Public Penance of Heretics: its Forms and Functions
Paweł Kras
The Polish version of the article was published in “Roczniki Humanistyczne,” vol. 59 (2011), issue 2.&#x0D; discusses origins public penance for heresy early Christian tradition as well examining its application penitential practice medieval Church. It demonstrates how mortal sins, which took shape Late Antiquity, later adopted and developed within system Medieval Inquisition. In collections canon law, qualified a religious crime required special penance. Following guidelines set up ancient Church, any heretic who declared his or her intention to renounce their wrongs be interrogated by bishop, would grant them absolution sins prescribed due An important aspect solemn penitence, place on Sundays feast days included number rituals. penitent had appear garment with hair cut off barefoot. ritual penitence formed Antiquity such incorporated into pontificals.&#x0D; rise Inquisition, used an efficient weapon against popular heresy, stimulated development discipline heretics. Papal Inquisitors, came appointed extraordinary judges trials since 1230s, were particularly inventive way might employed fight registers trials, carried out Inquisitors bishops, are still main source information about penalties imposed heretics sentenced errors. announcement sentence penalty final act inquisitorial procedure. charter (littera penitentialis), first read publicly handed over heretic, listed various forms he fulfil. strategy penance, started half thirteenth century, became commonplace. manuals inquisitors described detail functions. offered chance repent crimes give satisfaction society been disturbed deeds. That is why usually cathedral central market square attended witnessed local community. Through appearance two cross signs, highly visible could not anonymous. whole responsible supervising controlling moral conduct. Any transgression misconduct reported ecclesiastical authorities. Of course, aimed at teaching lesson all faithful preventing from falling heresy.
Roczniki Humanistyczne