Karl Menninger, [1]the author of the great classic Whatever Became of Sin, observed that humans have become less aware of their own sinfulness. Menninger, as far as I know, was not an Orthodox Christian, but he has a far better grasp of the nature of sin than many in our own day. He writes: “Humans have become more numerous, but scarcely more moral.”[2] We are barely aware of our own sinfulness in our culture. As the mainline denominations continue to shrink, religion scholars are wondering what in the world is going on? The answer is simple. If you do not preach sin, you will not preach the need for salvation. If you do not make parishioners aware of their shortcomings, confession becomes meaningless. But as Paul said to the Hebrews, “ I expect better from you.” As we come and kneel for confession this morning, let us come aware of our faults, but also confiding in the grace of Jesus Christ.
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