Conviction of sin

This is a state of self-blame and contempt, with feelings of wretchedness and unworthiness together with fear of punishment for sin, which precedes conversion and is said to be the first stage on the way to salvation. Although this may be a valuable experience, attempts to deliberately induce conviction of sin in the hope of securing conversion are criticized for their manipulative nature and also for the confirmation of neurotic tendencies which may actually inhibit conversion.