Editing Repentance (section)

{{Short description|Reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret}}
{{Other uses}}
'''Repentance''' is [[Examination of conscience|reviewing one's actions]] and feeling [[contrition]] or regret for past or present wrongdoings, which is accompanied by commitment to and actual actions that show and prove a change for the better.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=geEADgAAQBAJ |title=Justice for All: How the Jewish Bible Revolutionized Ethics |author=Jeremiah Unterman |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |year=2017 |page=109 |isbn=978-0827612709 |quote=The modern definition of "to repent," according to the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'', is "To review one's actions and feel contrition or regret for something one has done or omitted to do; (esp. in religious contexts) to acknowledge the sinfulness of one's past action or conduct by showing sincere remorse and undertaking to reform in the future."}}</ref>

In modern times, it is generally seen as involving a commitment to personal change and the resolve to live a more responsible and humane life. In other words, being sorry for one's misdeeds. It can also involve sorrow over a specific sin or series of sins that an individual feels guilt over, or conviction that they have committed. The practice of repentance plays an important role in the [[Soteriology|soteriological doctrines]] of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Analogous practices have been found in other world religions as well. In religious contexts, it often involves an act of [[Confession (religion)|confession]] to God or to a spiritual elder (such as a monk or priest). This confession might include an admission of [[culpability|guilt]], a promise or intent not to repeat the offense, an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.