Which of us has never strayed from the path of righteousness?
Silly question really. Those who insist there is no sin in them must be in the situation of not seeing the wood for the trees. They’re so surrounded by it, that they don’t recognise it for what it is anymore. That seems to be the face of 21st century society in general.
Recently, several protestants have vehemently criticised the sacrament of reconciliation. They have all been washed in the blood of the lamb, and sure as hell don’t need some old priest to grant them absolution.
While I understand their arguments, I cannot agree. To say I have been justified by faith alone is a chimera, and a dangerous one at that. The problems with such anti-catholic teaching is laid out quite eloquently in James Hogg’s “Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner”
If we are elect, and then stumble and go on a murderous rampage, what does that have to say. No, justification by faith and not by works is a dangerous mistake to fall into. Moreover, it is quite unbiblical (see the end verses of James chapter 2…)
The point is that faith is a relationship. It is not simply a one off moment at our conversion, when from that moment on we have been redeemed and it is all good with the Lord. It requires coming to terms with the situation when we fail the relationship, and admitting openly our shortcomings, and most importantly, making amends and finding ways to avoid the situation in the future.
I think possibly an outdated image of confession doesn’t help with various prejudices and issues. For me confession isn’t about turning up with all my dodgy wrongdoings and pouring my heart out to some old bloke for his voyeuristic pleasure as some people seem to think it’s about.
For me it’s about getting right with my brothers and sisters in the Lord by bringing the damaging sin which I have committed, before a leader in our church community. It is a two way thing too- the priest often asks us to go away and pray for him too- a sinner- just like us.
It is about seeking strength and mutual support in our weakness, and together being able to defeat sin. It is also about counselling- receiving wisdom from a wiser person in how to avoid such sin in the future. It is about speaking with the heart between the priest and the person confessing, and all in the presence of God.
Although this will not provide for most protestants every answer they would like to hear regarding confession, my last point would be most simply- it is as it is. We have our strange customs and traditions. There is reasoning behind them, even if you are disinclined to agree with it.
We all have to come to terms with our sin though. It’s your own personal choice how you go about it.
