Frances Finnegan
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195174601
- eISBN:
- 9780199849901
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195174601.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This book traces the development of Ireland's Magdalen Asylums, which are the homes that were founded in the mid-nineteenth century for the detention of prostitutes undergoing reform. The inmates of ...
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This book traces the development of Ireland's Magdalen Asylums, which are the homes that were founded in the mid-nineteenth century for the detention of prostitutes undergoing reform. The inmates of these asylums were discouraged (and many forcibly prevented) from leaving, and sometimes were detained for life. Put to work without pay in adjoining laundries, these women were subject to penance, harsh discipline, enforced silence, and prayer. As the numbers of prostitutes began to dwindle, the church looked elsewhere for this free labor, targeting other “fallen” women such as unwed mothers and wayward or abused girls. Some were incarcerated simply for being “too beautiful”, and therefore in danger of sin. Others were mentally retarded. Most of them were brought to the asylums by their families or priests, and many were forcibly prevented from leaving. Unbelievably, the last of these asylums was closed only in 1996. Drawing on hitherto unpublished material, the author presents case histories of individual women and their experiences in Magdalen homes, which claimed some 30,000 women in all.Less
This book traces the development of Ireland's Magdalen Asylums, which are the homes that were founded in the mid-nineteenth century for the detention of prostitutes undergoing reform. The inmates of these asylums were discouraged (and many forcibly prevented) from leaving, and sometimes were detained for life. Put to work without pay in adjoining laundries, these women were subject to penance, harsh discipline, enforced silence, and prayer. As the numbers of prostitutes began to dwindle, the church looked elsewhere for this free labor, targeting other “fallen” women such as unwed mothers and wayward or abused girls. Some were incarcerated simply for being “too beautiful”, and therefore in danger of sin. Others were mentally retarded. Most of them were brought to the asylums by their families or priests, and many were forcibly prevented from leaving. Unbelievably, the last of these asylums was closed only in 1996. Drawing on hitherto unpublished material, the author presents case histories of individual women and their experiences in Magdalen homes, which claimed some 30,000 women in all.
W. David Myers
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195178067
- eISBN:
- 9780199784905
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195178068.003.0014
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter explores changes in sacramental penance. It is shown that the form of confession prevalent today is a product of the High Middle Ages and the religious reforms of the Council of Trent. ...
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This chapter explores changes in sacramental penance. It is shown that the form of confession prevalent today is a product of the High Middle Ages and the religious reforms of the Council of Trent. Modern devotion to the sacrament signaled by frequent reception is a relatively recent phenomenon that has varied greatly since the Council of Trent.Less
This chapter explores changes in sacramental penance. It is shown that the form of confession prevalent today is a product of the High Middle Ages and the religious reforms of the Council of Trent. Modern devotion to the sacrament signaled by frequent reception is a relatively recent phenomenon that has varied greatly since the Council of Trent.
Sara Parvis
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199280131
- eISBN:
- 9780191603792
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199280134.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter presents Marcellus as the ambitious and capable young canon law-maker responsible for the 314 Synod of Ancyra, with its 25 canons on penance, the recent persecution, and other subjects. ...
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This chapter presents Marcellus as the ambitious and capable young canon law-maker responsible for the 314 Synod of Ancyra, with its 25 canons on penance, the recent persecution, and other subjects. He emerges as a compassionate and level-headed pastor, even-handed in his treatment of women and men, in contrast to the makers of the Canons of Iliberris (Elvira). The theology of his major work, Against Asterius, is also briefly sketched.Less
This chapter presents Marcellus as the ambitious and capable young canon law-maker responsible for the 314 Synod of Ancyra, with its 25 canons on penance, the recent persecution, and other subjects. He emerges as a compassionate and level-headed pastor, even-handed in his treatment of women and men, in contrast to the makers of the Canons of Iliberris (Elvira). The theology of his major work, Against Asterius, is also briefly sketched.
Christopher M. Cullen
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195149258
- eISBN:
- 9780199785131
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195149258.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Bonaventure uses “sacrament” to refer to all signs of faith in the Redeemer, even those that are not explicitly focused on Jesus of Nazareth. He refers to this as the “diversity” of the sacraments. ...
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Bonaventure uses “sacrament” to refer to all signs of faith in the Redeemer, even those that are not explicitly focused on Jesus of Nazareth. He refers to this as the “diversity” of the sacraments. “Sacraments” in this sense were instituted from the very beginning, but they have enjoyed diversity through three different ages and their concomitant laws: the law of nature, the law of scripture, and the law of grace.Less
Bonaventure uses “sacrament” to refer to all signs of faith in the Redeemer, even those that are not explicitly focused on Jesus of Nazareth. He refers to this as the “diversity” of the sacraments. “Sacraments” in this sense were instituted from the very beginning, but they have enjoyed diversity through three different ages and their concomitant laws: the law of nature, the law of scripture, and the law of grace.
Frank Graziano
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195171303
- eISBN:
- 9780199785193
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171303.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter explores the devotion to Difunta Correa, a prominent folk saint in western Argentina. It examines myth development, particularly in relation to Difunta Correa’s miraculous breast; ...
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This chapter explores the devotion to Difunta Correa, a prominent folk saint in western Argentina. It examines myth development, particularly in relation to Difunta Correa’s miraculous breast; religious tourism; penance; relation to the Catholic Church; and contemporary devotion to Difunta Correa at her shrine complex in San Juan.Less
This chapter explores the devotion to Difunta Correa, a prominent folk saint in western Argentina. It examines myth development, particularly in relation to Difunta Correa’s miraculous breast; religious tourism; penance; relation to the Catholic Church; and contemporary devotion to Difunta Correa at her shrine complex in San Juan.
Andrew von Hirsch and Andrew Ashworth
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199272600
- eISBN:
- 9780191709692
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199272600.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
The principle that a sentence should be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence remains at the centre of penal practice and scholarly debate. This book explores highly topical aspects of ...
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The principle that a sentence should be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence remains at the centre of penal practice and scholarly debate. This book explores highly topical aspects of proportionality theory that require examination and further analysis. The book explores the relevance of the principle of proportionality to the sentencing of young offenders, the possible reasons for departing from the principle when sentencing dangerous offenders, and the application of the principle to socially deprived offenders. It examines the claim that the principle tends to be associated with greater severity in sentencing, and explore the relevance of penance and of restorative justice to proportionality theory. The book's examination of arguments and counter-arguments culminates in a re-statement of the main criteria for proportionate sentencing.Less
The principle that a sentence should be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence remains at the centre of penal practice and scholarly debate. This book explores highly topical aspects of proportionality theory that require examination and further analysis. The book explores the relevance of the principle of proportionality to the sentencing of young offenders, the possible reasons for departing from the principle when sentencing dangerous offenders, and the application of the principle to socially deprived offenders. It examines the claim that the principle tends to be associated with greater severity in sentencing, and explore the relevance of penance and of restorative justice to proportionality theory. The book's examination of arguments and counter-arguments culminates in a re-statement of the main criteria for proportionate sentencing.
Brian Murdoch
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199564149
- eISBN:
- 9780191721328
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199564149.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Literature
This book examines the development in medieval European literature of the story of Adam and Eve after the expulsion from paradise. The gaps in what the Bible records of their lives were filled in ...
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This book examines the development in medieval European literature of the story of Adam and Eve after the expulsion from paradise. The gaps in what the Bible records of their lives were filled in early and medieval times to a great extent by apocrypha or pseudepigrapha such as the Latin Life of Adam and Eve (which merges at some points with a series of legends of the Holy Rood). It describes their attempt to return to paradise by undertaking penance whilst immersed in a river, Eve's second temptation, and the ways in which Adam and Eve cope with the novelties of childbirth and death. The Vita Adae et Evae is part of a broad apocryphal tradition, but is not a unified text, and there are very many variations within the substantial number of extant versions. It was translated and adapted in prose, verse, and drama (as tracts, in chronicles, or as literary works) in virtually all western and some eastern European languages in the Middle Ages, and survived sometimes beyond that. These adaptations are examined on a comparative basis. There is a limited iconographical tradition. The book argues that the study of the apocryphal tradition demands examination of these vernacular texts; and also brings to light a very widespread aspect of European culture that disappeared to a large extent—though it did not die out completely—at the time of the Renaissance and Reformation, with their renewed insistence on canonicity and on the establishment of a foundation text for works of antiquity.Less
This book examines the development in medieval European literature of the story of Adam and Eve after the expulsion from paradise. The gaps in what the Bible records of their lives were filled in early and medieval times to a great extent by apocrypha or pseudepigrapha such as the Latin Life of Adam and Eve (which merges at some points with a series of legends of the Holy Rood). It describes their attempt to return to paradise by undertaking penance whilst immersed in a river, Eve's second temptation, and the ways in which Adam and Eve cope with the novelties of childbirth and death. The Vita Adae et Evae is part of a broad apocryphal tradition, but is not a unified text, and there are very many variations within the substantial number of extant versions. It was translated and adapted in prose, verse, and drama (as tracts, in chronicles, or as literary works) in virtually all western and some eastern European languages in the Middle Ages, and survived sometimes beyond that. These adaptations are examined on a comparative basis. There is a limited iconographical tradition. The book argues that the study of the apocryphal tradition demands examination of these vernacular texts; and also brings to light a very widespread aspect of European culture that disappeared to a large extent—though it did not die out completely—at the time of the Renaissance and Reformation, with their renewed insistence on canonicity and on the establishment of a foundation text for works of antiquity.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter examines writers on purgatory in the sixth and seventh centuries, including Julianus Pomerius, Caesarius of Arles, and Gregory the Great. It also examines ideas about postmortem ...
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This chapter examines writers on purgatory in the sixth and seventh centuries, including Julianus Pomerius, Caesarius of Arles, and Gregory the Great. It also examines ideas about postmortem purgation as expressed in minor works of the seventh century including De ordine creaturarum and in visions of the afterlife and in hagiography. It concludes by looking at rituals of sacramental purification, especially baptism and penance, and discusses purgation in funeral liturgies, burial practices, and prayers for the dead.Less
This chapter examines writers on purgatory in the sixth and seventh centuries, including Julianus Pomerius, Caesarius of Arles, and Gregory the Great. It also examines ideas about postmortem purgation as expressed in minor works of the seventh century including De ordine creaturarum and in visions of the afterlife and in hagiography. It concludes by looking at rituals of sacramental purification, especially baptism and penance, and discusses purgation in funeral liturgies, burial practices, and prayers for the dead.
Isabel Moreira
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199736041
- eISBN:
- 9780199894628
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736041.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives ...
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This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives special attention to the Vision of Fursey as evidence for postmortem purgation and questions the argument that penitential tariffing had a direct influence on evolving conceptions of purgatory. The chapter also examines Bede’s epitome of the Vision of Fursey, the Fragmentary Vision of 757, Vision of Paul, Redaction 6, and the Bigotian Penitential.Less
This chapter challenges a school of thought that proposes that purgatory emerged in the seventh century as a result of the contact of Mediterranean Christianity with Irish religious culture. It gives special attention to the Vision of Fursey as evidence for postmortem purgation and questions the argument that penitential tariffing had a direct influence on evolving conceptions of purgatory. The chapter also examines Bede’s epitome of the Vision of Fursey, the Fragmentary Vision of 757, Vision of Paul, Redaction 6, and the Bigotian Penitential.
ANDREA HOPKINS
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198117629
- eISBN:
- 9780191671029
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198117629.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, Early and Medieval Literature
This chapter provides a description of penance in the romances, and its subsequent bearing towards a greater resemblance to the ‘solemn penance’ meted out in the Middle Ages. It contains a brief ...
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This chapter provides a description of penance in the romances, and its subsequent bearing towards a greater resemblance to the ‘solemn penance’ meted out in the Middle Ages. It contains a brief review of the history of penance and views of a simpler, more direct and more archaic idea of the forgiveness of sin.Less
This chapter provides a description of penance in the romances, and its subsequent bearing towards a greater resemblance to the ‘solemn penance’ meted out in the Middle Ages. It contains a brief review of the history of penance and views of a simpler, more direct and more archaic idea of the forgiveness of sin.
Brian Lugioyo
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195387360
- eISBN:
- 9780199866663
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387360.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in ...
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Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in 1540–1541 and Regensburg in 1541. Understanding his view is illuminative of Bucer’s influence in the article. This chapter shows how Gropper’s view of incorporation into Christ within the sacramental structures (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, and penance) of the church is important for understanding his soteriology.Less
Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in 1540–1541 and Regensburg in 1541. Understanding his view is illuminative of Bucer’s influence in the article. This chapter shows how Gropper’s view of incorporation into Christ within the sacramental structures (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, and penance) of the church is important for understanding his soteriology.
Jennifer Scheper Hughes
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195367065
- eISBN:
- 9780199867370
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367065.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
In the sixteenth century, the Spanish missionary friar, Antonio Roa, employed the Cristo Aparecido as an instrument for the conversion and evangelization of the indigenous Christians of Morelos, ...
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In the sixteenth century, the Spanish missionary friar, Antonio Roa, employed the Cristo Aparecido as an instrument for the conversion and evangelization of the indigenous Christians of Morelos, Mexico. Like other friars of his day, Roa used penitential practices, physical self-disciplines, to illustrate for the Indians the suffering of Christ. The local indigenous community struggled with Roa to negotiate these religious meanings. Suffering, flayed, and dismembered deities had a place in Aztec religious symbolism and imagery, but these may have done little to help the Indians conceptualize the Christian god.Less
In the sixteenth century, the Spanish missionary friar, Antonio Roa, employed the Cristo Aparecido as an instrument for the conversion and evangelization of the indigenous Christians of Morelos, Mexico. Like other friars of his day, Roa used penitential practices, physical self-disciplines, to illustrate for the Indians the suffering of Christ. The local indigenous community struggled with Roa to negotiate these religious meanings. Suffering, flayed, and dismembered deities had a place in Aztec religious symbolism and imagery, but these may have done little to help the Indians conceptualize the Christian god.
Lorna Hutson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199212439
- eISBN:
- 9780191707209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199212439.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, Shakespeare Studies
This chapter examines representations of evidence gathering in 15th-century homiletic and dramatic texts, and finds that within the penitential theology of the period, these are ways of figuring the ...
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This chapter examines representations of evidence gathering in 15th-century homiletic and dramatic texts, and finds that within the penitential theology of the period, these are ways of figuring the metaphysical terror of divine judgement in diabolic or purgatorial terms. It then shows how the play Mankind and the treatise Jacobs Well represent common law legal procedure as the diabolic, procedural antithesis of absolution and penance. The chapter concludes by showing how St German's writings helped to dismantle the conceptual structure that enabled canon law to claim jurisdiction over the secrets of the individual conscience. St German's writings absorbed and displaced the authority of the priest in confession by adapting his penitential concerns to the evidential limitations and concerns with public accountability that define the positive law.Less
This chapter examines representations of evidence gathering in 15th-century homiletic and dramatic texts, and finds that within the penitential theology of the period, these are ways of figuring the metaphysical terror of divine judgement in diabolic or purgatorial terms. It then shows how the play Mankind and the treatise Jacobs Well represent common law legal procedure as the diabolic, procedural antithesis of absolution and penance. The chapter concludes by showing how St German's writings helped to dismantle the conceptual structure that enabled canon law to claim jurisdiction over the secrets of the individual conscience. St German's writings absorbed and displaced the authority of the priest in confession by adapting his penitential concerns to the evidential limitations and concerns with public accountability that define the positive law.
Frank Graziano
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195136401
- eISBN:
- 9780199835164
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195136403.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Discusses how Rose of Lima, on the model of Christ, offered herself as a sacrificial victim to expiate the sins of natives, Spaniards, and Creoles in the New World. Rose of Lima’s patronage is ...
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Discusses how Rose of Lima, on the model of Christ, offered herself as a sacrificial victim to expiate the sins of natives, Spaniards, and Creoles in the New World. Rose of Lima’s patronage is explored in its relations to the Madonna of Mercy and other antecedents.Less
Discusses how Rose of Lima, on the model of Christ, offered herself as a sacrificial victim to expiate the sins of natives, Spaniards, and Creoles in the New World. Rose of Lima’s patronage is explored in its relations to the Madonna of Mercy and other antecedents.
J. M. Wallace‐Hadrill
- Published in print:
- 1983
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198269069
- eISBN:
- 9780191600777
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198269064.003.0014
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
An analysis is made of reform of the Frankish Church and its application in the Carolingian period. There are three sections. The first, ‘Legislation and Exhortation’, goes chronologically through ...
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An analysis is made of reform of the Frankish Church and its application in the Carolingian period. There are three sections. The first, ‘Legislation and Exhortation’, goes chronologically through the Carolingian kings from Charlemagne to Charles the Bald, looking at the capitularies, deliberations and proposals for reform issued under Charlemagne, the very different atmosphere of the reign of Louis the Pious (monastic rather than episcopal and heavily flavoured with the reforming ideals of his Aquitanian mentor, Benedict of Aniane), the reform decisions promulgated by Charles the Bald, the attitudes his brothers and their descendants, the various council decisions (by assemblies of bishops), and the quarrel between Hincmar of Reims and his nephew and suffragen, Hincmar of Laon. The second section, ‘The Bishops and Reform’, looks at the episcopal record of the period, from councils and synods stretching over a century, and gives details of various resolves, provisions for instruction of the laity by preaching, collections of moral teaching (florilegia), manuals of penance, tithe, and surveillance of the monasteries. The last section, ‘An Exemplary Bishop: Hincmar’, gives an account of Bishop Hincmar of northern Francia, who was born in 806, who became Bishop Hincmar of Reims.Less
An analysis is made of reform of the Frankish Church and its application in the Carolingian period. There are three sections. The first, ‘Legislation and Exhortation’, goes chronologically through the Carolingian kings from Charlemagne to Charles the Bald, looking at the capitularies, deliberations and proposals for reform issued under Charlemagne, the very different atmosphere of the reign of Louis the Pious (monastic rather than episcopal and heavily flavoured with the reforming ideals of his Aquitanian mentor, Benedict of Aniane), the reform decisions promulgated by Charles the Bald, the attitudes his brothers and their descendants, the various council decisions (by assemblies of bishops), and the quarrel between Hincmar of Reims and his nephew and suffragen, Hincmar of Laon. The second section, ‘The Bishops and Reform’, looks at the episcopal record of the period, from councils and synods stretching over a century, and gives details of various resolves, provisions for instruction of the laity by preaching, collections of moral teaching (florilegia), manuals of penance, tithe, and surveillance of the monasteries. The last section, ‘An Exemplary Bishop: Hincmar’, gives an account of Bishop Hincmar of northern Francia, who was born in 806, who became Bishop Hincmar of Reims.
Alexis C. Torrance
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199665365
- eISBN:
- 9780191745065
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199665365.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies, Theology
The call to repentance is central to the message of early Christianity. While this is undeniable, the precise meaning of the concept of repentance for early Christians has rarely been investigated to ...
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The call to repentance is central to the message of early Christianity. While this is undeniable, the precise meaning of the concept of repentance for early Christians has rarely been investigated to any great extent, beyond studies of the rise of penitential discipline. In this study, the rich variety of meanings and applications of the concept of repentance are examined, with a particular focus on the writings of several key ascetic theologians of the fifth to seventh centuries: SS Mark the Monk, Barsanuphius and John of Gaza, and John Climacus. It is shown how they predominantly see repentance as a positive, comprehensive idea that serves to frame the whole of Christian life, not simply one or more of its parts. While the modern dominant understanding of repentance as a moment of sorrowful regret over past misdeeds, or as equivalent to penitential discipline, is present to a degree, such definitions by no means exhaust the concept for these ascetics. The path of repentance is depicted as stretching from an initial about-face completed in baptism, through the living out of the baptismal gift by keeping the Gospel commandments, culminating in the idea of intercessory repentance for others, after the likeness of Christ’s innocent suffering for the world. While this overarching role for repentance in Christian life is clearest in the works of these ascetics, their thought is thoroughly contextualized through assessments of the concept of repentance in Scripture, the early church, apocalyptic texts, and canonical material.Less
The call to repentance is central to the message of early Christianity. While this is undeniable, the precise meaning of the concept of repentance for early Christians has rarely been investigated to any great extent, beyond studies of the rise of penitential discipline. In this study, the rich variety of meanings and applications of the concept of repentance are examined, with a particular focus on the writings of several key ascetic theologians of the fifth to seventh centuries: SS Mark the Monk, Barsanuphius and John of Gaza, and John Climacus. It is shown how they predominantly see repentance as a positive, comprehensive idea that serves to frame the whole of Christian life, not simply one or more of its parts. While the modern dominant understanding of repentance as a moment of sorrowful regret over past misdeeds, or as equivalent to penitential discipline, is present to a degree, such definitions by no means exhaust the concept for these ascetics. The path of repentance is depicted as stretching from an initial about-face completed in baptism, through the living out of the baptismal gift by keeping the Gospel commandments, culminating in the idea of intercessory repentance for others, after the likeness of Christ’s innocent suffering for the world. While this overarching role for repentance in Christian life is clearest in the works of these ascetics, their thought is thoroughly contextualized through assessments of the concept of repentance in Scripture, the early church, apocalyptic texts, and canonical material.
Colin Morris
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198269250
- eISBN:
- 9780191600708
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198269250.003.0016
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Serious theological thinking still tended to be monastic, but cathedral schools were increasingly applying methods derived from logic to theology: an approach in which Abelard was famous. Some of ...
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Serious theological thinking still tended to be monastic, but cathedral schools were increasingly applying methods derived from logic to theology: an approach in which Abelard was famous. Some of these thinkers were notable for the value, which they ascribed to human relationships, in particular, to ‘friendship’. Such concerns lay behind the growing devotion to the crucified humanity of Christ and the doctrine of purgatory.Less
Serious theological thinking still tended to be monastic, but cathedral schools were increasingly applying methods derived from logic to theology: an approach in which Abelard was famous. Some of these thinkers were notable for the value, which they ascribed to human relationships, in particular, to ‘friendship’. Such concerns lay behind the growing devotion to the crucified humanity of Christ and the doctrine of purgatory.
Linda Radzik
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195373660
- eISBN:
- 9780199871971
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195373660.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The chapter focuses on the conception of atonement as repayment of a moral debt. The metaphor of moral debt and repayment is traditionally developed in two ways. First, retributivism and satisfaction ...
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The chapter focuses on the conception of atonement as repayment of a moral debt. The metaphor of moral debt and repayment is traditionally developed in two ways. First, retributivism and satisfaction theory suggest that wrongdoing can be repaid only through suffering, whether in the form of guilt, punishment, or penance (self-punishment). The second way focuses not on a loss or harm for the wrongdoer but on compensation for the victim. Although retributive and restitution theories of atonement share a conception of wrongdoing, they make opposing mistakes. Retributive theories elide the moral significance of victims. Restitution theories, on the other hand, fail to recognize the significance of the wrongdoers in that they are unable to justify the intuition that it is the wrongdoers themselves who must make the reparative response.Less
The chapter focuses on the conception of atonement as repayment of a moral debt. The metaphor of moral debt and repayment is traditionally developed in two ways. First, retributivism and satisfaction theory suggest that wrongdoing can be repaid only through suffering, whether in the form of guilt, punishment, or penance (self-punishment). The second way focuses not on a loss or harm for the wrongdoer but on compensation for the victim. Although retributive and restitution theories of atonement share a conception of wrongdoing, they make opposing mistakes. Retributive theories elide the moral significance of victims. Restitution theories, on the other hand, fail to recognize the significance of the wrongdoers in that they are unable to justify the intuition that it is the wrongdoers themselves who must make the reparative response.
Bernard Cooke and Gary Macy
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195154115
- eISBN:
- 9780199835591
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195154118.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
An important part of Jesus’ ministry was his forgiveness of sin with an accompanying offer of reconciliation. Christians continued that ministry through rituals of reconciliation for those members of ...
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An important part of Jesus’ ministry was his forgiveness of sin with an accompanying offer of reconciliation. Christians continued that ministry through rituals of reconciliation for those members of the Christian community who had failed to live the life to which they had pledged themselves. Over the centuries, Christians practiced both public and private forms of confession and of penance. This chapter explores the theology behind these practices, and offers an overview of the history and present practice of Christian reconciliation.Less
An important part of Jesus’ ministry was his forgiveness of sin with an accompanying offer of reconciliation. Christians continued that ministry through rituals of reconciliation for those members of the Christian community who had failed to live the life to which they had pledged themselves. Over the centuries, Christians practiced both public and private forms of confession and of penance. This chapter explores the theology behind these practices, and offers an overview of the history and present practice of Christian reconciliation.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246953
- eISBN:
- 9780191600463
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246955.003.0062
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Debates about the theory and practice of penance in the early Church were governed by the underlying question of whether the Church was ‘a society of saints or a school for sinners’, with the latter ...
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Debates about the theory and practice of penance in the early Church were governed by the underlying question of whether the Church was ‘a society of saints or a school for sinners’, with the latter view gradually becoming dominant. Using the gospels and Paul's letters as a basis, the distinction was developed between mortal and venial sins, but there remained difficulties over which sins fell into which category. Gradually, two ideas gained hold: first, that penance should be treated as therapeutic rather than judgemental; and second, that penants should be allowed to confess in private to a priest or bishop rather than publicly before the whole congregation.Less
Debates about the theory and practice of penance in the early Church were governed by the underlying question of whether the Church was ‘a society of saints or a school for sinners’, with the latter view gradually becoming dominant. Using the gospels and Paul's letters as a basis, the distinction was developed between mortal and venial sins, but there remained difficulties over which sins fell into which category. Gradually, two ideas gained hold: first, that penance should be treated as therapeutic rather than judgemental; and second, that penants should be allowed to confess in private to a priest or bishop rather than publicly before the whole congregation.
