Usually when this term is used in our context, it is used to speak about the rite of confession on Sunday morning which begins (technically precedes) the Divine Service. However, in what sense is this truly corporate confession? I would argue that what we really do is mass individual confession. Because private individual confession has sadly become so rare, we instead gather in mass as individuals on Sunday morning. When time is given for reflection upon our sinfulness, each one of us thinks about our own personal actions or inactions. We then rejoice as the pastor forgives each of us in the name and stead of Jesus through one collective word of absolution. It is a very American way to conceive of everything. In the American mindset, even when we are together, we stand alone as individuals. And so the corporate confession we are familiar with remains largely about each individual standing alone before God.
So why is this a problem? It is a problem because we never consider truly corporate sins. We never consider things done as families, congregations, or Church that are in need of confession. The idea of a whole community needing to confess sins is common in the bible and yet nearly nonexistent in our context. In fact, we reject largely the thought that sin can exist at any size larger than the individual. Somehow it is assumed that while all the individuals in a congregation are sinful, when they come together as a congregation they cannot sin. And so to question any congregational practice or tradition becomes taboo. Suggesting that a congregation has had a practice which does not properly treasure the Sacraments is forbidden. Suggesting that a congregation has ignored bringing the gospel to their closest neighbors makes everyone squirm. Calling a congregation to true corporate confession or even a corporate fast is unthinkable in most of our contexts. It should not be so.
We sin as individuals. But we also sin as larger groups of humanity. Absolution is offered to both individuals and groups through Christ Jesus. So let us not fear true corporate confession. Let us confess when we have sins together in order that we might receive forgiveness and new life together as well. Jesus wills it.
Phil – I ejoyed your post as thought provoking. As I reflect it appears the corporate sin is sin to which I am most easily drawn. I suppose that stems from low self-confidence and all that. After following the crowd I later feel very guilty and ashamed, confess it to God and am comforted by the Gospel’s forgiveness. It would be even better if I could go back to the “group” and join with them in repenting the sin but how in the world could one do that? One sees the need for true corporate confession everyhwere in all settings, world, country, home, family and church. And myself. It occcurs to me that I must not only take responsibility for the sin itself, but also for whatever input I donated to the sin of the crowd. Thanks for the provocative post pastor.
Ach. I forgot to check the box below.
Phil,
If Americans were truly individualistic then they would not so willingly disdain and disapprove of individual confession, but see the good that comes from it.
As I have argued with you prior, corporate confession of sin is NO substitution for private confession and absolution. Confessing sins under the general heading of “I have sinned” is not a confession at all. Yes, you have sinned, but what have you done. And don’t bother about enumeration; this isn’t about listing every single thing you’ve done since you’re last confession, but people don’t come or shouldn’t come to confession because of mere routine things; they should come because they are conscience of very grave sin(s) on their mind.