Metanoia is a Greek term that means changing one's mind, repentance, or conversion in Christian theology. It is often contrasted with penance, which implies confession and acts of atonement, and has different meanings in different Christian traditions. Clear definition and great examples of Metanoia . This article will show you the importance of Metanoia and how to use it. Metanoia is a self-correction. Metanoia , an Ancient Greek word (μετάνοια) meaning "changing one's mind", may refer to: Metanoia (psychology), the process of experiencing a psychotic "breakdown" and subsequent, positive psychological re-building or "healing" However, the biblical meaning of repentance in Christianity, metanoia, means something quite different than all the negative baggage we associate with repenting. What does the Greek word for repentance mean , and why is it important to understand this with both the mind and the heart?