Why do people presume that we Catholics can do ANYTHING and then just go to confession?

Question

Do you really think we just go and ask and pray and poof it's over?

No it is not a free ticket to sin. For example if I steal or harm another I must ask for forgiveness from those that I have offended and I must make either resituition or admit to the authorities as well preform any penances given by my confessor. We are still subject to the laws of our land.

Here is "An Act of Contrition"
O my God,
I am heartily sorry for
having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven,
and the pains of hell;
but most of all because
they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and
deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve,
with the help of Thy grace
to confess my sins,
to do penance
and to amend my life

In essence one must face legal and social penalties for ones sins as well.

Answer 1

Well, your co-religionists could have fooled us. That's exactly the drivel I have been reading on this board for weeks. Can you perhaps enlighten us if it is otherwise?

Answer 2

I think this idea comes from a superficial understanding of confession --perhaps seeing it as an "outsider" (non-Catholic) looking in, observing how it works in the movies, hearing jokes about it, etc.--just seeing how it looks on the surface and not really knowing what it's all about.

As a Protestant, I've often thought that there is something beneficial about the process of Catholic confession--a regular soul searching and moral inventory, a facing up and admitting to one's short-comings, and a re-counting of deeds before another human being--a sadness and regret for falling short, and yet a pardon and encouragement to start over again, make amends and reparations, and continue to work towards overcoming --all of this being so much more than it appears on the surface.

Answer 3

Well, mainly because that's what most Catholics do. The Word of God says not to be a hypocrite, so therefore, they are sinning. But they think just because they go to a confessional that they are automatically exempt from their sins. Jesus did not die on the cross for people to keep making the same mistakes over and over again, but actually learn from them and, ultimately, be Godly enough to someday ascend to Heaven, as promised by God to all true believers who have been baptized into the Spirit.

Hypocrisy is a terrible thing...

Answer 4

This is what's shown on TV and in movies--even murderers go to confession. It's been used as a plot device--the idea that priests aren't supposed to tell what's been confessed to them. It's easy to show the most sensational aspects of any religion, even twist the truth until it squeals. The dailyness of ordinary people isn't all that interesting, I guess.

Answer 5

Protestant will make vastly untrue assumptions to uphold their own opinions. People like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell will use any means necessary to attack the Catholics, which they perceive as evil.

Of course, sensible, reasonable Christians and human beings can see through propoganda. Unfortunately, not everyone can :(

May peace and love be with you.

Answer 6

Because there are a lot of ignorant people out there who make things up on the fly to make people they don't like look bad.

Answer 7

I know many Catholics who do what they wish and still call themselves Catholics. The ones that I know have pre-marital sex, use birth control and live together before they are married.

Answer 8

well it seems like it. but um why do catholics pray to staints when 1 of the 10 commandment says do not pray to any other god but god then turn around and say another religion is wrong because of the fact that they don't believe in what you say?? just asking no one ever explained that to me

Answer 9

I RESPECT CATHOLICS i dont presume this,
all fall short of the Glory of God

Answer 10

Yes, you accept Jesus as your savior, do a few Hail Mary's, and continue on your way. How else do so many people get away with fornicating and still think they are going to heaven? How did the Priest molest so many children and not finally stop because of the guilt?