I am a Protestant (currently non-denominational, but not in the sense that most people take it... I am torn between the Lutheran and Methodist religions... but that is beside the point). My husband is a Catholic, and I really like the idea of telling your sins to God as well as man. Will a Catholic Priest even see me for this? (I haven't committed murder, adultery, etc, if that is what you think... )...
2006-12-17 15:15:56 · 25 answers · asked by 123 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
just do it.
2006-12-17 15:19:38 · answer #1 · answered by Hannah's Grandpa 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Confession is good for the soul.
It is not necessary for you to confess to a Catholic Priest, however, they are very well known for that. My wife is Catholic, (I am non-denominational) but she's asleep right now so I cannot ask her.
Pope John Paul II was interviewed once and asked if it was bad for the Catholic Church that so many Catholics were leaving to go to other Christian denominations. The Pope responded that it was not important for one to be Catholic, but for one to be saved by Christ. The importance was being a Christian not a Catholic.
I mention this just as an underscore that you don't have to confess soley to a Catholic Priest. You may confess to any minister or even a nun. The sincere *confession* itself is the important part. (And not to a friend who'll tell you 'thataboy' for whatever you do.)
There are different aspects of Catholicism and some may find it insulting (though I wouldn't know why) while others may not. Maybe the next time you go to a Catholic church, ask a priest or nun. Just not during mass. :) They'll tell you if there's a problem with it or not.
Good luck and God bless.
2006-12-17 23:33:38 · answer #2 · answered by Kirby 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personal and public (we receive this in the Liturgy during Worship) confession, repentance and absolution are performed in the Lutheran Church for baptized believers. I can't speak for what a Roman Catholic Priest would do and not do, but a Lutheran minister would hear your confession and repentance. Member or not.
Don't let anyone fool you. No one church (even the Roman Catholic Church) has a lock on the sacraments or absolution as long as they are administered rightly. You could go to an Eastern Orthodox Priest as well.
2006-12-18 15:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by Martin Chemnitz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You believe in Christ and the basic principals so yes. The little differences are not a huge deal. Do you attend a Catholic Church with your husband? If so just use that one. I never saw great conflict with a person going to a Luthern church and Catholic or any combo for that matter. I would recognize the different views you like and express them with the priest as well.
Trust me coming from an area of lots of Catholics, many are Unorthodox. I am sure the Catholic church wishes we all knew and followed everything to a T but we don't. If every Catholic reviewed every point I am sure there would be so many different views and understandings it would be hilarious. Anyway just food for thought.
2006-12-17 23:24:29 · answer #4 · answered by Labatt113 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You long to have have what we counselors call a Talk Therapy. This method of emotional release has been used throughout the centuries in religious settings before being adapted by Freud and by modern psychology. Catholic priests and protestant ministers are, most often, trained in counseling. If you think it will help you emotionally and spiritually, whether though a pastor or priest of any denomination, as long as it won't violate your sectarian conscience, you may.
2006-12-17 23:30:54 · answer #5 · answered by Joesel Goingo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
>I really like the idea of telling your sins to God as well as man.
If you are Lutheran/Methodist inclination, then you should be thinking of confessing TO GOD.
I've read that Jewish peoples, yearly (hopefully more frequently) seek forgiveness from God for ways they have offended Him but they need to seek forgiveness from people whom they've offended.
Protestants do not believe that any person can forgive sins. Only God can forgive sins.
However, talking with a minister/pastor CAN get help in finding God's forgiveness and, maybe, in forgiving yourself also.
I don't know about RC priests. But since your husband is RC, his priest might be willing and able to counsel you even if he knows you are not seeking absolution, etc. from him.
2006-12-17 23:30:17 · answer #6 · answered by kent chatham 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the point in seeing a catholic priest if you are not catholic? The point in confession is to wash away your sins in the eyes of the lord to allow passage to heaven through THEIR faith.
If you arent baptised and confirmed within the fait then its like taking your car to boeing for a service.
If you are torn between religions why not make your decision before doing something that does not adhere to any of them.
If you simply want guidance why not go see the catholic priest. Im concerned as to why you would want to go to catholic service if its not one of your options. Its not a pick and choose relationship
2006-12-17 23:27:08 · answer #7 · answered by delprofundo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, a Catholic priest can grant you absolution of your sins. This is something the Protestant denominations have abandoned. I have found confession to be a positive experience and relieving. Go to Mass with your husband and talk to the priest afterwards.
2006-12-17 23:25:03 · answer #8 · answered by tropicalturbodave 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Confession is a sacrament of the church, like baptism, communion, becoming a priest, marriage, etc... So no you can not confess to a catholic priest without being catholic and going through the rights. However, any priest or other clergy in any church will sit and talk with you if you want to, just ask them.
2006-12-17 23:22:38 · answer #9 · answered by LesHug 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately non-Catholics may not receive legitimately receive any Catholic Sacraments except under extreme circumstances like danger of death.
Prior to receiving Confirmation and Eucharist in the process of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, baptized persons do receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
Non-baptized persons joining the Catholic Church usually receive Reconciliation for the first time one or two months after Baptism.
However a non-Catholic may talk to a priest about any issue in their life without receiving absolution.
With love in Christ.
2006-12-18 01:15:36 · answer #10 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, you may not go to confession in the Catholic Church. You must become Catholic & receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in order to go to confession. Speak to the priest about becoming Catholic & he will explain what it will entail(going through Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA). Your husband if he is a practicing Catholic should have been able to explain that this is a sacrament in the Church.
2006-12-17 23:28:36 · answer #11 · answered by txmama423 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋