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THE DANGERS OF CONFESSION
disclosure be as humiliating. Nevertheless sadism and
masochism can reveal themselves under these circumstances. A
desire to make others suffer is, however, often shown in the
attitude towards the spiritual adviser of sadistic persons, who
see in him a victim. He should always be on guard against any
revelation of feeling that will nourish this tendency.
The private Christian confession has other dangers. As we
have pointed out, it can become an empty form. This risk is of
course greater when confession is enjoined as part of a legalistic
system which demands that confession be made at regular
intervals. But the danger of individuals getting into a habit of
confessing must always be guarded against, as must the attitude
of mind that regards confession as obligatory under all
circumstances, for oneself or others.
A trait known as ‘exhibitionism’ in medical psychology has |
its analogy in the spiritual and religious life. There are people
who have a morbid desire to uncover themselves. For these,
confession is often a means to enjoyment. A religious leader once
warned Christians against what he called ‘spiritual nudism’.
Frankness is demanded in the confession; but frankness can
include something unnatural. In human beings there is found
both a natural openness and a natural reserve. It is not a
question of different types, of introversion or extraversion. It is
something constitutive of all human nature. Frankness in
confession serves a purpose. When it is served the human being has
the right to return to himself. It is not normal or natural for a
human being to live in a showcase. Even if it were possible
physically, our essential being would be harmed by the attempt
to do it mentally and spiritually. Every person has the right
to a private life. If confession deteriorates so that it deprives the
individual of this right, it does more harm than good. In this
connection restraint and respect are required both in the spiritual
adviser and in the person confessing.
Finally, another danger of confession must be mentioned.
It is analogous to the danger that arises in psychological
treatment through the ‘transference’. It is a certain quality that may
develop in the relationship between the spiritual adviser and the
penitent, through which the penitent feels psychically
dependent upon the adviser as is a child upon its parent.
The experience of personal contact with those who come to
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