A
cult, founded by
Kondratji Selivanov, in Russia, during the
18th century. They are also known as the "
Castrated." Having their roots in the earlier
Flagellant movement, the Skoptsi took the Flagellant's credo of
self-abnegation quite a few steps further.
Disdainful of the body and of the sexual urge, they believed that the
voluntary removal of the
genitalia permitted vast amounts of
spiritual energy to break free from the
shackles of the flesh. This excess energy could then be
rechanneled to more spiritual purposes, such as
meditation and
prayer, and ultimately be used to achieve
unity with God.
Selivanov and his followers believed that the Old Testament command for circumcision was in fact a command for castration.
Thanks to Mr. Bungle (on Vanity Fair) for bringing this sicko cult to my attention