The alleviation of being acknowledged by God as a heathen can never be known by one who never thought himself unaccepted or sinful. But then today, one is continually knowing about “good Christians.” There were no good Christians in the first church, just sinners. Peter never let himself or his listeners overlook his betrayal in the hour of the cockcrow. James, stung by the memory of his long stretches of severe opposition, cautioned the church members: “Admit your shortcomings to each other.” Today the last spot where one can be genuine about one’s flaws is in church. In a bar, yes; in a church, no. I know; I’ve attempted the two spots.