Britain's only Christian radio station...
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Britain's only Christian radio station is launching an online "confession box" for sinful Web surfers who feel the need to repent. The site allows users to file their wrongdoings in return for a comforting Bible text. The gravity of the offense is not considered in the choice of texts and grievous wrongs get the same treatment as lesser ones. Visitors to the site see a series of contemplative texts and a page offering a chance to type out their confession with the assurance that it will be kept private. Peter Kerridge, managing director of the station said, "When people allocate a little time in their life to review what they are doing and how it will impact upon others, it's undoubtedly of considerable spiritual benefit."
The Pharisee in this parable of Jesus would have enjoyed having such a service at his disposal. It would have saved him a trip. For he certainly "reviewed what he was doing and its impact upon others." But it was no confession. His reflection focused only on what he thought was good about himself. He did not face up to his guilt. He did not weigh the possibility that he had deeply offended God. He did not seek mercy as did the Publican. And he did not receive forgiveness and acceptance by God.
The Pharisee in this parable of Jesus would have enjoyed having such a service at his disposal. It would have saved him a trip. For he certainly "reviewed what he was doing and its impact upon others." But it was no confession. His reflection focused only on what he thought was good about himself. He did not face up to his guilt. He did not weigh the possibility that he had deeply offended God. He did not seek mercy as did the Publican. And he did not receive forgiveness and acceptance by God.
