Page "Penitential" Paragraph 6

Although it is sometimes said that the penitentials took no account of the sinner's state of mind, or of the free gift of God's grace, this is a mistake ; such opinions are based solely on the lists of sins ( or " tariffs ," as they are called ) and ignore the elaborate ritual for receiving the penitent that accompanies even the very early penitentials.

The priest was told to ask if the sinner before him was rich or poor ; educated ; ill ; young or old ; to ask if he or she had sinned voluntarily or involuntarily, and so forth.

The spiritual and mental state of the sinner — as well as his or her social status — was fundamental to the process.

Moreover, some penitentials instructed the priest to ascertain the sinner's sincerity by observing posture and tone of voice.

It was not an impersonal system, therefore, but rather one that was based on differences and distinctions of many kinds.