The value of confession for the one who believes in Christtranslated

In modern times, confession is often viewed as an outdated religious relic or, at best, as a form of psychological relaxation.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…