Healing from Guilt and Shame: The Theology of Redemption

Introduction

Guilt and shame—these two words carry immense emotional weight, often leading to a deep sense of unworthiness, self-criticism, and internal suffering. Many of us have experienced moments where guilt holds us back or shame diminishes our self-worth. But what if I told you that these feelings, while painful, can be pathways to healing and redemption? In the teachings of the Old Catholic Church, we are invited to embrace God’s unconditional love, not as a distant theological concept but as a tangible, life-changing reality. The theology of redemption calls us to walk this journey, shedding guilt and shame, and embracing the healing that comes from knowing we are beloved children of God.

In this reflection, we will explore how Old Catholic theology views redemption, how it offers a pathway to healing, and how embracing God's love can help alleviate self-criticism and emotional suffering. We will examine key theological concepts, draw from Scripture, and reflect on pastoral insights that speak directly to the heart of those burdened by guilt and shame. Whether you are a practicing Old Catholic or someone exploring the faith, I invite you to journey with me as we reflect on this essential aspect of Christian life.

Understanding Guilt and Shame in the Light of Faith

Before we delve into how the Old Catholic tradition addresses guilt and shame, we must first understand these emotions from a theological perspective. Guilt and shame are not unique to the human condition; they have been with us since the Fall, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, against God’s command. Immediately, they become aware of their nakedness, and they hide from God in shame. This moment represents more than just disobedience; it signifies the onset of guilt and shame in the human heart. Theologically, this narrative marks the beginning of humanity's struggle with sin, guilt, and alienation from God.

• Guilt, in this context, arises from a conscious awareness that we have done something wrong. It is the internal recognition of having acted against God’s will, harming others or ourselves.

• Shame, on the other hand, is the deeper sense of unworthiness, a feeling that there is something inherently wrong with us, beyond our actions. It is a feeling of being flawed at the core, leading us to believe we are unworthy of love, including God’s love.

  
  

Yet, even in the very first instance of guilt and shame, God does not abandon Adam and Eve. Instead, He seeks them out, clothes them, and offers them hope. This act of love in the midst of their shame lays the foundation for the theology of redemption. Redemption, as understood in Old Catholic theology, is God's invitation to us to return to Him, to be healed, and to live in the freedom of His love.

Redemption in Old Catholic Theology

Old Catholic theology, grounded in Scripture and the early traditions of the Church, holds that redemption is not merely a juridical act—where God “forgives” our sins from afar—but a transformative process. It is a process in which we are called into deeper communion with God, allowing His love to heal and restore us.

The Meaning of Redemption

In its simplest form, redemption refers to being “bought back” or “rescued.” In the context of Christian theology, it refers to the salvific work of Jesus Christ, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Through Christ, we are freed from the consequences of sin and offered eternal life with God.

However, Old Catholic theology emphasizes that redemption is more than a one-time event; it is an ongoing process of spiritual transformation. While Christ’s redemptive act is complete and perfect, our experience of that redemption unfolds throughout our lives. We are constantly being invited to enter into a deeper relationship with God, allowing His grace to work in us, heal our wounds, and sanctify us.

This means that redemption is not simply about being forgiven; it is about being made whole. It is about healing—not just the healing of our sins, but the healing of our guilt, our shame, our emotional wounds, and our false perceptions of ourselves. Redemption, in the Old Catholic understanding, is about becoming who we truly are in God’s eyes: beloved children, worthy of love, forgiveness, and grace.

Redemption and Healing from Guilt and Shame

In the Old Catholic tradition, the healing of guilt and shame is intimately connected to our experience of redemption. When we speak of being redeemed by Christ, we are not only talking about being saved from sin; we are also talking about being saved from the emotional and spiritual burdens that weigh us down, including guilt and shame.

Guilt, when left unresolved, can become toxic. It can lead to self-condemnation, driving us away from God and others. However, in its healthy form, guilt serves a purpose. It reminds us that we have gone astray and prompts us to seek reconciliation. In the Sacrament of Confession, we are invited to bring our guilt before God, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness. The act of confession is not simply about admitting our wrongs; it is about receiving healing from the wounds that our sins have caused—both to ourselves and to others.

Shame, on the other hand, is more insidious. While guilt is often tied to specific actions, shame goes deeper. It convinces us that we are unworthy, that there is something fundamentally wrong with us. It is this lie of unworthiness that Christ seeks to heal. Through His life and ministry, Jesus consistently reached out to those whom society deemed unworthy—tax collectors, prostitutes, sinners, and outcasts. He did not just forgive their sins; He restored their dignity. He reminded them that they were loved by God, that they were worthy of His mercy, and that they had a place in the Kingdom of God.

This is the essence of redemption: not just the forgiveness of sins, but the restoration of our dignity and identity as beloved children of God. In this sense, healing from guilt and shame is about accepting the truth of who we are in God’s eyes. It is about rejecting the lies that we are unworthy and embracing the truth that we are deeply, profoundly loved.

Embracing God’s Love: The Path to Healing

How, then, do we embrace this healing love? How do we move from a place of guilt and shame to a place of freedom and wholeness?

1. Acknowledging Our Brokenness

The first step is to acknowledge our brokenness. This is not an easy task, especially in a culture that often values strength and self-sufficiency. Yet, the paradox of the Christian life is that it is precisely in our weakness that we encounter God's strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

To acknowledge our brokenness is not to wallow in self-pity or despair. Rather, it is to recognize our need for God’s healing grace. It is to admit that we cannot heal ourselves, that we need the transformative power of God’s love to restore us. This requires humility, a willingness to be vulnerable before God and others, and a deep trust in God’s goodness.

2. Receiving God’s Forgiveness

The second step is to receive God’s forgiveness. One of the most profound ways that we experience this forgiveness is through the Sacrament of Confession. In this sacrament, we bring our sins, our guilt, and our shame before God, trusting that He will forgive us. But confession is not just about absolution; it is about healing. When we confess our sins, we allow God’s grace to touch the places of our hearts that have been wounded by sin. We open ourselves to His healing love, which not only forgives but also restores.

In Psalm 51, we hear the heartfelt prayer of King David, who, after committing a grave sin, cries out to God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). This is the essence of confession—not just the removal of sin, but the renewal of the heart. It is a sacrament of healing, in which we are made new by God’s grace.

3. Embracing Our Identity in Christ

The third step in healing from guilt and shame is to embrace our identity in Christ. The root of shame is often a false belief about who we are. We believe that we are unworthy, unlovable, or irredeemable. But the truth of the Gospel is that we are none of these things. We are beloved children of God, created in His image and likeness, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

In Romans 8:1, St. Paul declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is a powerful reminder that our identity is not defined by our past mistakes, our sins, or our failures. Our identity is defined by God’s love for us. In Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made new. Embracing this truth is key to healing from shame.

4. Living in the Freedom of God’s Love

The final step in healing from guilt and shame is to live in the freedom of God’s love. This is not something that happens overnight. It is a journey, a process of allowing God’s love to penetrate our hearts more deeply each day. It is a process of learning to see ourselves as God sees us—not as broken, unworthy sinners, but as beloved children who are cherished and valued beyond measure.

Living in this freedom means letting go of the need to prove our worth, to earn God’s love, or to be perfect. It means accepting that we are loved just as we are, with all our flaws and imperfections. It means trusting that God’s grace is enough—that His love is sufficient to heal our wounds and transform our hearts.

Practical Steps for Healing

While theological reflection is important, it is equally essential to translate these ideas into practical steps that can guide us in our daily lives. Here are a few ways to begin experiencing healing from guilt and shame:

1. Practice Regular Prayer and Meditation on Scripture: Spend time each day in prayer, inviting God’s love to touch the places in your heart where you feel guilt or shame. Reflect on Scriptures that remind you of your identity as a beloved child of God, such as Romans 8, Psalm 139, or Ephesians 1:3-14.

2. Seek the Sacrament of Confession: If you have been carrying the burden of guilt, consider going to confession. The sacrament offers not only forgiveness but also the grace of healing. If you have not been to confession in a while, know that God is waiting for you with open arms, ready to forgive and heal.

3. Surround Yourself with a Faith Community: Healing often happens in the context of community. Surround yourself with people who will remind you of God’s love and who will support you on your journey of healing. This could be through a church community, a small group, or trusted friends who share your faith.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Guilt and shame often lead to harsh self-criticism. As you seek healing, practice being compassionate with yourself. Recognize that you are on a journey, and that it is okay to have setbacks. Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience that God extends to you.

5. Reflect on the Cross: The cross is the ultimate symbol of God’s love for us. Spend time in meditation before a crucifix, reflecting on the fact that Jesus took on your guilt and shame so that you could be free. Let the image of Christ on the cross remind you of the depth of God’s love for you.

Conclusion

Healing from guilt and shame is not an easy journey, but it is a journey that leads to freedom and wholeness. In the theology of redemption, we find not only the promise of forgiveness but also the promise of healing. As we embrace God’s love, we are invited to let go of our guilt and shame, to trust in His mercy, and to live in the freedom of being His beloved children.

The path of redemption is not about perfection; it is about grace. It is about allowing God’s love to transform us, heal our wounds, and restore our dignity. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or someone exploring the faith, know that God’s love is available to you today. He sees you, He knows you, and He loves you—just as you are. And through His love, you can find healing, freedom, and peace.

The views expressed are those of Father Justin Hurtado, PhD, OSB, and are for spiritual guidance only. They do not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please consult a licensed professional for any health or legal concerns.