Confession: Doorway to Forgiveness.Confession: Doorway to Forgiveness. By Jim Forest. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002. xvii and 161 pages. Paper. $15.00. Jim Forest, an Orthodox Christian, has written several books in the area of spirituality as well as books about Thomas Merton Noun 1. Thomas Merton - United States religious and writer (1915-1968) Merton . Forest works to revitalize re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. the importance of private confession as a sacrament sacrament [Lat.,=something holy], an outward sign of something sacred. In Christianity, a sacrament is commonly defined as having been instituted by Jesus and consisting of a visible sign of invisible grace. or spiritual discipline in the lives of all Christians: "The purpose of this small book is to help revive confession where abandoned or neglected, to help the reader prepare a better confession, and to help those who hear confessions better serve as Christ's witness, taking care not to impede the sacrament's healing strength" (p. ix). Confession includes a brief historical summation summation n. the final argument of an attorney at the close of a trial in which he/she attempts to convince the judge and/or jury of the virtues of the client's case. (See: closing argument) of the developments and changes in the sacrament and practice of confession, including a present-day understanding. (This summation presumes that the reader has a fair understanding of religious history, particularly Orthodox and Roman tradition.) Using an excellent anecdotal storytelling Storytelling Aesop semi-legendary fabulist of ancient Greece. [Gk. Lit.: Harvey, 10] Münchäusen Baron traveler grossly embellishes his experiences. [Ger. Lit. style, Forest goes on to portray the concepts of sin, confession, forgiveness, and absolution absolution In Christianity, a pronouncement of forgiveness of sins made to a person who has repented. This rite is based on the forgiveness that Jesus extended to sinners during his ministry. and includes actual confessions sent to him. Forest reminds the reader that by renewing this practice, not only are our sins forgiven but, more important, we return to an understanding of our dependence on God and a renewal of our relationship with God. This book has excellent illustrations for preaching on the topics of sinfulness or forgiveness. It includes a suggestion of the use of icons in confession. It also is a helpful guide in understanding the feelings and emotions associated with confession. |
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