Contrition And Attrition

[Paddington]

Please your thoughts on this topic. This is one of the things that seems beyond weird to me about Catholicism.

My understanding is that the Catholic needs attrition when going to Confession.
Attrition is pretty much a given for anybody. I don't think anybody is going to be so scrupulous as to ask themselves, "Am I TRULY afraid of punishment?" So that seems to avoid scrupulosity. Also, the inclusiveness of that low standard is great.

Now....if I understand the teaching correctly.
1. The Catholic needs to have attrition or more to receive God's forgiveness in Confession.
2. The non-Catholic needs to have no less than perfect contrition to receive God's forgiveness. This will also go for Catholics who don't go to Confession.

If I'm wrong on my understanding, then please let me know.

If I'm right on the facts, then what do you make of the double standard?

Also, just for kicks, is it actually possible to not have attrition? That is a scary thought.

For more kicks, what would constitute 'perfect contrition?' From what I have heard, it isn't 'perfect' in the 1600 on the SAT's sort of way.

Thanks,
Paddington

Edited January 21, 2007 by Paddington

[Hirsap]

[i]
Correct me anybody if I am wrong on any points [/i] [u]

Just to bring some more perspective, one should note that sorrow for sin must always come from a [b]supernatural motive[/b], that is, a motive springing from faith. From this comes attrition - which is contrition, though imperfect contrition because it comes from fear of Hell, the loss of heaven, the evil of sin itself. These are supernatural motives, but they are imperfect motives insofar as the love of God is concerned. This is what [b]perfect contrition[/b] is. This is sorrow for sin on account of God's infinite goodness, more directly from the love of God, and this is what makes it 'perfect'.

Yes it is correct that for the worthy reception of the Sacrament of Penance, imperfect contrition does suffice. This is only with regard to the sacrament of Penance where imperfect contrition is sufficient as a proper sorrow - which effects in the pardoning of our sins, (along with, of course, the other requirements for Confession, i.e.: Absolution). In any other circumstance, if one were to obtain pardon, only perfect contrition suffices. This would apply to a Catholic who commits a mortal sin (though he/she must confess as well), and as well to sincere non-Catholics of good-will.

True, Catholics who can avail themselves to the Sacrament of Penance are certainly at an advantage in this regard, as attrition suffices. God, in His mercy, has deigned to grant this favor for those for receive this sacrament. [b]This is a gift of God, and as such the possibility of gaining forgiveness through both means in all circumstances is not owed to us[/b] This does not mean, however, that those who for whatever reason cannot avail themselves to the Sacrament are strictly at a disadvantage, insofar as their salvation is concerned. For it is the grace of God that will give that person the potential (presuming his compliance) to will to have perfect contrition. In fact, under all circumstances, I am rather sure God gives the grace for perfect contrition (and the stepping stones towards this end). For instance a Catholic having mortally sinned could straight away say an act of perfect contrition, and have his sins remitted prior to sacramental confession.

[quote]Also, just for kicks, is it actually possible to not have attrition? That is a scary thought.[/quote]

Indeed it is possible. Bare in mind once again that attrition, though generally speaking a human instinct (we all fear punishment!), is still [b]supernatural[/b] sorrow. It is beyond our nature to have it. Only through [b]God's grace[/b] can we have supernatural sorrow. As we are free to reject God's grace, yes it is possible. Also bare in a mind a mere servile fear of God is not sufficient for attrition - in the sense we are speaking of it. For instance, the idea "I am only not sinning because of the prospect of punishment. If there were no punishment I'd be sinning no problems." Perhaps some more learned could elaborate on this point.

Might I suggest a good book on the topic, called "Confession: It's Fruitful Practice - With an Examination of Conscience"
[url="http://www.j23.com.au/cgi-bin/beta/sasquire.cgi?author=0895556758"]http://www.j23.com.au/cgi-bin/beta/sasquir...thor=0895556758[/url]
[i]
Correct me anybody if I am wrong on any points [/i] [u]

Edited January 21, 2007 by Hirsap

[Paddington]

Hirsap,

Thank you
That helped a lot.
I don't know what to make of your comment about
"a mere servile fear of God = not sufficient for attrition"
I could see people staying away from the Sacrament for thinking that.
I could see a penitent using regular Confession to move from servile fear to deep love over a life-long process.

Hirsap and Everybody,
I'm hoping for reactions to the quotes I listed below.
1. "If there were no punishment, I'd be sinning no problems."
2. "If there were no punishment, I would be sinning. Thank God for punishments."
3. "If there were no punishment, I don't know what I would be doing. Maybe I should stay away from Confession since I don't even know."
4. "If there were no punishment......I refuse to deal with hypotheticals. Especially when I would be judging myself. That is God's job."
5. "Part of me truly does love sin. Loves it intensely. And will until I die. But, part of me is okay and that is why I'm going to Confession."