“Self-centered indulgence, pride and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle.”

“Confession is the God-given remedy for self-deception and self-indulgence. When we confess our sins before a brother-Christian, we are mortifying the pride of the flesh and delivering it up to shame and death through Christ. Then through the word of absolution we rise as new men, utterly dependent on the mercy of God. Confession is thus a genuine part of the life of the saints, and one of the gifts of grace.”

“While guilt over sinfulness can often lead to repentance, shame leads to indifference, intolerance, lack of vulnerability, and lack of intimacy with others as it burros its way further into our minds.”

“Roland had taught him that self-deception was nothing but pride in disguise, an indulgence to be denied.”

“It is much more a lack of fun which batters us than over abundance and indulgence”

“If pride is a sin ... moral pride is the greatest sin.”