Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
DEMERIT
A voluntary misdeed that offends someone and therefore deserves some retribution or penalty. With reference to God, demerit is the effect of sin and consists in a loss of divine friendship and of the right to heaven for grave sin, and a weakening of the supernatural life through venial sin.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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