The Scarlet Letter
Hawthorne states, "It is probable that there was an idea of penance in this mode of occupation." What is penance? What does the Bible teach about it?
Ch. 5: Hester at her needle
Ch. 5: Hester at her needle
Penance is a punishment undergone in token of penitence for sin. The Bible teaches, more or less, that penance is a way to atone for ones sinful acts and hence gain favour again with God.