Subject Area
Theology
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the doctrinal development of the sacrament of Reconciliation in the writings of the Fathers of the Church. It is believed by several modern theologians that the sacrament of Reconciliation is a man-made practice that has been imposed on Christians by the Church. It is also believed that the sacramental life of the Church as we know it today is in direct contrast with early Christianity and even contradicts what was handed to the apostles by Christ. In response to this misunderstanding, I wish to show how the sacrament of Reconciliation as we know it today has continuity with the thinking of the early Church Fathers. To do this, I will first use Saint John Henry Newman’s writings to explain the proper understanding of the development of doctrine and what is meant by the unchanging, yet dynamic nature of Church teaching. Using the Church Fathers’ writings, I will then trace how the Church’s understanding of Penance has developed over time and show that the practice of Confession as we know it today was not arbitrarily constructed by man but has organically developed out of what Christ handed onto the apostles. It is clear from the Patristic writings that the Church has always believed in the need for confession after baptism and that the Church has always believed that Christ conferred to His Church the authority to reconcile sinners to God.
Date
Fall 2023
Type
Thesis
Language
English
