Sin of Presumption Paradox

[wjp984]

I often wonder about this: If one knows something is a sin but also knows they will be forgiven if they go to Confession, they can therefore presume forgiveness. Presumption of forgiveness is a sin of its own. Yet it’s still very easy to think it is alright to commit a sin simply because there is Confession available. But unless presumption is an unforgivable sin, which to my knowlege it is not, then one can still just presume they will be foriven for the presumption and this can go on and on and on. So at what point does the sin of presumption become unforgivable?

 

[revert_jen]

So at what point does the sin of presumption become unforgivable?

Well, I would say it becomes unforgiveable at exactly the same point that the person does not genuinely repent of it when confessing it. I believe absolution requires contrition, “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” (Council of Trent, DS 1676, as quoted in CCC #1451)

–Jen

 

[Other_Eric]

I often wonder about this: If one knows something is a sin but also knows they will be forgiven if they go to Confession, they can therefore presume forgiveness. Presumption of forgiveness is a sin of its own. Yet it’s still very easy to think it is alright to commit a sin simply because there is Confession available. But unless presumption is an unforgivable sin, which to my knowlege it is not, then one can still just presume they will be foriven for the presumption and this can go on and on and on. So at what point does the sin of presumption become unforgivable?

Aquinas reckoned presumption not merely a sin, but a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. (1) The nature of presumption is such that an individual perseveres in his or her sin rather than adopt a firm purpose of amendment. To be truly repentant is to resolve not to commit the sin again.

(1) Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. 1920. New Advent. Trans. Fathers of the English Dominican Province. Online Edition, 2006. Secunda Secundae Partis, Q. 21, Art. 2. Available online at: newadvent.org/summa/3021.htm#article2