Please Define Jansenism

[I_Believe]

Could someone define Jansenism in a paragraph or two, along with an example(s) ?

It seems that it’s not well understood by Catholics in general.
I’m not interested in links. I’ve read the Catholic Encyclopedia entry along with a few other articles, but it seems there is no strict definition of the error common to each.

J+M+J

 

[brigid12]

My understanding (which may very well be wrong) is that it is a very rigid moral stance such that you show no real trust in His Mercy but only in His Justice. I believe that it’s rather like the idea that you must pull yourself up (totally) “by your own bootstraps” rather than knowing/trusting that He will provide any Grace to help you live this rigid/legalistic morality. I usually think of it as the Catholic version of Calvinism, without the double predestination. I hope this helps.

 

[I_Believe]

My understanding (which may very well be wrong) is that it is a very rigid moral stance such that you show no real trust in His Mercy but only in His Justice. I believe that it’s rather like the idea that you must pull yourself up (totally) “by your own bootstraps” rather than knowing/trusting that He will provide any Grace to help you live this rigid/legalistic morality. I usually think of it as the Catholic version of Calvinism, without the double predestination. I hope this helps.

Thank you Brigid. From what I’ve read, your definition is in line with most articles on the subject.

It seems we must strike a balance in regards to God’s Justice and Mercy, not falling into despair for fear of His Justice, nor becoming too comfortable in His Mercy.

Thanks for taking time to answer