Contrition
Repentance for sins, the first step toward reconciliation with God.
Contrition, from Latin *contritus* meaning “ground to pieces,” is a central concept in Christianity referring to repentance for sins committed. It is regarded as the first step, through Christ, towards reconciliation with God, consisting of repentance for all one’s sins, a desire for God over sin, and faith in Christ’s redemption. The concept is widely referenced throughout the Bible, including in Ezekiel 33:11, Psalms, Luke, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
In Catholic theology, the Council of Trent defined contrition as a sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with a resolution not to sin again. The term implies breaking something hardened; Thomas Aquinas explained that the act of obtaining forgiveness is figuratively called “contrition” because it requires casting away the liking for sin, which represents a continuity and solidity in the mind. This sorrow is not merely speculative remorse or a resolve to amend, but a real pain and bitterness of soul, combined with hatred and horror for the sin. Early Christian writers, including Augustine, emphasized both the feeling of sorrow and the detestation of wrongdoing. Medieval theologians held that contrition is based principally on detestation of sin, which presupposes knowledge of sin’s heinousness and begets sorrow. The dissent of the rational will is essential to contrition, while the consequent feeling is its effect.
The Church teaches that contrition has always been necessary for pardon, as declared by the Council of Trent. It is the first and indispensable condition; while pardon may be possible without confession, it cannot occur without contrition. This necessity arises from the nature of repentance and from God’s positive command, as seen in Christ’s words “Except you repent” and in the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles. The Church Fathers, such as Cyprian, urged full penance and sorrow as proof of repentance, and Scholastic doctors like Bonaventure held that no one can begin a new life without repenting of the old.
Catholicism distinguishes perfect contrition, arising from love of God who has been grievously offended, from imperfect contrition, or attrition, which stems from motives such as fear of hell or the heinousness of guilt. Perfect contrition is motivated by faith and love of God’s own goodness, not merely his goodness to the sinner. Whil
- definition
- Sorrow of the soul and detestation for sin committed, with resolution not to sin again
- origin
- Council of Trent
- key_theologians
- Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Bonaventure
- types
- Perfect contrition (charity) and imperfect contrition (attrition)
- necessity
- Always necessary for obtaining forgiveness of sin, per Council of Trent
Lore & Background
The Council of Trent defined contrition as a sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. Thomas Aquinas, in his commentary, explained that the term is a figure of speech for the act that obtains forgiveness, implying a breaking of the hardened liking for sin. Early Christian writers like Augustine emphasized both sorrow and detestation, noting that the heart is called contrite as an incentive to repent of sins in pain. Medieval theologians held that contrition is based principally on the detestation of sin, which presupposes knowledge of sin’s heinousness and begets sorrow. The formal doctrine, announced through the Council of Trent, declares that contrition has always been necessary to obtain pardon of one’s sins, and it is the first and indispensable condition for pardon. Catholic writers insist this necessity arises from the very nature of repentance and from the positive command of God, citing Christ’s final sentence, “Except you repent,” and the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles. In Catholic terminology, contrition arising from the love of God, who is believed to have been grievously offended, is called perfect contrition. Contrition arising from any other motive, such as loss of heaven, fear of hell, or the heinousness of guilt, is called imperfect contrition, or attrition. Perfect contrition is motivated by faith and the love of God, contrasting with imperfect contrition, which arises from a less pure motive. Catholicism teaches that perfect contrition removes the guilt of sin.
Reader's Guide
Contrition has always been necessary to obtain pardon of sins, according to Catholic doctrine. It is the first and indispensable condition for pardon, and no sin can be pardoned without it. The necessity arises from the nature of repentance and from God's positive command, as seen in Christ's words 'Except you repent' and the Apostles' exhortations. Perfect contrition, motivated by love of God, removes guilt and eternal punishment even before sacramental confession, provided a firm resolution to confess exists. Imperfect contrition, or attrition, motivated by fear of Hell or the turpitude of sin, does not produce justification but disposes the soul to receive grace in the sacrament of penance. The Council of Trent held that attrition is a gift from God and prepares the soul for grace. Critics like Philipp Melanchthon and Martin Luther argued against imperfect contrition, claiming it leaves the penitent uncertain and is mere hypocrisy.
Did You Know?
- The word 'contrition' comes from Latin 'contritus', meaning 'ground to pieces' or 'breaking of something hardened'.
- Perfect contrition is motivated by love of God, while imperfect contrition (attrition) arises from fear of Hell or the heinousness of guilt.
- The Council of Trent defined contrition as 'sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again'.
- Catholic teaching holds that perfect contrition can remove guilt and eternal punishment even before sacramental confession, if confession is impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Contrition in Christian theology?
Contrition is the deep sorrow a person feels for having sinned, combined with a firm decision to stop sinning. It functions as the initial movement back toward God after a person has turned away through their own choices.
What are the two types of Contrition?
The tradition distinguishes between perfect contrition, which flows from love of God, and imperfect contrition (also called attrition), which arises from fear of punishment or recognition of sin's ugliness. Both are considered valid paths, though perfect contrition is regarded as the fuller expression.
Where does the formal definition of Contrition come from?
The Council of Trent provided the authoritative formulation, defining it as the soul's grief over sin committed together with the resolve never to sin again. This conciliar teaching became the standard reference point for Catholic moral theology.
Why is Contrition considered necessary for forgiveness?
According to the Council of Trent, no one can receive the forgiveness of sins without genuine contrition, making it an indispensable element of the sacrament of reconciliation. It is seen as the human response that opens the door to Christ's redemptive work.
Which theologians are most associated with developing the doctrine of Contrition?
Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Bonaventure each contributed significantly to articulating how contrition relates to grace, charity, and the interior life of the believer. Their writings remain foundational references for understanding the concept within the broader theological tradition.
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