Expert: Jim Miller - 7/23/2007

Question
Hello and thankyou for taking my question. In Nehemiah 1:6, Nehemiah prays and asks God to forgive the sins of himself AND the sins of his people. Is it theologically possible to ask for forgiveness of someone elses's sins" (I am thinking of the catholic doctrine of purgatory, confession,etc and so on), or is Nehemiah just practicing a theologically "Incorrect," believe of his time? Could you please explain this prayer. Thanks.

Answer
   First, most of your question is a theological one, not a Biblical one.  I can tell you what Biblical texts are saying, but how a church incorporates that into their theology starts to get beyond my area.
   Nehemiah is not the only one to pray like this.  In Daniel 9:3-20 the prophet is praying a prayer of repentance on behalf of his people, none of whom seem to be present.  Daniel has no power to force others to repent, although later on Nehemiah will have some of that power and will practice it.  Yet both are comfortable praying in this manner.
   Which means to most people, this is a good and appropriate thing to do.
   In the Bible we have two competing images of God's relationship with his people.  In one the people as a group are the object of God's interest and are treated collectively.  In the other, God's people are treated as individuals, each with his or her individual relationship and individual successes and failures.  Apparently both are valid.  Daniel and Nenemiah are treating God's people as a group, not as individuals.
   As for Catholic teaching on confession, etc., I think you are not correctly informed -- but you should go elsewhere for details.
I hope this is helpful,
Jim Miller