This obsession with refusing to eat, or denying the body pleasure and embracing “suffering” (of the self) as a means for removing sin seems to be the logical extension of Pelagianism (or, rather, the age old attraction of man towards works-righteousness) that, though it was condemned by the Council of Orange under the influence of Augustine, ended up becoming the dominant view of the Catholic Church despite protestations to the contrary.
It is so ingrained in the Catholic Church’s nature that the idea of self-starvation, of whippings and torturing of oneself, is completely natural and befitting of a Saint. Gone is any sense of Grace, or if they speak of grace, they mean something that has no power within the human being, and which is inevitably the reward for human merit.
It's exactly what we are warned about in Scripture.
Colossians 2:21-23 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
It is truly amazing to compare and contrast Orange with Trent.
Sometime between 529 and 1545 something went seriously wrong in Rome.
An honest reading of the two of them should send any Roman Catholic fleeing for the waters of Lake Geneva, which are cool, clear and refreshing, as opposed to the turbulent and muddy flow of the Tiber.