Eklezjalny wymiar sakramentu pokuty i pojednania

Abstract

A study of the Bible reveals that since the very beginning of human existence, the person has always been accompanied by moral evil which, in the language of theology, is referred to as sin. Words such sin and guilt are present in all the languages of the world. The concept of sin can be considered from the perspective of psychology, philosophy, ethics and religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.). Christianity regards the concepts of sin and salvation as particularly significant and mutually related. As far as sin is concerned, the primary focus is placed on its essence, physical manifestation, environment as well as the internal condition of the person before and after committing sin. Catholic moral theology has a separate branch called hamartiology (from the Greek word ἁμαρτία, hamartia – sin), which deals with the interpretation of sin, its manifestations and consequences. At the same time, there is another dogmatic discipline – soteriology, aimed at presenting the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, who liberates the person from the power of sin and transforms human nature through alliance with his divine nature. The article is interdisciplinary in character since it mainly deals with the issue of a Christian’s reunion with God achieved through the sacrament of Penitence. On the basis of analytical and synthetic studies of various doctrinal sources and documents of the Catholic Church (the Holy Scriptures, documents from the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law as well as other texts), it can be concluded that a successful fight against sin is possible only with support from the power and grace of the holy sacraments, especially Penitence, which is administered by the Church and through which God acts in the human person.