Protestant Confession

[bksumm]

I just saw this video on godtube.com, where a young man talks about confessing our sins to one another (James 5:16). The narrator makes the point, “confessing to God is easy…cause it’s like it’s not real.” He goes on to share that confessing to a person with flesh makes the experience more real, and in doing so we take ownership of our sins. When we do this we realize we can’t save ourselves…we must rely on God’s grace.

While not fully in line with Catholic teaching on the sacrament of reconciliation, I found it ironic that a Protestant video would express this Catholic concept. I am a convert from the Southern Baptist tradition. We were encouraged to confess during an altar call or to the pastor when led by the Holy Spirit. As a Catholic, I appreciate reconciliation as it forces me to confront my weaknesses.

I would like to invite your comments on this matter. The video can be seen here:

godtube.com/featured/video/tenth-avenue-north-video-journal-1-healing-begins/all

 

[Lutheranteach]

There has always been in the Lutheran tradition private confession if one so desires.

 

[crazzeto]

Great find, and I’m glad there seems to be a gradual tend back towards a purer orthodoxy among some protestant faiths.

 

[bksumm]

Lutheranteach,

Thanks for that…I didn’t know that. Do Anglicans/Episcopalians have the option to go to private confession?

 

[lutherlic]

There has always been in the Lutheran tradition private confession if one so desires.

I know this is true having “discovered” it once I began researching Catholicism. I honestly doubt most Lutherans (at least ELCA Lutherans) are aware of it. In my >50 years as a cradle (LCA in the old days) Lutheran, I never knew anyone say they did, it was never mentioned in church / bulletins / website, not offered at scheduled times, no confessionals, etc.

I suspect it is more prominent in the (smaller) LCMS. There is a Wikipedia article which discusses this topic without any differentiation between synods. Interestingly, the authors for some reason felt the need for a reference “An example of a church that has a set time for confession” as if to prove that at least some Lutherans routinely offer it. It links to a LCMS church. There is also a picture of a “modern confessional at a Lutheran church in Columbus, GA” without identifying the specific church - but probably one of the 2 LCMS congregations listed in that city.