EXPIATION. - The act by which the offense and wrong done to the divinity by sin are repaired (either by the sinner himself or by another in his stead). Like the idea of guilt, the idea of e. is found, more or less purified of heterogeneous elements, and operative in various ways (sacrifices, including blood sacrifices, ceremonies, ascetic and penitential practices such as fasts, flagellations, etc.) in all religions. E., in its fullest and most perfect concept, belongs to Christianity alone. Christianity, indeed, worships in the great mystery of Redemption the Son of God made man, who takes upon Himself all the sins of humanity and adequately repairs them; and it has Christians offer, in order to receive its fruit, the cooperation of their works (prayers, alms, fasts, daily sufferings and sacrifices lovingly endured, etc.), which derive their expiatory value from the Redeemer, are offered by Him to the Father, and accepted by the Father (v. Gesù CRISTO; INDULGENZE; MERITO; PENITENZA; REDENZIONE; SACRIFICIO; SODDISFAZIONE).
For the religions of primitive peoples and of other civilized peoples, see the individual entries. Celestino Testore