Comparative Theology, book by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

Repentance and experiences

Our Protestant brethren consider repentance an experience, and encourage repentant to inform people of their experiences. So you hear from them the expression: “I was so and so, and now I have become so and so”. The repentant continues to recount his previous sins in front of everybody without shame, covering his sins with the grace he has now attained. If he keeps silent, he will be asked: “Tell us about your experiences.” but Orthodoxy forbids these narrations as they mainly involve boasting of the change, which the repentant has reached.