I see confusion sometimes in exchanges I have with those of district who are younger. Occasionally with those who are older as well -- doctrine can sometimes become muddied with time if one does not keep their knowledge of it sharp and crystalline. Most recently it's been the relationship of human flesh with the physically unobtainable tends to baffle even the most steadfast of believers. Is the skin and bone we wear something to be treated with of the utmost respect, or is it disposable? Of the earth?
In Cartan's writing, he astutely points out that it is not the body that is so easily thrown away -- if that were such the case, then we would not waste our precious times inside of it. No, it is the opposite. We are remiss to treat our bodies with such sudden and violent hands; tithes and lines that at mangle the cheap vessels we spend every waking moment in. The body is precious, for without a body, there would be no soul. We would aimlessly wander the Trenchian cliffs and feel ourselves drift without shape or purpose. Bodies are what begin to mold that sensibility.
But we do it anyway. Why?
No man is perfect. Often he must be adjusted. When I look to my neighbour and see what I should not – skin that is smooth and unblemished – I should feel pangs of guilt strike me in my sternum; first for imposing my unworthy judgements on another, and second for the envy I feel. I see people who are of a stronger spiritual resilience than of my own and do not need to cut themselves open to reach aside and make changes to themselves. I should also feel pride for them, thankfulness for them, and see that they move onto the next world swiftly and gloriously.