Restitution question

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thomas15

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Hello,
I had a question about the requirement of restitution attached to baptism for sins committed before baptism. I have never been baptized and am planning to convert to Catholicism. In my past life, I have been systematically dishonest, and I have cheated in university academically and financially. In considering baptism, I am frightened by the thought that I may need to relinquish my Bachelor’s degree as restitution for my actions and violations. This, in turn, could jeopardize my job and endanger my family’s financial security. I was also wondering if I need to send apology letters to all the people I’ve ever lied to or sinned against.

I have spoken to the deacon of my local church and he reassured me that nothing like this would be needed, so I’m confused as to what the Church’s requirements are.
Thank you very much for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
 
I have no idea what you will be required to do, but I know Jesus expects us to be willing to forsake everything we have if that’s what it takes to follow Him. It would be worth it if you did have to give up your degree.
 
How about “Go and sin no more” ?
Straight from the Lord’s mouth, I don’t think you need anything else.
 
Something else, you can’t pay restitution for your sins. There’s no way. Christ already did that. Nothing you give would ever ‘pay’ for them, you have nothing worthy enough, and it’s already been done.

Accept Him and Lord and Savior, and ‘Go and sin no more’.
 
TC2, being forgiven by God and making restitution to those we have sinned against when possible are integrally related. True, we cannot “pay back” God for sinning against him, but Jesus didn’t mean that one shouldn’t make it right when one’s stolen or cheated from another.

To the OP, get baptized and convert, don’t let past sins stop you from that. It would seem there’s time to make restitution after your baptism and conversion.

If you’re in a position to make financial restitution, even if it’s over a period of years and in the form of anonymous contributions to a scholarship fund, do it.

Did you legitimately earn the degree (academically speaking)? Then don’t worry about it. From what you wrote, it sounds like it was a financial matter rather than academic dishonesty. If that’s the case, you can keep it but need to pay back what you (stole?)

If there’s someone who you’ve sinned against, lied to, whatever, who you still have contact with, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to apologize to them at some point. The others…well, we could all make careers of apologizing for all our past wrongdoings. Don’t worry about them, ask God for forgiveness, say a prayer for them.
 
Newbie,

You are correct. I don’t think I was clear, sorry about that.
I agree that if there was theft involved, then restitution should be made, as you suggested. Absolutely.

I was thinking more of from a ‘guilt thing’ than of payback for
stolen money or goods or such. Even then, it would be a
nice gesture to perhaps donate to a cause or something,
or even give of personal time/volunteering.

The OP’s ? of should he give up his degree just struck me
wrong, and confused my response, I think.
 
thomas15 said:
Hello,
I had a question about the requirement of restitution attached to baptism for sins committed before baptism.
Click to expand...
When you are baptized, your sins are completely washed away. Unlike Confession, no penance is required either before or after Baptism.
 
jmcrae said:
When you are baptized, your sins are completely washed away. Unlike Confession, no penance is required either before or after Baptism.
Click to expand...
Penance and restitution are two different things.
 
thomas15 said:
Hello,
I had a question about the requirement of restitution attached to baptism for sins committed before baptism. I have never been baptized and am planning to convert to Catholicism. In my past life, I have been systematically dishonest, and I have cheated in university academically and financially. In considering baptism, I am frightened by the thought that I may need to relinquish my Bachelor’s degree as restitution for my actions and violations. This, in turn, could jeopardize my job and endanger my family’s financial security. I was also wondering if I need to send apology letters to all the people I’ve ever lied to or sinned against.

I have spoken to the deacon of my local church and he reassured me that nothing like this would be needed, so I’m confused as to what the Church’s requirements are.
Thank you very much for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
Click to expand...
Your Deacon is correct. However you might consider a personal penence. Using your skills gained with the BA to volunteer somewhere.
 
I agree with your deacon too. In Baptism you are turning away from your past life. You have admitted your past sins to God and are sorry for them. When you are baptized you begin a new life in Christ. You aren’t obligated to do any of the things you suggested. It would be appropriate, if you current financial situation permits, to make contributions to a scholarship fund, but not required.
 
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