Imperfect Contrition in the bible

[Elizabeth502]

MCatholicN,

The teaching about contrition belongs to the category of dogma, which by definition binds a Catholic to its belief. Understand that the Church does not “lift” all dogma directly from scriptural passages, because, as you probably know, the RCC is not “sola scriptura.” Much of dogma is derived: that is, it proceeds logically from what is clearly revealed in scripture, what is preserved in tradition (including post-biblical writings going back to the Early Fathers), and what is conveyed by saints, including mystics.

The Catholic Church has a very developed spirituality, which has the same sources as above, is integrated into its teachings on prayer, and is woven into its sacramental theology.

The Latin abbreviations you see merely refer to various classifications of dogma. Sent. communis means it has been accepted as a widely held belief. It does not refer to ‘speculation’ (because then it wouldn’t belong to the category of dogma ).

Hope that helps.

 

[thistle]

No; what I’m saying is that the Church teaches that it is not a infallible teaching… I think. I believe it only labels it as popular speculation… Sent. Communis.

I think you are missing the point.
Whether it is an infallible or non-infallible teaching it is a Church teaching which you are bound to accept. You cannot reject it.

 

[McatholicN]

Why would the Church teach something that is possibly errant, seeing as it is not infallible?

 

[Bookcat]

Sent. communis

Is referring to a common teaching…

Tis not to the level of dogma but it is a common teaching…

This is not to say that imperfect contrition is or is not per se in this category in terms of such “theological notes”

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And as to “imperfect Contrition” itself…

This is is certainly a Teaching of the Church so no need to be concerned

it it is not just some opinion or even commonly held opinion or speculation…

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As to what dogma is, what other kinds of doctrine are etc and will help with the last question as well…

This can be of help from Colin Donovan STL the Vice Pres of Theology at EWTN

ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=564105&Pg=Forum8&Pgnu=2&recnu=33

 

[Elizabeth502]

^ Correct. I was actually taught (correctly) that imperfect contrition is doctrinal, not dogmatic (a technical distinction), but then was surprised to come across recently a discussion of contrition as dogma. It rightly belongs to the category of doctrine. However, as not only Colin Donovan, but the Catholic Encyclopedia and other authoritative sources note, these distinctions are merely gradations. There are levels of importance to belief (with infallibilty being the highest). However, the latter is almost a moot point, because few Catholics or other Christians, in their everyday lives, concern themselves with the few teachings officially contained in Infallible pronouncements. The great body of other teaching is what mostly comes into play with respect to doubt and assent.

As I said earlier, both doctrine and dogma are derivative in nature: some directly from scripture, some through indirect but obvious conclusion from statements in scripture, still other teaching is from early Church documents or the writings of the saints – ancient to recent. Some of that then becomes officially pronounced and recorded in church Councils (Trent, Niceae, etc.), but Council documents are largely for the guidance of the hierarchy in developing catechesis and liturgical practice. And it is not critical for there to be a Council convened to incorporate a doctrine into mainstream Catholic teaching. (Councils are convened sometimes as an antidote to ambiguity and/or explicit heresy; at other times to evaluate past, current, and even new theology.)

The essential thing is not to concern ourselves too much with technical differences between perfect and imperfect contrition. Contrition is essential for the Sacrament of Penance. The closer it comes to ‘perfect,’ the better for our souls: the better for the graces received in and just after that sacrament. (Do we want to be “sort of” sorry if we offend an intimate loved one, like a spouse? Or merely “afraid” for the relationship? “Afraid” of retaliation (“punishment”)? If we convey that, our relationship may still be rocky, and we will be blocked from true union with our loved one. If we want to restore a temporarily injured relationship of any kind, we want to feel, and convey, as wholehearted a sorrow, and intent to change, as possible. IOW, ‘perfectly.’)

 

[McatholicN]

So something can be labeled as “Sent. Communis” and yet be a teaching assured as truth by the Church?

 

[thistle]

So something can be labeled as “Sent. Communis” and yet be a teaching assured as truth by the Church?

Dogmas and Doctrines

Doctrine - any truth taught by the Church as necessary for acceptance by the faithful.

The truth may be either formally revealed (as the Real Presence), or a theological conclusion (as the canonization of a saint), or part of the natural law (as the sinfulness of contraception). In any case, what makes it doctrine is that the Church authority teaches that it is to be believed. This teaching may be done either solemnly in ex cathedra pronouncements or decision of an ecumenical council, or this teaching may be taught ordinarily in the exercise of the Church’s magisterium or teaching authority.

Dogmas are those doctrines which the Church proposes for belief as formally revealed by God.

The difference in Dogmas and Doctrines is the level of certainty with which the magisterium teaches. Dogmas are taught with absolute certainty (beyond all doubt whatsoever), whereas doctrines are taught with moral certainty (similar to beyond reasonable doubt).

Dogmas require the assent of faith, meaning that obstinate doubt or denial of the truth of the dogma is the sin of heresy–a sin against the virtue of faith.

Doctrines require religious submission of intellect and will. Refusal to submit to doctrines of the Church is not a heresy, not a sin against faith, but a sin against charity. We are called to “obey our leaders and submit to them” (Heb 13:17). To dissent with doctrine is incompatible with humility, loyalty, and charity. It is a matter of placing one’s own fallible intellect and will above that of the mind of the Holy Catholic Church.

 

[McatholicN]

Doctrine is guarunteed to be true by the Church?

 

[PJM]

Originally Posted by Ben Sinner
Hi,

Are there any parts in the bible that talk about imperfect contrition? Was it when people were supposed to sacrafice animals to God after they sinned instead of asking for God’s forgiveness?

THE REPLY

Ben, I feel bad that no one replied to your post but I must say that I am a bit confused with your question. Can you restate it? Are you seeking an Old Testament view of contrition? Sacrificing animals was how they sought forgiveness and this is fulfilled with Christ being sacrificed on the Cross. His sacrifice removes all sin from mankind when we unite ourselves to Him. “Imperfect” contrition is a term that signifies that one is still attached to the sin to some degree and also fears the pains of hell rather than a perfect love for Jesus Christ. This term is not found in Scripture as it is an understanding of how we seek God’s forgiveness.

Anyway, I’m not even sure that I am on the right track for you here. Maybe you can clarify your question. God bless…teachccd

My dear friends in Christ,
As a practicing Catholic I’m somewhat uncomfortable with he verbage highlighted; particually as its from another Catholic.

Your words seem to imply no further sin is possible. I suggest friend that this is NOT the position of either Christ or His Catholic Church. PERHAPS I’m simply not understanding what you are saying?

** 1John.1 Verses 8 to 10:** "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

** 1John.5 Verses 16 to 17**"If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. ** There is sin which is mortal**; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, ** but there is sin which is not mortal. **

** John.20 Verses 20 to 23**]" When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ** Jesus said to them ** again, “Peace be with you. ** As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” ** And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ** If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained **.”

God Bless my friend,

PLEASE clarify your message for us.

Pat

 

[Bookcat]

So something can be labeled as “Sent. Communis” and yet be a teaching assured as truth by the Church?

Just because something was labeled by a theologian years and years ago “sent. communis” does not mean that such is even “sent. communis”…

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What you are talking about is a Teaching of the Church.

Set aside any concern that it is not.

Infallibility for example is not required for something to be truth…

What you are referring to has been taught for centuries…

 

[teachccd]

Its sounds like you are saying the Church teaching on Perfect and Imperfect Contrition is wrong. Is that what you are saying?

God IS infinite love and mercy. However, anyone in a state of mortal sin by definition has rejected God’s love. The Sacrament of Confession is the means to be reconciled to God and the Church.
Thinking otherwise is Protestant thinking.

I think that after all of this you were directing your question to me. I NEVER said that the teachings of perfect and imperfect contrition are wrong. And, yes, reconciliation is the proper way to have mortal sins absolved. I was commenting on your legalistic statement that if someone was on their “way to confession” and they died that God’s mercy could not see that persons intention. That would be a very legalistic God who has boxes and checkmarks.

You said that God IS infinite love and mercy and then you state that He must conform to “definition”. God is not bound by His commands. That is stated in the CCC. So…is a person who is driving to confession with mortal sin definitely going to hell? You don’t know and I don’t know. Does that make us both Protestant?

 

[teachccd]

Its sounds like you are saying the Church teaching on Perfect and Imperfect Contrition is wrong. Is that what you are saying?

The Sacrament of Confession is the means to be reconciled to God and the Church.

It sounds like you don’t know the definition of perfect contrition. There are numerous resources that will explain what perfect contrition is and how it will remit mortal sin. As a teacher I am used to questions like this and also being misunderstood… God bless…teachccd