Self-condemnation

Self-condemnation is a sacrament to the Christian legalist. It’s one way he seeks to atone for his sins. His rationale may be conscious or unconscious, but it suggests that if he is sorry enough, if he feels bad enough, if he executes enough emotional self-flagellation and offers up the sacrifice of genuine self-contempt, then God will forgive him.—Steve McVey, A Divine Invitation (electronic edition)