Dissertatio De Timore Poenitente Seu De Sufficientia Attritionis In Sacramento Poenitentiae Sine Amore Initiali: Edita Tolosae E Typographia Pechiana Anno Mdcxciv....

Antoine Bonnet’s scholarly work delves into the intricate dynamics of fear and repentance in the context of sacramental confession. Through a meticulous exploration of theological concepts, he scrutinizes the sufficiency of attrition, or imperfect contrition, emphasizing its significance even in the absence of initial love for God. His analysis reflects a deep understanding of the moral and spiritual implications that fear can evoke within the confessional framework.

Bonnet articulates the tension between fear-driven repentance and the ideal of love, presenting a nuanced argument about the nature of penitence. He considers historical perspectives and engages with the moral theology of his time, offering insights that resonate with the ecclesiastical debates surrounding the sacrament of penance. This work not only serves to clarify doctrinal uncertainties but also prompts reflection on the psychology of sin and redemption.

Set against the backdrop of late 16th-century theological discourse, Bonnet’s dissertation stands as an important contribution to the understanding of how emotions like fear interplay with faith and moral responsibility. It invites readers to reconsider their own views on repentance and the transformative power of the sacrament in the life of the faithful.