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starrs0
Guest
Why was the penalty of Anathema removed from the 1983 revised Code of Canon Law?
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cameron_lansing
Guest
When you think about it, only the word was removed.
Two different notions are associated with this word.
The term “anathema” was just another word for excommunication, especially when inflicted with the solemnities of the old Pontificale Romanum. It’s been a while since I read the 1917 code, but I think it was only used once there (cf. CIC 1917 c. 2257 §2), though my memory could be faulty.
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“Anathema sit” was a particular dogmatic formula**, especially popular during the Council of Trent, to condemn a heresy by means of a decree.
Note there is a distinction between condemning an idea as opposed to faith or morals, and the actual imposition of a penalty on a person.
Canon 1311 states that “The Church has the innate and proper right to coerce offending members of the Christian faithful with penal sanctions.” The first chief purpose of penal law is to move the offender toward the salvation of his soul, and a second purpose is to punish crime and restore public order.
In some cases, the penalty is directly aimed at seeks repentence, reform and the repair of harm or scandal. Sometimes, punishment must be imposed to restore justice.
The penalty of excommunication continues to exist in the 1983 code. However, it is imposed by means of documents rather than some liturgical rite. In some cases, it is incurred automatically but also then has to be declared by competent Church authority.
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Heretical doctrines can still be condemned by competent Church authority.
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Sean_O_L
Guest
There is an interesting “Dialogue on Anathema and Excommunication - What do these words mean. and how do they apply to modern Protestants” between Gary Hoge and Tim Enloe at catholicoutlook.com/tim1.php?logo=dialogues
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