Sublime Mercy

Abstract

The Christian god is one of justice and mercy. Until the 12th century, these were inextricably related, co-equal virtues, expressed on earth in the confession and forgiveness of sin. Beginning in the 13th century and with the subsequent development of canon law, the church was transformed from a charismatic community into a legal and political institution. Penance became a legal requirement enjoined on every Christian. The treatment of penance was increasingly juridified and mercy increasingly opposed to justice. By the 14th century, much of the theological principle of mercy had either been absorbed into the legal principle of canonical equity or opposed to justice altogether.