Detraction
Encyclopedia
The dictionary definition of detraction is "discrediting or detracting from someone's reputation (especially by slander)".
of revealing previously unknown faults or sins of another person to a third person; the sin is mortal
unless there is little hurt, when it is venial
. This differs from the sin of calumny, which is lying about faults or sins that a person does not have. However, a sin may be divulged without contravening the virtues of justice or charity if for the common weal, or the good of the narrator, of his listeners, or even of the culprit.
As in the case of stealing, detraction is a sin which demands restitution. In the case of detraction, performing restitution is difficult, because once something has been made known, it cannot be hidden again. There is a story of a priest (often said to be Philip Neri
) who, for a penance
given to the town gossip, told her to go to the bell tower and scatter to the wind the feathers from a pillow; when the lady returned he told her to then gather up all the feathers and put them back into the pillow. Generally the only thing that can be done is to bide one's time until an occasion presents itself for a favorable characterization of the person defamed.
Catholic usage
In Roman Catholic theology detraction is the sinSin
In religion, sin is the violation or deviation of an eternal divine law or standard. The term sin may also refer to the state of having committed such a violation. Christians believe the moral code of conduct is decreed by God In religion, sin (also called peccancy) is the violation or deviation...
of revealing previously unknown faults or sins of another person to a third person; the sin is mortal
Mortal sin
Mortal sins are in the theology of some, but not all Christian denominations wrongful acts that condemn a person to Hell after death. These sins are considered "mortal" because they constitute a rupture in a person's link to God's saving grace: the person's soul becomes "dead", not merely weakened...
unless there is little hurt, when it is venial
Venial sin
According to Roman Catholicism, a venial sin is a lesser sin that does not result in a complete separation from God and eternal damnation in Hell...
. This differs from the sin of calumny, which is lying about faults or sins that a person does not have. However, a sin may be divulged without contravening the virtues of justice or charity if for the common weal, or the good of the narrator, of his listeners, or even of the culprit.
As in the case of stealing, detraction is a sin which demands restitution. In the case of detraction, performing restitution is difficult, because once something has been made known, it cannot be hidden again. There is a story of a priest (often said to be Philip Neri
Philip Neri
Saint Philip Romolo Neri , also known as Apostle of Rome, was an Italian priest, noted for founding a society of secular priests called the "Congregation of the Oratory".-Early life:...
) who, for a penance
Sacrament of Penance (Catholic Church)
In the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the method by which individual men and women may be freed from sins committed after receiving the sacrament of Baptism...
given to the town gossip, told her to go to the bell tower and scatter to the wind the feathers from a pillow; when the lady returned he told her to then gather up all the feathers and put them back into the pillow. Generally the only thing that can be done is to bide one's time until an occasion presents itself for a favorable characterization of the person defamed.