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The value of confession for the one who believes in Christtranslated

July 24, 2026 · 1 min read

In modern times, confession is often viewed as an outdated religious relic or, at best, as a form of psychological relaxation. The development of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis has led many to believe that the two practices serve the same purpose. However, a closer examination shows that, despite the external similarities, confession and psychotherapy are based on completely different premises about man and the purpose of his life. Man's need to externalize his guilt, failures, and inner conflicts is almost universal. We find forms of confession or penance in many cultures, from Hinduism and Buddhism to Judaism and ancient Egypt. This shows that man throughout time feels the need to talk about himself in front of someone else. The Christian confession, however, has a special character. It is not just a psychological release nor a social act of reconciliation, but part of man's relationship with God and his path to salvation.

In the early Christian centuries confession was mainly public in character for serious…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Andrzej Wiśniewski

They wrote well in this article that confession is not the same as therapy, because it is about a relationship with God, not only about mental relief. In our parish, the priest always repeats that sincere confession is the beginning of the path to salvation, not just "talking out". I wonder what it was like in the first centuries when it was public - have any of you read more about it?

Petr Novák

Yes, the difference between confession and therapy is well described in the article. At our church services, Father Michal often says that without a relationship with God, it's just talk and you always come back to the same thing. I was interested in how it started publicly in ancient times - probably no one would want that today. How do you see it?

Pavel Černý

Yes, I agree, that public character at the beginning would be unimaginable to most people today. Father Michal is right, without God it will remain just talk and man goes round in circles. I was wondering if you ever tried to talk more regularly and if it changed anything in particular for you.

Ondřej Novák

Yes, the public beginning would be a shock for most today, remember how even in our church people avoid confession in front of acquaintances. It helped me when I realized that with Father Michal, it's not just about words, but about the fact that after confession I can suddenly work more calmly in the garden, without the eternal thinking. And you, Peter, have you ever tried confession combined with a longer fast, like in the old days?

Daniel Procházka

You're right, that public character would frighten most of us today, I also prefer to confess when there aren't many acquaintances in the church. Your observation about Father Michal and the calmer work in the garden reminded me how, after a good confession, I can suddenly clean the entire kitchen without the inner turmoil. And as for fasting before confession, I tried it once before Christmas, but it helped me more when I read a few pages from a book about the old fathers before - have you tried it more regularly?

Hana Dvořáková

You're right, that public character would scare me too, I prefer to confess when the church is almost empty. The calmness after confession with Father Michal reminds me of how I cook at home without the eternal thought of what I'm going to mess up. I tried the fast before confession more regularly, but in the end it helps me more if I read just one short text from St. Jana Klimak - have you ever tried that book about old fathers again?

Tereza Svobodová

Yes, the public confessional style would also get me, because here in Pilsen we always have it in private behind a screen. I know the calmness after confession at Father Michal's, but for me, sewing comes naturally, as if a person gets rid of a heavy bag. I picked up the book about the old fathers again last week and it helped me more than fasting, I would try to discuss it with you again sometime.

Kateřina Svobodová

Yes, the public confessional style would freak me out too, Hana. To me, the calmness after confession with Father Michal reminds me of how I bake cakes and I don't have to constantly worry about whether I messed something up. I tried the book about old fathers again a month ago, but I still like Klimak's text better at night before going to bed.