FLAGELLANTISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Flagellantism is a practice or ideology associated with self-punishment and penance through the act of flogging or whipping oneself. Derived from the term "flagellant," which refers to a person who engages in self-inflicted physical suffering as a means of expressing religious devotion or seeking redemption, flagellantism has historical and cultural roots dating back centuries.
As a form of extreme asceticism and spiritual discipline, flagellantism has often been observed during times of religious zeal or in response to perceived moral degradation or catastrophe. Flagellants typically engage in public displays of self-mortification, whipping their own bodies as a demonstration of repentance or as a plea for divine intervention. The act of flagellation, in this context, is intended to purify the soul and draw closer to God.
While various religious traditions have recognized the practice of self-discipline or acts of penance, flagellantism is often regarded as a more extreme manifestation. Critics argue that it can be psychologically harmful, promoting guilt, self-hate, or religious fanaticism. Historical instances of flagellantism, such as during the Black Death in the 14th century, reflect the belief that physical suffering could appease divine wrath and alleviate the burden of sin.
Contemporary occurrences of flagellantism are relatively rare, though small groups or individuals may still practice it as an expression of personal devotion or as part of traditional rituals in certain religious sects. Its significance primarily lies in its historical influence on the development of religious practices and its embodiment of the enduring human quest for spiritual purification and redemption.
Common Misspellings for FLAGELLANTISM
- dlagellantism
- clagellantism
- vlagellantism
- glagellantism
- tlagellantism
- rlagellantism
- fkagellantism
- fpagellantism
- foagellantism
- flzgellantism
- flsgellantism
- flwgellantism
- flqgellantism
- flafellantism
- flavellantism
- flabellantism
- flahellantism
- flayellantism
- flatellantism
- flagwllantism
Etymology of FLAGELLANTISM
The word "flagellantism" is derived from the noun "flagellant". The noun "flagellant" comes from the Latin word "flagellans", which is the present participle of "flagellare", meaning "to whip" or "to flog". "Flagellare" is derived from the Latin word "flagellum", which means "whip" or "lash". Hence, "flagellantism" refers to the practice or belief associated with flagellants, individuals who would engage in self-flagellation as a form of penance or religious devotion.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
