CONFESSION OF SINS. The word confession has a twofold meaning that can be partially explained by etymology. The Latin confiteor, from which confession derives, means specifically "to confess a sin or fault," but also, in a more general...

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, acknowledgment of sinfulness, in public or private, regarded as necessary for divine forgiveness. In the Temple period, Yom Kippur included a collective expression of sinfulness, and the day continues in Judaism as one...

He that jokes, confesses. (Italian) The man who sleeps does not confess. (Yoruban) A fault confessed is half redressed. (Portuguese) Confess and be hanged. (Portuguese) Confessed faults are half mended. (Scottish) Confession is as healing medicine to...

*Sin must be confronted and confessed before it can be forgiven. In the days of the *Temple, sin offerings accompanied by *prayer were an important part of the sacrificial ritual. In the *synagogue liturgy, confession of sin is regularly made and is...

An oral or written statement acknowledging...

Confession of sins is part of the Christian faith and practice (James 5:16). The meaning is essentially the same as the criminal one – to admit one's guilt. Confession of one's sins, or at least of one's sinfulness, is seen by most churches as a...