a tattoo instead? Tattoos are a bit safer and can be done in a more hygienic setting. Also, I'm sure you'll get a different kind of rush having it done. Forgot My Name Posted at 9:11 pm on July 5, 2009 I'm not Christian, but I don't see what the difference would be. If you did it solely as a religious think, like showing your dedication to your god. Then I don't see why it would matter. So Catholics beat and whip themselves for God. If you do, do that. I would make sure it is only for God and not yourself. So don't have the cutter mindset when you do it. I'm not advocating self-harm, I'm just saying it can be religious. So mods, don't delete my post, I know how you all are. the raven Posted at 9:09 pm on July 5, 2009 Post from this position was omitted due to content violations All 8 previous replies displayed.