Knowing that they have an "out" or a quick absolution afterwards?
2006-09-14 10:23:58 · 10 answers · asked by gardengeek58 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think just the opposite would happen.
Going to Confession is harder that just asking God for forgiveness (which Catholics also do). It requires humility and honesty.
This is how a Catholic might go to Confession:
+ Get yourself ready by making your examination of conscience. Which sins are keeping me from a better relationship with God?
+ After the priest greets you with the Sign of the Cross make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (say how long) since my last confession. These are my sins…”
+ Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. Don’t be embarrassed.
+ When you are done listing your sins please say: “…I am sorry for these sins and all the sins I can’t remember.”
+ Listen to the advice the priest gives you and accept the penance from him. Then make an Act of Contrition for your sins:
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
And failing to do good,
I have sinned against you
whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Amen.
+ The priest will then conclude with the words: “Your sins are truly forgiven, Go in Peace”. You respond: “Thanks be to God.”
+ Perform your penance as soon as possible.
With love in Christ.
2006-09-17 13:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. As a Catholic I feel that I am less likely to participate in a wrong act because I know that I will have to confess my sins.
There is no "out" - I will still have to pay the price for the sin that I commit.
2006-09-14 17:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably. But if repenting is in the confession, the repeated wrongdoer of the same offense has effectively not repented, and therefore nulled the Confession to that extent. Likely therefore, the Confession goer does not know what the word "repent" means or has a habitual effect that takes time to overcome through the divine, as prescribed in the bibble.
2006-09-14 17:28:40 · answer #3 · answered by pax veritas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is unlikely.
Confession is a ritual/formality... most Christians believe that as long as you accept Christ as your savior, you will go to heaven. Christ died for the sins of all humanity, past, present, and future, and if you believe in him, then upon your death (and perhaps with some additional rituals), he will remove your sins and you will be allowed to enter heaven sin-free.
Other religions have rituals for sin forgiveness. For example, Jews throw bread into running water on Rosh Hashannah, symbolizing the casting away of sins (they also ask forgiveness from those they've wronged).
Most religions that believe in some form of heaven believe that it is reserved for those who live good lives. For example, Christ expected his followers to live a certain way. If you do not follow Christ's teachings, it could be argued that, despite what you profess, you do not truly accept Christ as your savior, and therefore will be denied entrance into heaven.
There are no 'outs' or quick absolutions. Sorry.
2006-09-14 17:36:37 · answer #4 · answered by the_souphead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all. Confession is a process that gives Catholics an opportunity to redeem themselves by giving up their sins to God, by way of the priest, to seek forgiveness.
If anything, it should make the faith stronger than it was - knowing that God is gracious enough to forgive them for their sins.
2006-09-14 17:38:22 · answer #5 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think it's the penance after the confession and the ashes helps too. This gives them a license to sin. Because instead of going to God for forgiveness, they go to a man who has even greater sins - to pardon their puny sin. Makes no sin sense.
2006-09-14 17:29:16 · answer #6 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see your point. You might get away with that once, but they've got things covered so that in order to be forgiven you have to truly intend to do better. So you might get away with stealing something one time, and be forgiven, but you can't go back and do it again.
2006-09-14 17:29:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think there is scientific evidence. I guess to move forward, we cannot move fast carrying a burden! It has a positive effect.
2006-09-14 17:28:03 · answer #8 · answered by Tom Cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, it's ok if you confess later
2006-09-14 17:27:09 · answer #9 · answered by mrmoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your brain is your hardware and the way you think is the software!
2006-09-14 23:52:21 · answer #10 · answered by sivakumar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋