Macula and Memory

[Neithan]

If a person in a state of mortal sin gets a memory wipe–through electroshock therapy for example–would they still be in this state, such that the macula, or stains of sin that were on their soul would still be there? Since they don’t remember anything, would they be condemned to hell if they died before they ever repented of something they have no idea even happened?

 

[GoldenArrow]

No.

When we go to the Sacrament of Penance, we’re forgiven of the sins that we’ve confessed and of those sins that we cannot remember, even mortal sins. All that is required is Imperfect Contrition on the part of the Penitent.

But if you’re worried about it, do this:

Say, Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been (amount of time) since my last confession. I accuse myself of: (start saying your mortal sins, type and number, and venial sins if you wish). At the end say, "For all of these sins and for those I cannot now remember, I am heartily sorry."

Just confess it, and forget it.

God Bless!

 

[Zahmir]

This is how I understand it.

While memories make up a large part of who we are, memories don’t make us. Our soul is not subject to our experiences, it is an objective… thing…

That said, if a person who committed a mortal sin underwent electroshock therapy and forgot all their experiences, it would seem then that that person is still responsible for the sins they committed.

As the previous poster said, the Sacrament of Reconciliation would solve the problem just like that. God would see a truly penitent heart and will forgive his sins, even those he doesn’t remember.

But what if he never went to Reconciliation before he died? I guess this is one of those things that it’s up to God to decide. Just like, we don’t know for sure what happens to people who commit suicide.

 

[baltobetsy]

Did this question come from watching House last night?

For a more practical answer, how about confessing before receiving the electroshock therapy? If you know that you are about to lose your memories, and you are truly repentant, I would think you would want to confess before taking the treatment.

Betsy