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Asceticism's Ancient Roots
- Asceticism is older than Christianity, rooted in classical philosophy like cynicism. It involves self-denial to discipline instincts and live more fully, not just religious self-abuse.
Christianity Challenges Roman Excess
- The Roman Empire's culture was indulgent, notably gluttonous and sexually excessive. Christianity opposed this with fasting and strict sexual ethics seen as ascetic disciplines.
Self-Denial Threatens Political Agendas
- The sexual revolution aimed to undermine traditional family and social order for political ends. Movements promoting self-denial like in the manosphere threaten these agendas, raising accusations of fascism.