The topics of religion, ritual, and social organization are an important part of the discussion of different cultures. Religious ceremonies are essential to social communities in certain countries. For example, a recent study focused on exploring the issue of ritualized pain, which is a normalized and integral cultural aspect for people in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America (Xygalatas, 2019). In this regard, researchers examined why individuals volunteer to suffer and experience pain, burning, bodily mutilation, and other stressful events as part of a ritual. According to Xygalatas (2019), participation at such events helps individuals “to increase their status within that community and to build a social support network” (para. 20). Furthermore, beneficial effects on one’s mental health and well-being were established. Therefore, it is important to discuss ritualized pain with regard to religion and social organization because such a phenomenon has significant cultural, psychological, and social importance to many people and is practiced across the world.
The news article selected for this reflection relates to the course material because it explores why some modern people follow customs based on pain and suffering and establishes the cultural significance of such practices. As noted by Xygalatas (2019), piercing, scarring, firewalking, and carrying heavy items are common forms of rituals centered around the idea of physical struggle. Such practices are based on the belief in healing the soul and body through suffering, which is found among many cultures across the world. Piercing and firewalking increase one’s risks of bleeding, injury, infection, and burns, which cannot be considered beneficial to physical health (Xygalatas, 2019). Therefore, the thought of performing painful and exhausting religious rituals might seem controversial to many people.
However, the idea of ritualized pain is supported by individuals who find purpose and meaning in such practices. Some religious communities emphasize spiritual and psychological well-being over physical comfort. They believe that a human soul can be healed or purified through suffering, which provides them with motivation to participate in painful ceremonies (Xygalatas, 2019). Such an approach is similar to the Biblical perspective on suffering as a tool to develop strength and perseverance and be purified of sins. Another reason why people experience physical discomfort is to improve their mental state and psychological health (Xygalatas, 2019). The positive impact of rituals is similar to that of marathons, extreme sports, and other common joint activities.
Furthermore, in some cultures, failure to participate in an exhausting or painful ritual can lead to humiliation or exclusion (Xygalatas, 2019). In this regard, such religious ceremonies are crucial for the social organization as they indicate one’s membership in a particular group characterized by the same values and interests. Some individuals report building resilience and gaining the feeling of belonging as a result of pain-based procedures (Xygalatas, 2019). Such beneficial effects of religious rituals emphasize their importance to social organization and one’s well-being, as discussed in the course material.
To conclude, religious rituals centered around the idea of suffering are an essential part of many communities and cultures. Ritualized pain is often viewed as culturally, psychologically, and socially important. Such rituals can cause physical harm to the participants, resulting in burns, infections, and injuries. However, their engagement in a risky activity is based on faith in its healing abilities and inner motivation. Ritualized pain is an important cultural aspect for some communities due to its ability to bring inner peace and establish one’s membership in a group.
Reference
Xygalatas, D. (2019). How rituals of pain help heal. Sapiens. Web.