Self-Mutilation/"Cutting"

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Ashley worked for Mercy Ministries in Nashville for a period of time. They deal with all kinds of addictions, abuse, etc. in girls from teenage through early twenties. The director Nancy Alcorn wrote a great book last year on cutting, and Ashley got to edit it. It's the only book like it that we know of from a Christian perspectie.

Nancy believes that it's definitely a spiritual matter, the same for eating disorders. It's a form of self abuse and control mainly. She thinks that it's a substitute (demonic) for the blood of Jesus. As girls sacrifice their own blood, it takes the place of what Jesus did for them on Calvary - thus a deception and a form of emotional release, but from the wrong source. I'm not sure how much of this is covered in the book; honestly I can't remember. But I know that this is her premise.

Originally Posted by Tim Rutledge

Sherri, I definately see it as demonic in nature, but I see it from the aspect of the cuters humaness (coping skills) trying to deal with the wickedness (demons) that has transpired in their life. Negative feeding on negative. I'd guess to say this kind of problem has been around forever, in one form or another. I hate to see people hurting, especially to this degree. People NEED the Lord! He is the only ultimate, long term answer.

Sherri,

I do not agree with the premise of the book. I think the woman who wrote it is "overspiritualizing" the problem like so many of us do. I tend to agree with Bro Rutledge...sin is the cause of most of the problems in society. Not necessarily the one who is cutting, but the person who abused him/her.

I have counseled many clients, and many don't even know God much less scripture, therefore the premise that they are mimicing the blood of Jesus is a moot point. I do agree that it is more about control and giving emotional pain an outlet.

Blessings, Rhoni