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"The Joy Of Pain and Suffering?" (Original Post) Archae Nov 2015 OP
Sounds like a sub title JustAnotherGen Nov 2015 #1
If you read Aquinus edhopper Nov 2015 #2
Actually if you think about the secular parallels, it's not as messed up as you think. jonno99 Nov 2015 #4
Different edhopper Nov 2015 #5
But then, you are arguing the exception(s). My guess is that masochists can be found in every jonno99 Nov 2015 #7
I would have to hear the sermon edhopper Nov 2015 #8
Agreed. nt jonno99 Nov 2015 #10
Mother Teresa was the first person I thought of when I saw this. smirkymonkey Nov 2015 #16
It explains "Mother Teresa" and her penchant for letting people suffer. n/t X_Digger Nov 2015 #13
Sure does edhopper Nov 2015 #14
Brought to you by a benevolent God who loves you. Tierra_y_Libertad Nov 2015 #3
Opus Dei comes to mind. PeoViejo Nov 2015 #6
Pinhead has a minestry? Heeeeers Johnny Nov 2015 #9
To be fair G_j Nov 2015 #11
Kisses from Jesus. LiberalAndProud Nov 2015 #12
Mother Teresa was either very stupid or very evil. smirkymonkey Nov 2015 #17
I thought this was about the Republican Presidential candidates neverforget Nov 2015 #15
When we suffer (and we all will) the right thing is Ron Green Nov 2015 #18

edhopper

(33,587 posts)
2. If you read Aquinus
Mon Nov 23, 2015, 02:45 PM
Nov 2015

this is a part of the Catholic and other Christian faiths.

it's pretty fucked up if you ask me.

There was a good article by Shadia B. Drury in the last issue of Free Inquiry about this.

jonno99

(2,620 posts)
4. Actually if you think about the secular parallels, it's not as messed up as you think.
Mon Nov 23, 2015, 03:03 PM
Nov 2015

I don't think that Aquinas promotes suffering merely for the sake of suffering, but rather that it is ones' honor to suffer when persecuted for "doing the right thing". Obviously there is debate about what that "right thing" is - and it will be different from one person to the next.

But, consider any protester who has willingly suffered physical abuse at the hands of an oppressive govt. Are they wrong to bear their scars as badges of honor - to revel even in their suffering for the cause?

edhopper

(33,587 posts)
5. Different
Mon Nov 23, 2015, 03:20 PM
Nov 2015

some, including some Popes, enjoyed self inflicted suffering.

And read what Aquinas said about his mothers plight.

jonno99

(2,620 posts)
7. But then, you are arguing the exception(s). My guess is that masochists can be found in every
Mon Nov 23, 2015, 11:13 PM
Nov 2015

people group. But again, most folks can differentiate between masochism (pious grandstanding or mental illness) and real "suffering for the cause" - which is what the sign referenced by the OP is about (imho).

edhopper

(33,587 posts)
8. I would have to hear the sermon
Mon Nov 23, 2015, 11:16 PM
Nov 2015

But the church has always been good at telling people why their suffering is so wonderful.

Mother Teresa was a ace at this.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
16. Mother Teresa was the first person I thought of when I saw this.
Tue Nov 24, 2015, 12:41 AM
Nov 2015

And also what a huge hypocrite she was.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
17. Mother Teresa was either very stupid or very evil.
Tue Nov 24, 2015, 12:43 AM
Nov 2015

How in the effing hell is the world being helped by the suffering of poor people?? WTF?

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