Concerning those who have fallen without compulsion, without the spoiling of their property, without danger or the like, as happened during the tyranny of Licinius, the Synod declares that, though they have deserved no clemency, they shall be dealt with mercifully. As many as were communicants, if they heartily repent, shall pass three years among the hearers; for seven years they shall be prostrators; and for two years they shall communicate with the people in prayers, but without oblation.
This canon seems quite stringent until reading the excursus which follows the canon. That piece indicates that the penance described "was only of those convicted of what then were called by pre-eminence 'mortal sins' (crimena mortalia. [Cyprian. De Bono Patient., cap. xiv.]), viz: idolatry, murder, and adultery." Even at that, the time required to restore to full communion was quite lengthy: three years of being able to enter and hear the Word of God, followed by seven years of being able to bow with the others, and lastly two years of being able to pray—yet all this time without sharing into the whole act of celebrating in the bread and wine. The penitent were allowed to be a part of but not active in the worship.
While I commend these men for wanting to ensure the repentant hearts of those desiring to restore fellowship, the time period is excessive and establishes law in an effort to extend grace and mercy. True, the severity of the sin points to a like judgment, but better to take these on a case-by-case basis.
This canon seems quite stringent until reading the excursus which follows the canon. That piece indicates that the penance described "was only of those convicted of what then were called by pre-eminence 'mortal sins' (crimena mortalia. [Cyprian. De Bono Patient., cap. xiv.]), viz: idolatry, murder, and adultery." Even at that, the time required to restore to full communion was quite lengthy: three years of being able to enter and hear the Word of God, followed by seven years of being able to bow with the others, and lastly two years of being able to pray—yet all this time without sharing into the whole act of celebrating in the bread and wine. The penitent were allowed to be a part of but not active in the worship.
While I commend these men for wanting to ensure the repentant hearts of those desiring to restore fellowship, the time period is excessive and establishes law in an effort to extend grace and mercy. True, the severity of the sin points to a like judgment, but better to take these on a case-by-case basis.
No comments:
Post a Comment