“Metanoia” 2012

Metanoia (from the Greek μετάνοια, metanoia, changing one’s mind) in the context of theology is a repentance. Metanoia is the activity of reviewing one’s actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. It generally involves a commitment to personal change and resolving to live a more responsible and humane life. The practice of repentance plays an important role in the soteriological doctrines of the world’s major religions where it is considered necessary for the attainment of salvation. This typically includes an admission of guilt, a promise or resolve not to repeat the offense; an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible. Within a secular context repentance may form part of the process of psychological healing that takes place during a course of psychotherapy.