[AmericanInTokyo]

Comments?

(FYI, this is an annual event in the P.I. They actually sell Filipino snacks and drinks to the crowds visiting this macabre, almost odd carnival-like event.)

[Zavien Doombringer]

I witnessed it while stationed there. It isn't for "religious" reasons as it is for the money and publicity. It is also a scam...

[BrooklynGOP]

ping!

[Billthedrill]

I also witnessed this while stationed there. Self-flagellation has a long history in the early Christian church and is prevalent among Shi'ite Moslems as well. I'm not entirely sure this is just that, though - it struck me that there was a large element of self-aggrandizment and masochism going on there. But frankly it looked as if those nails hurt. I'll pass, thanks.

[Servant of the Nine]

Each devotee hung on the cross for five minutes, they were then brought down and sped off by a waiting ambulance.

That's not crucifixion. Next time leave them up there till the bones fall off the nails, that's crucifixion.

So9

[Ga Rob]

And they call the Islamists extreme??

[the_doc]

This mess is an example of false Christianity at its Satanic best. The whole thing is revolting and blasphemous.

The murder of Christ was revolting and blasphemous, but the notion that there is personal merit to be gained in literally repeating it is even more revolting and blasphemous--since it suggests that the work of Christ was not a redemptive fait accompli.

Real Christians will experience the spiritual anguish of what the Bible calls "repentance unto life," not the carnal anguish of pierced hands and feet or flagellation or other forms of worthless penance. Thus, I'm afraid that the junk which the Filipinos in the article have effectively substituted for repentance are demonically aimed at blocking saving faith.

In other words, I see the whole thing as a religious shell game. Sinners are losing everything.

[No Dems 2004]

The Bible aptly summarises these people when it speaks of will-worship, which is not to any honour . . . but to the satisfying of the flesh.

These guys should celebrate Christianity by leaving Christian lives, not by being fatuous.