The author overviews the theological and spiritual background of the sacrament of reconciliation, and offers practical suggestions for the practice of hearing and making a confession.
I am a former Roman Catholic who had not "received" the Sacrament of Penance for 30 years. I am now Episcopalian and found myself recently fascinated with "forgiveness, reconciliation, confession" - Episcopal Style. Martin Smith's book is one which touches the heart of the matter and leads the reader to appreciate what Reconciliation can mean to those who will choose to experience it through private reception from a priest.
Good Instructional Tool
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Martin Smith has provided a very helpful tool in this book. I found the book provides background on the topic based in Scriptures and there were several nice follow up study tips. I would recommend this to anyone, Lay or Clergy, interested in the topic of reconcilliation and this book is also a nice source for study and mediation.
Think on these things
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
As a "new" Episcopalian (Oct. 98), brought up Baptist, with many misconceptions about confession, I thank Martin Smith for writing this book. It is a cogent and loving explanation of the rite of reconciliation and reading it was a very positive experience. The Episcopal church does not require confession, or reconciliation, as it is called, and maybe that is why it comes across more as a privledge than a duty. I have recommended this book to non-Episcopals as a helpful way of self-examination. All of them welcomed the opportunity it represents for reflection.
A great blessing to the church
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is a wonderful book. As some background: my experience as a cradle Roman Catholic left me with enough baggage about sacremental confession to sink an aircraft carrier. Martin's book presented confession as a way to celebrate and experience the acceptance and forgiveness of a loving God rather than the censure of a judgemental human. Its on my top 10 for required spiritual reading (along with anything else Martin Smith writes).
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