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Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession
An illuminating, reassuring explanation of the Catholic Church’s teachings on confession and forgiveness by the bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper and Hail, Holy Queen.
Jesus told his first clergy, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” In Lord, Have Mercy , Scott Hahn explores the sacrament of reconciliation and shows why it is the key to spiritual growth, particularly in these times of intense anxiety and uncertainty.
Drawing on the history of ancient Israel, the Gospels, the writings of the early Church, and the lives of the saints, Hahn reveals the living, scriptural heart of the Church’s teachings on penance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It is a story that begins with the sin of Adam and Eve, continues in the biographies of Moses, King David, and the Apostle Peter, and reverberates in the lives of believers today. Hahn presents the Catholic and biblical perspective on sin and mercy, elucidating in clear, easily understood language the true import of Jesus’ simple, yet profound promise–“I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved (John 10:9).
Like Hahn’s earlier books, Lord, Have Mercy offers thoughtful, authoritative insights into controversial issues and disputed doctrines in a manner that will enlighten lay readers yet is thorough enough for scholars to appreciate. More than just a Bible study, it is a guide for the perplexed, providing practical advice and inspiration that will help readers come to a deeper knowledge of themselves and of Jesus through the sacrament of penance.
Jesus told his first clergy, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” In Lord, Have Mercy , Scott Hahn explores the sacrament of reconciliation and shows why it is the key to spiritual growth, particularly in these times of intense anxiety and uncertainty.
Drawing on the history of ancient Israel, the Gospels, the writings of the early Church, and the lives of the saints, Hahn reveals the living, scriptural heart of the Church’s teachings on penance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It is a story that begins with the sin of Adam and Eve, continues in the biographies of Moses, King David, and the Apostle Peter, and reverberates in the lives of believers today. Hahn presents the Catholic and biblical perspective on sin and mercy, elucidating in clear, easily understood language the true import of Jesus’ simple, yet profound promise–“I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved (John 10:9).
Like Hahn’s earlier books, Lord, Have Mercy offers thoughtful, authoritative insights into controversial issues and disputed doctrines in a manner that will enlighten lay readers yet is thorough enough for scholars to appreciate. More than just a Bible study, it is a guide for the perplexed, providing practical advice and inspiration that will help readers come to a deeper knowledge of themselves and of Jesus through the sacrament of penance.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2003
114 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
415 books1,326 followersScott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 1, 2018
I am reading this book second time. The book is very apt for the Lenten reading. We are living in a world where the persons loose their prick of conscience in their lives. This situation will lead us into a havoc. In day to day lives we see how people are going after many problems. Scott Hahn gave a great understanding about the sin and its consequences in our lives. We all need to come out of the situation which makes our head bow and go sad. We need to look to the world and say I am saved because Christ has saved me with His own blood. The confession is the best medicine to cure the sickness of our souls. Scott Hahn through these pages teaches us how to get ready for a good confession and how to be part of God's love. Read this book I recommend to all of you, if you have some doubts about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the book will clarify it.
July 21, 2014
Lord, Have Mercy is Scott Hahn's book on Confession. This too was a book I read as an early Catholic. As a former Protestant, Confession was one of the areas I had the most difficulty with. I don't think it was because of the common Protestant view of, "Why go to a priest, when I can just go straight to God?" No. This was a basic human fear of being judged by another human and how they will look at me after I am done confessing my sins. I don't know why, and I know it doesn't make any sense, but I still have that fear. Why are we afraid of what other people think of us, and not what God thinks of us?
In this book, Scott Hahn details the origins and history of the Sacrament. He explains the covenantal connections related to Confession, and he also explains the best example we have of Confession in the Bible - the Prodigal Son. Re-reading this book years later, I have a new appreciation for chapters 10 through 12. In this chapters, he gives advice on how to make Confession more meaningful and goes so far as to compare it to combat/warfare. Combat and warfare used to be more widely preached, but we have steered away from that now unfortunately. We have to remember though, that Satan is after our souls and everyday we are involved in a cosmic war where we must choose God and good over Satan and evil. The appendices also proved helpful as they walk you through how Confession takes place; prayers you can say before, during, and after; and an examination of Conscience.
This was a very helpful book on Confession and one that I am sure I will visit again, until I finally get over my fear of Confession. However, I think the cure for that will be to go more frequently. If you are struggling with Confession, I recommend this book for you. If you have Protestant friends or family who want to know what the point of Confession is, then recommend this book to them, or read it yourself and you can answer their questions. Anyone could benefit from reading this book though.
In this book, Scott Hahn details the origins and history of the Sacrament. He explains the covenantal connections related to Confession, and he also explains the best example we have of Confession in the Bible - the Prodigal Son. Re-reading this book years later, I have a new appreciation for chapters 10 through 12. In this chapters, he gives advice on how to make Confession more meaningful and goes so far as to compare it to combat/warfare. Combat and warfare used to be more widely preached, but we have steered away from that now unfortunately. We have to remember though, that Satan is after our souls and everyday we are involved in a cosmic war where we must choose God and good over Satan and evil. The appendices also proved helpful as they walk you through how Confession takes place; prayers you can say before, during, and after; and an examination of Conscience.
This was a very helpful book on Confession and one that I am sure I will visit again, until I finally get over my fear of Confession. However, I think the cure for that will be to go more frequently. If you are struggling with Confession, I recommend this book for you. If you have Protestant friends or family who want to know what the point of Confession is, then recommend this book to them, or read it yourself and you can answer their questions. Anyone could benefit from reading this book though.
May 21, 2016
I usually get carried away and write big long review's for Scott Hahn's books but I'm not going to this time. "Lord Have Mercy" is a much more personal book for the reader than any other book I've read of his. It's a wonderful book, which goes without saying, whenever I've read Hahn, I've underlined so many things and filled it with marginalia. Scott takes us through "Confession", which is known by many different names through the ages and even now we no longer call it that but "Reconciliation". As one can expect from the author he delves into the origins of the sacrament from its use, practice and purpose in the Old Testament. He goes deeply into the whys and wherefores with his usual light bulb moments and engrossing information. But it is when he starts getting into the how that the book becomes personal for the reader, as I personally experienced anyway. How we should practice confession as Catholics, examine our consciences, how often, the actual "healing power" of the sacrament for those who practice it as a staple of Catholicity. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful and exhilarating practice of our faith but it is also easy to slip out of the habit and this book gives much food for thought, is so very educational and uplifting.
October 16, 2023
I wish I could give it 10 stars. Forgiveness and Mercy given and received.
August 31, 2008
April 22, 2009 -- I just read this for the second time and changed the rating from 4 stars to 5. Its amazing how much Scott Hahn has learned since I read the book last time. :P
Seriously, I got a lot out of it this time around. I think last time I was too afraid that what he said was true, that I didn't really listen. :/
Recommended for anyone, even if you are not Catholic. Lots of good stuff in this book. Like I didn't realize that Martin Luther believed Confession should stay in the Church, and that C.S. Lewis confessed regularly to an Anglican priest.
Seriously, I got a lot out of it this time around. I think last time I was too afraid that what he said was true, that I didn't really listen. :/
Recommended for anyone, even if you are not Catholic. Lots of good stuff in this book. Like I didn't realize that Martin Luther believed Confession should stay in the Church, and that C.S. Lewis confessed regularly to an Anglican priest.
January 27, 2025
Fairly basic-but-beneficial reminders of the necessity and goodness of confession generally, and the Catholic view of the sacrament in particular.
September 16, 2009
Good book; it's going onto my wishlist to buy. It seemed rather too short, although it may have been just me and others would find this to be just the right length. Again as with The Lamb's Supper, it seemed rushed in places; or perhaps it's me - maybe I didn't understand exactly how things tied in. Some of content seemed to be for the purpose of explaining and defending the practice of confession to Protestants, which is I suppose understandable since Scott Hahn used to be one and probably wishes to explain Catholic ideas in these books. I saw a sort of complaint in another review about the cryptic chapter headings, and I must agree - I think he was trying to be funny, but it wasn't helpful if you wanted to re-read something or understand the main idea of the chapter. The appendices (prayers and examination of conscience) are helpful.
July 24, 2008
good, but not as good as Rome Sweet Rome or The Lambs Supper, in my opinion.
July 17, 2012
This book is on the sacrament confession. His intended audience is Catholic but there’s plenty of information on the scriptural justification for interested Protestants. He goes into why we need confession, what happens to us when we do or don’t confess, how to make a good confession, and more. His presentation of the stories of Original Sin and the Prodigal Son were excellent. There were a few places where I wished he would go into more detail but overall the book was very edifying. I expect I will read this book again.
I thoroughly enjoy this book by Scott Hahn. I find his writing style to be clear and concise. His explanations using history, anthropology, scripture, and philosophy really appeal to me.
I thoroughly enjoy this book by Scott Hahn. I find his writing style to be clear and concise. His explanations using history, anthropology, scripture, and philosophy really appeal to me.
April 30, 2011
My favorite contemporary Catholic theologian, Scott Hahn, always does a great job explaining deep and complex religious teachings in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, and this book is no exception. He focuses on salvation history as the history of our family covenant with God and explains how the Sacrament of Reconciliation restores us to life in that covenant. He provides detailed citations from Scripture and describes the Old Testament roots that gave rise to the Sacrament in the early Church. I definitely feel inspired now to get the most out of the Sacrament the next time I receive it!
March 2, 2009
This book was very helpful. I just wish he wouldn't have used such cryptic chapter headings, so I would know where to go back to if I want to re-read something.
I felt the two best chapters were 6 and 10. Chapter 6 describes the reason we sin and the punishments for sin in a way that I have never heard before. Very enlightening.
Chapter 10 describes what penance is and the importance of acts of penance and having an attitude of penance.
I felt the two best chapters were 6 and 10. Chapter 6 describes the reason we sin and the punishments for sin in a way that I have never heard before. Very enlightening.
Chapter 10 describes what penance is and the importance of acts of penance and having an attitude of penance.
December 30, 2011
A good primer on confession, why we need it, how we should go about it, and the power contained in this sacrament to truly liberate us. Reading this book is a reminder that confession is not punishment, but the healing salve of salvation offered by a loving God to heal the burning of a rebellious soul.
June 3, 2012
Scott Hahn is the most eloquent theologian of our time. If you are a Catholic that cannot explain to those who are not the "grace" received from the sacrament of Confession and the benefits of it, this is the book for you.
June 22, 2013
Scott Hahn is one of the more knowledgeable Catholic writers out there, and his examination of the Catholic Church's Sacrament of Reconciliation was engaging and deeply meaningful to me. I enjoy learning more about my faith, and this book provided valuable insight to me.
February 11, 2015
This is an incredible book. Once again, Scott Hahn does a great job painting the picture of confession and why we truly desire a new heart given to us by our Lord. After reading this book, I feel like I'm in a better mindset to understand sin and concupiscence.
September 22, 2007
Contemporary explanation on why people need to have the sacrament of reconciliation
April 29, 2017
Informative and inspiring.
July 2, 2009
Good book about the Sacrament of Confession. Loved the scriptural foundation from the Old Testament.
Want to read
July 30, 2016Material for Lenten Penance Service
December 6, 2012
an excellent extended meditation on the Sacrament of Reconciliation
December 20, 2011
This book gave me a totally different perspective on confession and why it's done in the Catholic Church.
October 21, 2012
Awesome book
February 14, 2013
Cogent, intelligent, articulate
November 30, 2013
Could read it over and over again....fascinates me....depth and value of forgiveness...and many more things - very deep to express
August 15, 2014
Excellent book about the power of confession. If you are struggling with this sacrament, this book is for you!
March 13, 2018
Confession has a bit of a bad name, and it happens to be a major Catholic sacrament, and so it little surprise that the author would want to talk about it as part of his collection of books celebrating Catholic practice and belief for the lay Catholic reader. Now, unlike most people, I don't have a great deal of problem with the idea of confession [1], despite the fact that I see a great deal of discontinuity between Catholic practice and its biblical roots. Even so, despite the fact that I am fairly critical of the author's quest to justify the behavior of the Roman Catholic Church and the fact that the authorities the author mentions are not always ones I consider remotely relevant or valid, there is still at least something worthwhile here. Even the weaker arguments the author presents about doing penance in one's relationship when one has done wrong, weak because one cannot induce reconciliation and the performance of deeds in penance need not have any positive benefit whatsoever on a relationship where there is estrangement and brokenness due to sin, still have a certain charm to them in that the author is wrestling with the practical outgrowth of an attitude of repentance.
This book consists of thirteen chapters and three appendices that together take up about 200 pages, which is where most of the author's books seem to rest in terms of their length. The author begins with a look at his own youthful career as a juvenile delinquent and what prompted him to the seriousness of confession (1) before looking at acts of contrition being at the roots of penance (2). After this the author looks at confession being a new heavenly order despite its roots in the Hebrew scriptures (3) and some comments on the fact that for confession to be valid it must be honest (4). The author looks at sin as being what's wrong with the world (5) in the manner of Chesterton before looking at the sweetness of forgiveness from sin and reconciliation with God and with others (6). The author looks at confession as a covenant, which is a bit strained of a comparison (7) while also looking at the Prodigal Son in the fashion of Nouwen (8). After discussing the way that there is no home away from home for believers, whatever that means (9), the author examines some supposed secrets of winning penance in suffering pain (10), which has some ominous roots in Catholic historical practice that the author all too quickly skips over. A discussion of some habits of highly effective (?) penitents (11), the use of confession as spiritual combat on the home front (12) and a discussion of the open door of reconciliation close the book (13) before the author gives three appendices that discuss the rite of reconciliation, prayers, and the detailed and harsh examination of conscience that takes place in the Catholic rite.
In reading this book I had a variety of complicated thoughts and feelings. On the one hand, the author's discussion of the Confession as it takes place in the Catholic tradition has a lot to do with the sort of counseling between members and the ministry that my own religious tradition is familiar with, including the painful and awkward discussion of sin and the goal ministers have in encouraging reconciliation between members as privately and tactfully as possible, sometimes with various actions being taken as a sign of good faith. On the other hand, this book is unfamiliar in all kinds of strange ways, largely because of the impenetrable language relating to the Catholic church. The Bible commands repentance, while the Catholic Church (and this author) talk much about penance, which opens the door to that works salvation that troubled the Reformers so much. If the author refers to the deeds of penance of being the demonstration of an interior repentance, then I'm not as bothered by that, although the knowing pain to get the gain of reconciliation in confession sounds altogether too masochistic to be legitimate biblical faith. The author tries to put the most positive spin on Catholic practices, but although there is a great deal here worth discussing and pondering, ultimately the Catholicity of the book is not biblical enough to compel assent even if the subject of repentance and confession and reconciliation and the importance of having rituals and oaths relating to these matters is an important and worthwhile one.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
This book consists of thirteen chapters and three appendices that together take up about 200 pages, which is where most of the author's books seem to rest in terms of their length. The author begins with a look at his own youthful career as a juvenile delinquent and what prompted him to the seriousness of confession (1) before looking at acts of contrition being at the roots of penance (2). After this the author looks at confession being a new heavenly order despite its roots in the Hebrew scriptures (3) and some comments on the fact that for confession to be valid it must be honest (4). The author looks at sin as being what's wrong with the world (5) in the manner of Chesterton before looking at the sweetness of forgiveness from sin and reconciliation with God and with others (6). The author looks at confession as a covenant, which is a bit strained of a comparison (7) while also looking at the Prodigal Son in the fashion of Nouwen (8). After discussing the way that there is no home away from home for believers, whatever that means (9), the author examines some supposed secrets of winning penance in suffering pain (10), which has some ominous roots in Catholic historical practice that the author all too quickly skips over. A discussion of some habits of highly effective (?) penitents (11), the use of confession as spiritual combat on the home front (12) and a discussion of the open door of reconciliation close the book (13) before the author gives three appendices that discuss the rite of reconciliation, prayers, and the detailed and harsh examination of conscience that takes place in the Catholic rite.
In reading this book I had a variety of complicated thoughts and feelings. On the one hand, the author's discussion of the Confession as it takes place in the Catholic tradition has a lot to do with the sort of counseling between members and the ministry that my own religious tradition is familiar with, including the painful and awkward discussion of sin and the goal ministers have in encouraging reconciliation between members as privately and tactfully as possible, sometimes with various actions being taken as a sign of good faith. On the other hand, this book is unfamiliar in all kinds of strange ways, largely because of the impenetrable language relating to the Catholic church. The Bible commands repentance, while the Catholic Church (and this author) talk much about penance, which opens the door to that works salvation that troubled the Reformers so much. If the author refers to the deeds of penance of being the demonstration of an interior repentance, then I'm not as bothered by that, although the knowing pain to get the gain of reconciliation in confession sounds altogether too masochistic to be legitimate biblical faith. The author tries to put the most positive spin on Catholic practices, but although there is a great deal here worth discussing and pondering, ultimately the Catholicity of the book is not biblical enough to compel assent even if the subject of repentance and confession and reconciliation and the importance of having rituals and oaths relating to these matters is an important and worthwhile one.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
October 31, 2024
TL:DR - 4 stars. Returning to this to write a review after re-visiting my notes on it. Failing to repent & confess participates in the (literal) distortion of reality. When I originally read this I was attending a new, more liturgical denomination with a larger emphasis on structured confession, so I wanted to read up on it. All in all an enjoyable read. That said, I don't think some of the frameworks Hahn leverages are useful.
There's something both refreshing and frustrating about Hahn's treatise on confession and divine mercy. While he powerfully articulates confession's role in realigning consciousness with divine reality, he remains too wedded to what I might call an institutional metaphysics - treating ecclesiastical structures not as mediums through which divine reality manifests itself, but as somehow prior to and constitutive of that manifestation. This could just be a Protestant allergic reaction to Catholic institutionalism, perhaps my Catholic moots will hand over their opinions.
That said, Hahn really gets hits the nail on the head about the nature of sin, though - it's not just breaking rules, it's actually distorting reality itself. When he writes that sin involves "bending the fabric of reality," he's touching on something profound - the idea that consciousness and reality are intrinsically connected. His engagement with Augustine's insight that we only desire good things (but in disordered ways) is particularly lit and resonates with my own belief that consciousness is fundamentally oriented toward seeking the divine.
I especially appreciate Hahn's emphasis on the communal and cosmic dimensions of sin and redemption. His idea of how sin affects not just individual souls but the entire web of relationships and reality itself aligns with what I've written about consciousness being inherently participatory. "No sin is an island," is a great reminder, even with innocuous sins.
However - and here's where the frustration comes in - Hahn remains too wedded to a juridical and institutional framework that, I believe, ultimately limits his vision. While he beautifully describes divine mercy as "the sum and substance of God's power, wisdom, and goodness," he still operates within a paradigm where mercy and justice are held in tension rather than seeing them as ultimately the same reality viewed from different angles.
Let me explain this concern using through both longwinded theological mutterings and a practical example. I believe that we need to move beyond seeing divine justice and mercy as competing forces that need to be "balanced" - as if God were a judge trying to find the right mix of severity and leniency. Let me give you a concrete example. Hahn, following traditional Catholic theology, treats confession as a juridical process where justice and mercy meet - the priest acts as both judge and physician, penalties are assigned, and justice is satisfied while mercy is extended. This framework suggests that justice demands punishment while mercy seeks to mitigate it.
But I would argue this misses something fundamental. Consider how a good parent relates to a child who has done something harmful. The parent's correction isn't about satisfying some abstract demand for justice that exists in tension with their love and mercy. Rather, their "justice" (correction) and their "mercy" (love) are the same thing viewed from different angles - both are expressions of their desire for the child's genuine good.
As such, divine attributes aren't different "parts" of God that need to be balanced against each other. They're human ways of describing different aspects of the same simple divine reality. When we treat justice and mercy as opposing forces that need to be balanced, we're imposing our human institutional frameworks onto divine reality. Think of it this way: if I'm trying to help someone overcome an addiction, my "justice" (holding them accountable) and my "mercy" (showing them compassion) aren't really separate things - they're both expressions of the same loving concern for their well-being. The distinction between justice and mercy exists in our limited perspective, not in the underlying reality of love itself.
That said, moving on from this critique, Hahn's treatment of divine wrath as metaphorical rather than emotional is important, but I would push this insight in a different direction. We must absolutely reject any notion that suffering and evil are somehow part of God's plan or divine pedagogy (something I’ve peddled as a solution in the past, and have had plenty of Christians awkwardly say as well in the face of brute suffering). These are not tools God uses, even medicinally. When we speak of divine justice, we're not talking about God using evil remedially, but rather about God's ultimate triumph over evil despite its radical contingency and meaninglessness. God may bring good out of evil, but this is very different from saying God uses evil as medicine. Consciousness can experience its consequences in ways that prompt recognition of its alienation from its true nature- but this isn't God wielding suffering as a tool, but rather consciousness discovering through its own experience of alienation its fundamental orientation toward the Good.
Regardless, this is a valuable book that takes both sin and mercy seriously. It's worth reading for anyone interested in understanding traditional Christian approaches to confession and divine mercy, and, as an ex-evangelical that is finding home in a more liturgical denomination, its helped me understand the importance of confession and participating in the ‘restoration of the world’.
There's something both refreshing and frustrating about Hahn's treatise on confession and divine mercy. While he powerfully articulates confession's role in realigning consciousness with divine reality, he remains too wedded to what I might call an institutional metaphysics - treating ecclesiastical structures not as mediums through which divine reality manifests itself, but as somehow prior to and constitutive of that manifestation. This could just be a Protestant allergic reaction to Catholic institutionalism, perhaps my Catholic moots will hand over their opinions.
That said, Hahn really gets hits the nail on the head about the nature of sin, though - it's not just breaking rules, it's actually distorting reality itself. When he writes that sin involves "bending the fabric of reality," he's touching on something profound - the idea that consciousness and reality are intrinsically connected. His engagement with Augustine's insight that we only desire good things (but in disordered ways) is particularly lit and resonates with my own belief that consciousness is fundamentally oriented toward seeking the divine.
I especially appreciate Hahn's emphasis on the communal and cosmic dimensions of sin and redemption. His idea of how sin affects not just individual souls but the entire web of relationships and reality itself aligns with what I've written about consciousness being inherently participatory. "No sin is an island," is a great reminder, even with innocuous sins.
However - and here's where the frustration comes in - Hahn remains too wedded to a juridical and institutional framework that, I believe, ultimately limits his vision. While he beautifully describes divine mercy as "the sum and substance of God's power, wisdom, and goodness," he still operates within a paradigm where mercy and justice are held in tension rather than seeing them as ultimately the same reality viewed from different angles.
Let me explain this concern using through both longwinded theological mutterings and a practical example. I believe that we need to move beyond seeing divine justice and mercy as competing forces that need to be "balanced" - as if God were a judge trying to find the right mix of severity and leniency. Let me give you a concrete example. Hahn, following traditional Catholic theology, treats confession as a juridical process where justice and mercy meet - the priest acts as both judge and physician, penalties are assigned, and justice is satisfied while mercy is extended. This framework suggests that justice demands punishment while mercy seeks to mitigate it.
But I would argue this misses something fundamental. Consider how a good parent relates to a child who has done something harmful. The parent's correction isn't about satisfying some abstract demand for justice that exists in tension with their love and mercy. Rather, their "justice" (correction) and their "mercy" (love) are the same thing viewed from different angles - both are expressions of their desire for the child's genuine good.
As such, divine attributes aren't different "parts" of God that need to be balanced against each other. They're human ways of describing different aspects of the same simple divine reality. When we treat justice and mercy as opposing forces that need to be balanced, we're imposing our human institutional frameworks onto divine reality. Think of it this way: if I'm trying to help someone overcome an addiction, my "justice" (holding them accountable) and my "mercy" (showing them compassion) aren't really separate things - they're both expressions of the same loving concern for their well-being. The distinction between justice and mercy exists in our limited perspective, not in the underlying reality of love itself.
That said, moving on from this critique, Hahn's treatment of divine wrath as metaphorical rather than emotional is important, but I would push this insight in a different direction. We must absolutely reject any notion that suffering and evil are somehow part of God's plan or divine pedagogy (something I’ve peddled as a solution in the past, and have had plenty of Christians awkwardly say as well in the face of brute suffering). These are not tools God uses, even medicinally. When we speak of divine justice, we're not talking about God using evil remedially, but rather about God's ultimate triumph over evil despite its radical contingency and meaninglessness. God may bring good out of evil, but this is very different from saying God uses evil as medicine. Consciousness can experience its consequences in ways that prompt recognition of its alienation from its true nature- but this isn't God wielding suffering as a tool, but rather consciousness discovering through its own experience of alienation its fundamental orientation toward the Good.
Regardless, this is a valuable book that takes both sin and mercy seriously. It's worth reading for anyone interested in understanding traditional Christian approaches to confession and divine mercy, and, as an ex-evangelical that is finding home in a more liturgical denomination, its helped me understand the importance of confession and participating in the ‘restoration of the world’.
July 21, 2021
Nailing at the core of human development and transformation alike, this book is a mandatory reading for Catholics and Protestants, believers and non-believers, and anyone interested on the real transformation of society...
August 10, 2014
Scott Hahn does it again. This time in a 177 page volume, he explains the origin, history, and necessity of Confession. As someone who is joining the Catholic Church and has completed RCIA, I think this book adds a lot to what was not covered in our classes. I think Dr. Hahn’s books should be utilized in RCIA — or at least they were not in my classes.
Don’t think this is a book for just the non-Catholic, I truly believe Dr. Hahn’s books are fantastic for anyone. My fiancé is a cradle Catholic, and because of me learning about the Catholicism, he has been enriched as well. Sometimes things become rote, and that’s not what our faith is about, it should be living and dynamic, and I think that reading Lord Have Mercy will give you a new appreciation for Confession. I admit, I picked up this book because as a Catholic convert, I am nervous about this sacrament. This book has put my fears at ease, and in fact, I’m looking forward to when I will be able to make my first Confession.
As with many of Dr. Hahn’s books, this took me a long time to read. They are so full of great information I want to ruminate on them. One of my favorite parts was where he explained why our sin does not cease to exist once it is forgiven, we live with the consequences. He picked apart the common Protestant teaching that God turned his back on Jesus while He was on the cross. This is something I heard my whole life, and when I read why Dr. Hahn feels it is an incorrect teaching, it felt so freeing, and helped me understand my sin and its consequences all the more. We can’t think “Oh, this is just a little sin” because it still separates us from God — and therefore we need confession.
I also learned why Dr. Hahn thinks regular confession is a good idea. I know at one local church they didn’t even have a confessional until recent renovations. Penitents had to go with the priest to a room off the kitchen. Yet, in years past, there would be lines of people on Saturday evenings. Maybe they knew something we have lost along the years?
This is a book I will be referring back to quite a bit in the future. It’s an excellent work, and one I believe should be in every Catholic’s library.
FTC disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Don’t think this is a book for just the non-Catholic, I truly believe Dr. Hahn’s books are fantastic for anyone. My fiancé is a cradle Catholic, and because of me learning about the Catholicism, he has been enriched as well. Sometimes things become rote, and that’s not what our faith is about, it should be living and dynamic, and I think that reading Lord Have Mercy will give you a new appreciation for Confession. I admit, I picked up this book because as a Catholic convert, I am nervous about this sacrament. This book has put my fears at ease, and in fact, I’m looking forward to when I will be able to make my first Confession.
As with many of Dr. Hahn’s books, this took me a long time to read. They are so full of great information I want to ruminate on them. One of my favorite parts was where he explained why our sin does not cease to exist once it is forgiven, we live with the consequences. He picked apart the common Protestant teaching that God turned his back on Jesus while He was on the cross. This is something I heard my whole life, and when I read why Dr. Hahn feels it is an incorrect teaching, it felt so freeing, and helped me understand my sin and its consequences all the more. We can’t think “Oh, this is just a little sin” because it still separates us from God — and therefore we need confession.
I also learned why Dr. Hahn thinks regular confession is a good idea. I know at one local church they didn’t even have a confessional until recent renovations. Penitents had to go with the priest to a room off the kitchen. Yet, in years past, there would be lines of people on Saturday evenings. Maybe they knew something we have lost along the years?
This is a book I will be referring back to quite a bit in the future. It’s an excellent work, and one I believe should be in every Catholic’s library.
FTC disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2018
Dr. Hahn is an acknowledged master at making grand theological concepts intelligible and personal. This short book sums up 2000 years of Catholic teaching on the sacrament of Confession. It is a beautiful book.
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