I recently created a two-part YouTube video about confession (Pt 1 link here )( Pt 2 here). The response was incredible—I received so many views and comments! It made me realise that the question, “Does making a confession matter?” truly resonates with people, and the answer is a resounding yes. So, I decided to share my thoughts on the topic here.

The practice of confession has a rich and varied history across Christian traditions. Does making a confession matter? question touches on an important distinction between different theological and historical approaches to it.

Early Church Practice

In the early Christian church, confession of sins was often a public act made before the congregation. This practice reflected a communal understanding of sin and reconciliation, emphasising accountability to the church body. Public confession was seen as a way to promote repentance and restore unity within the community.

Shift to Private Confession

Over time, public confession began to face challenges, such as breaches of confidentiality, social embarrassment, and misuse of the practice.

By the early Middle Ages, the church in the West increasingly moved toward private confession to a priest. This was formalised as part of the sacrament of penance in Roman Catholicism. This allowed for discretion, personal guidance, and a more structured process of absolution.

Protestant Reformation

During the Protestant Reformation, leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected the sacramental nature of confession to a priest.

Instead, they emphasise the priesthood of all believers and the direct relationship between individuals and God.

They taught that confession should primarily be made to God. However, mutual confession between believers was sometimes encouraged for the sake of accountability and support.

Modern Protestant Views

In many Protestant traditions today, confession is considered important but not sacramental.

It’s often a private matter between the believer and God. Though some traditions encourage small groups or accountability partners for mutual confession and encouragement.

Public confession to a congregation is rare and usually reserved for instances of corporate repentance or extraordinary circumstances.

Why It Matters

The emphasis placed on confession, whether public or private, often reflects broader theological views about the nature of sin, grace, and community.

While Protestant traditions may not view confession as a sacrament. The principle of acknowledging sin and seeking reconciliation remains a shared value across many Christian denominations.

Let me know if you’d like to explore this topic further!