The sacrament is in crisis. A theological analysis on the issues of the sacrament of reconciliation based on some of the North American authors in relation to the sacramental conviction in reconciliatio et paenitentia of John Paul II

Abstract

The study aims to identify some of the issues of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gives a theological analysis on issues using the fundamental convictions of John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation Reconciliatio et Paenitentia. The authors have common observations that the crisis is caused mainly by the wrong understanding of the theology of sin and of the wrong understanding of the sacrament itself. The main problem around sin is rooted on the loss of sense of sin, the radical emphasis of social sin, and the previous understanding of the sacrament as a transgression of the law. The authors have a common trend in defining sin as ruptures of relationship. On the other hand, the issues on the understanding of the sacrament are more complicated. It involves different fields of theology, which includes the biblical foundation, the wider understanding of the sacrament of reconciliation, the power as given to the community, justification, third rite and the integral acts of confession. The last part deals on the theological analysis of the issues of the sacrament. The fundamental elements presented by John Paul II are good foundations in giving some clarifications to the majority of the issues. The investigation observes that the radical implementation of the different emphasis of theology is one of the main roots of the crisis. it is also evident that the selected authors are concerned more with a more communal and pastoral celebration. Nevertheless, the fundamental conviction of John Paul II gives balance to the growing investigation situates us to the present condition of the sacrament in the Church that helps us how to revitalize and understand the real essence of the sacrament.