I’m speechless but wondering what does the gospel have to say to the “secrets” confessed on this blog?

-Rex

K. Rex,

I think we are dying inside-out because of our sin BUT also because our sin is secret. I like the phrase that’s come out of AA and other addiction recovery groups–we are as sick as the secrets we keep.

Maybe a Jesus who lovingly names our sins has hope. I think the key is that churches get beyond the reductionist naming of sins we’ve been guilty of in the past.

In that spirit, we probably need a re-imagining of the meaning of sin. That is, more than legal violation or medicinal hardship, sin is about the fracturing of human relationship (Gen 1-3).

Josh,

I think you are right about the re-imaging of sin as more than just legal guilt deserving punishment. I think we also need a re-imaging of confession…it seems that confession is understood too much as simply a punitive effort towards forgive, a way of doing pennance. While I understand that any repentant heart will be ashamed of sin struggles, confession should not produce axeity and fear about receiving communal judgment and sanctions (which is why we tend to be secret with our sins) but about knowing that we are loved by believers who are willing to stand with us and fight for us in prayer, in truth, in community, and in everything else that the Spirit gives to us.

And the preacher in me always wonders what secrets, what struggles are being hid by the mask of a smiling and cheerful face because of the fear in saying “I need help.” Fear…that is right their with secrecy.

Grace and peace,

Rex

We do need to broaden our understanding of sin. Sin is about fracturing human relationships AND about fracturing relationship with God. It also reveals a lack of trust in God. I am not so sure about the value of anonymous confession sites. It may be cathartic or even reassuring that one is not alone in his/her struggles. But is it redemptive? Does it restore those relationships and engender trust in God? Can I leave my gift at the altar, go post an anonymous confession, and the come offer my sacrifice?

Thanks Phillip. I’m interested in knowing more about Second Temple Judaism and popular understandings of sin. Besides Wright, any suggestions are appreciated.