Confession versus Confession

Every now and then I spend a lengthy period of time surfing the net. Yesterday was such a day and I was struck by a trend—trying to convince atheists that Christianity is true. First a person claiming to be an atheist—and I suspect they are—challenges the blogger with questions. Then the blogger comes back full steam to refute and convince by arguing passages of the Bible, etc.

I’ve heard of atheists who became Christians (for an example, see Conversion Diary in the blogroll), but never an atheist who became a Christian because someone argued them into the faith. Every testimony that I’ve read from an atheist-turned-Christian included a catalyst that challenged their basic worldview. Then they began looking for God and seeing His hand where they hadn’t see His hand before.

I also noticed interesting variations in how the word confession is used. Both uses are correct, but the implications are the opposite.

Confession can mean acknowledging guilt. Or, confession can mean a statement of faith—as in the Apostles Creed. The common denominator between the two meanings is stating what you believe is reality or truth.

Confession as a statement of beliefs might elude most people—but it’s alive among bloggers. In their confession mode they uphold basic doctrines, share the truth of the confessions, engage in dialogue about the confessions. They try to convince atheists that the Christian confession is the true confession.

But perhaps most people associate the word confession with admitting guilt. I think of my grade-school friend Dorothy. One day after school she asked if I’d wait for her when she went to confession. So the Lutheran’s pastor’s daughter waited on the steps of the Catholic church—even though it meant walking six extra blocks. To my mother's credit, she smiled when I explained why I was late getting home.

Today, one of my favorite blogs is by a Catholic convert from atheism who recently shared her thoughts on the merits of the Catholic Rite of Confession. (Again, check Conversion Diary on the Blogroll.) I think you’ll be challenged and blessed by her story.

One of my favorite Scripture passages reads, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I Jn. 1:8,9 KJV) The last phrase of The New Living Translation reads, cleanse us from all wickedness. I love this confession, because I know I need cleansing.

Here’s my first point. Are we Christians so intent on confession as a statements of belief that we’ve lost sight of the larger meaning of the word confess? If we focus on doctrinal statements, we become obsessed with being right. Isn’t it dangerous to focus on being right—and possibly ignore the call to confess sin?

Paul wrote to Timothy, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (II Tim. 2:15 NIV) The word of truth at that time consisted of the Old Testament plus a few letters circulating from one city to another. But it was enough—basic truth illuminated by revelation from the Holy Spirit.

And now, my dreaded second point. I can be quite authoritarian at times, but I haven't felt I had the last word on doctrine for years. And in the middle of that quandry I feel impressed to write a doctrinal statement—a confession of my faith. In fact, I plan to post it later this week. This is so out of my comfort zone that I’m writing this blog to explain the blog that’s coming—to prepare you before you get the real thing. If, as I’ve stated so many times, no one ever gets it right, will I be humble enough to let God to show me where I’m dead wrong? And would I get it right the second or third or fourth time? And if not, why bother? Then, can a person have a confession of faith without thinking everyone should agree? If people don't agree, can I fellowship with them freely? Of course to the last question. The rest is a can of worms.

I’m not going to be inclusive—a term applied to what some call the emerging church which, if I understand it right, accepts or includes many things that shouldn’t be accepted or included. But I do think God is bigger than doctrine. And yet, doctrine calls. Oh, woe is me.