now that father obrien is safely behind bars for molesting me as a child and others does that mean that when he took my confession it doesn't count cause he was not acting in gods interest and also when he made me swear on a bible I would never tell anyone on him or the other priests how many times they touched me and kissed my privates???
2006-09-07 13:32:57 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Confessing your sins to the priests is useless. You want to be saved from hell, accept Christ as Saviour and Lord. Just email me at asher_sonofgod@yahoo.com
2006-09-07 13:36:14 · answer #1 · answered by Elijah99 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unusual to ask this sensitive an issue in an open forum, but I'm assuming you're being legit and have honest concerns, so honest best answers....
I THINK it's been held by theologians in the Catholic Church that the "unworthiness" (my word, not theirs; looking for a workable term here) of a priest does not invalidate a sacrament or rite. I also seem to remember that a promise, oath, or vow that is taken under coercion is not considered to be valid by God and is not counted against the person.
Don't think you have to worry about making improper confessions or not getting proper absolution, but I am NOT a theological expert. If you have concerns still, consult a spiritual advisor. FWIW, I can't imagine a loving Deity holding a child or other vulnerable person accountable under such circumstances as you mention.
If the abuse is causing you significant emotional distress, consider getting in touch with your local family violence/abused persons center---they may be able to assist you. Check the phone book, or call your local United Way office. Consider also specialized groups, such as Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)--- here's a link---
www.snapnetwork.org
2006-09-07 21:00:11 · answer #2 · answered by samiracat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am truly sorry to hear this happened to you. I pray that you will heal from this evil person.
In the Catholic church, it says that when an ordained priest is performing a sacrament (Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage) that Jesus is present within him at that time and so it really is Jesus that is baptizing you, marrying you, forgiving you. So while that priest had a mortal sin on his soul, your confession was heard by Jesus and forgiven by Jesus. You will not go to hell then.
This I am not sure of but have heard that when a priest is in mortal sin while he performs a sacrament he is "doubling" that sin. But I don't know what the Catholic Church says about that.
2006-09-07 20:58:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you are not going to hell based on the actions of others. It sound like you've lived through hell on earth, though. I'm sorry for the pain you've known and still feel. I hope you can find someone to trust who will walk alongside of you as you heal. Know that the One true living God will bring those who hurt you to stand before him and account for everything they have done.
I encourage you to know God without a middle man. That's one of the benefits that Jesus brought to us. The Church would have us believe otherwise at times, but know that you, as you are, right now, are dearly loved.
Going to hell, no. Going to heal...I pray God make it so!
2006-09-07 20:44:29 · answer #4 · answered by CHos3n 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no hell other than the one you've been through if this a sincere question. When you confess to whom you believe is a representative of God, you are not guility of any sin and you have been absolved because you have absolved yourself by your confession. You cannot be held accountable for what others have inflicted on you.
2006-09-07 20:38:11 · answer #5 · answered by juncogirl3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only God can forgive sin, not some priest who is merely a man. God knows your heart, and He can help you. I've been there and know the pain your feeling....i've been hurt too. But God can heal the pain and past and His love is enough, more than enough.
2006-09-07 20:37:22 · answer #6 · answered by Freedom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are definately going straight to Hell for making up such a horrible lie! I will laugh at you from heaven as you burn!
2006-09-07 20:36:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your Religion. Are you a Christian? Do you have a personal Relationship with God! If you are truly saved, then you won't go to hell!
2006-09-07 20:36:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if you are being truthful or not, but I am sure that any religion that allowed it's leaders to hurt you couldn't possibly further punish you with hell.
If you are screwing around, you're not funny.
If you are serious, I'm sorry
2006-09-07 20:35:59 · answer #9 · answered by Chrissy: The Angry Typer a/k/a Mood Mole 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
umm and how are you going to hell if the men that did that to broke there oath and plus you ask for givness from God him self not though a mediator.
2006-09-07 20:36:43 · answer #10 · answered by Muslimah4Life 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋