Between Clinical and Biblical Conceptualizations of Guilt and Shame: Luke 7:36–50 as a Case Study

Abstract The distinction between guilt and shame is well established in psychology. Research suggests that shame-proneness correlates with problematic outcomes, while guilt-proneness more likely related to adaptive behaviors. Consequently, considered an unhealthy moral emotion, seen as response one’s failures. Biblical stories appear this regard. Story of the Sinful Woman Luke 7:36–50 exhibits strategies for inscribing not just but also a proper reaction sin. As such, it appears engender emotion. Careful analysis, however, reveals evocation framed by relationship God, whose forgiveness re-creates shamed self. narrative accommodates working into thoroughgoing relational transactions sin forgiveness. Those committed facilitating psychological healing using biblical can benefit from considering distinct scriptural configuration emotions.