Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession

In reading this book I was regularly surprised by unexpected depths. Hahn is wiser than he seems because he strives to write at a simple and popular level. This book is also well-organized and documented, and will serve as an excellent guide to anyone seeking to understand the classic Roman Catholic theology of sacramental confession. I found this to be a book of firm and orderly persuasion, calling Catholics (like me) back to a sacrament that has become astonishingly neglected. Hahn finds a biblical foreshadowing of confession in the Old Testament sacrifices: the sinner was required to personally offer God something costly and difficult in satisfaction for his sins. This is not the only way Hahn presents confession; he also speaks of it as healing and reconciliation, and devotes a chapter to the parable of the Prodigal Son. Hahn also knits together four aspects of the Atonement: economic, military, liturgical and legal -- all under one heading, that of Covenant. Only from the over-arching perspective of God's Covenant with us in Christ, he says, can we understand the full mystery of reconciliation. Hahn also makes the valuable point that when we tell ourselves self-excusing stories, we cut ourselves dangerously loose from reality. We all do this, to a greater or lesser degree, and it takes great effort to resist it and practice honest, but we must realize that we are in God's all-seeing presence all the time anyway. We must grow to tolerate that light, because it is the only light there is; all else is confusion and darkness. This is just one of Hahn's many thought-provoking discussions.

Catholic and finding it difficult to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Confession? Using the old excuse of "I don't need a priest to confess"? Really wanting to go to confession but don't know how or where to start the process? Wondering why the Sacrament even exists? Well, look no further -- this book answers all of these questions. Scott Hahn does a fine job of asking these questions, answering them, and (what is so very useful to Catholics who are not Bible-literate) shows the Biblical basis for the Sacrament of Confession. Hahn's style of writing lends to quick, easy reading. Yet, it is so very powerful. I now use various chapters of the book in preparation for Confession.Catholic and going to Confession regularly? Still get this book. I think it will only deepen your love for the Sacrament and for the Faith.

This book is by far the BEST book by Dr. Hahn that I have had the privilege to read! Rome Sweet Home was very good, The Lamb's Supper was an eye opener, and Hail, Holy Queen touched my heart, but Lord, Have Mercy is a beautiful examination and explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation /Confession / Penance. He refers to Sacred Scripture as well as the Early Church Fathers, with a profound sense of humor and reverence at the same time. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know the Catholic faith better as well as someone who just wants to understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation in all it's beauty. Thanks Scott and God Bless you!

This is another thoroughly enjoyable and insightful book by Dr. Hahn. I highly recommend this book for Catholic and non-Catholic alike. This is a timely and much needed book covering a topic and sacrament apparently and sadly underutilized by many Christians. Dr. Hahn with a characteristic positive approach shows how confession as a wonderful gift not only heals and reconciles but also grooms and maintains the Christian on the right path. One could hardly discuss the sacrament of Confession without looking into what drives the need for reconciliation and that is of course sin. Using scriptural examples like the prodigal son, and St. Augustine's "Confessions", the author effectively illustrates our basic weakness toward sin in ways I hadn't considered before (for example I hadn't considered much the role of the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son). I also liked the discussion of how sin affects the whole mystical body of Christ and how its strength is found in the sacrament of penance. There's lots of good stuff in this book. I picked up a copy of this book before catching a flight for Pittsburgh and then on to Steubenville for my niece's graduation. I drove my niece to Steubenville from Washington State 4 years ago and loved the faithful Catholic university environment. This time for the graduation, I had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Hahn after Sunday mass.

With a style that is engaging and a content that is challenging, Scott Hahn lays out the scriptural foundation for repentance and confession, along with the history of the development of the sacrament. This is lucid theology! It is also a practical guide for those who find confession difficult. A real eye-opener, this book is a convincing testimony why -- like bathing -- we need confession often.