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In confession the break-through to community takes place…

“In confession the break-through to community takes place. Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his…” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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““In confession the break-through to community takes place. Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation. Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person. This can happen even in the midst of a pious community. In confession the light of the Gospel breaks into the darkness and seclusion of the heart. The sin must be brought into the light. The unexpressed must be openly spoken and acknowledged. All that is secret and hidden is made manifest. It is a hard struggle until the sin is openly admitted. But God breaks gates of brass and bars of iron (Ps. 107.16).””

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Confession reveals sin, breaking isolation and allowing communal healing.

In simple terms: Confession brings hidden sin into light, restoring community.

Key Takeaway

Confess to reconnect with others.

Themes

sin confession community isolation

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

spiritual didactic

When to use this quote

  • church groups
  • therapy sessions
  • personal reflection
  • support groups

Key Concepts

theology psychology spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities support those confessing?
  • What barriers prevent honest confession?
A Different Perspective

Confession can be painful and may not guarantee immediate change.

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