Are catholic priest really able to forgive sin?

Answer 1

If they could then Jesus never would have had to die.

Answer 2

Is any man able to “represent Christ as the fatherly judge” to the extent of deciding the eternal future of a fellow worshiper? (New Catholic Encyclopedia) Priests who hear confessions almost invariably grant absolution, even though “there seems to be an unspoken belief [among Catholic theologians] that it is a rare person who is really sorry for his sins.” (The New Encyclopædia Britannica) Indeed, when was the last time that you heard of a priest refusing to grant absolution or to acquit a wrongdoer? Likely, this is because the individual priest does not think he has the ability to judge whether a sinner is repentant or not. But if this is the case, why does he claim the power to grant absolution?

Imagine a court of law in which a compassionate judge routinely acquitted criminals, even persistent lawbreakers, because they went through a ritual of admitting their crimes and saying that they were sorry. While this might satisfy wrongdoers, such a misguided view of mercy would seriously undermine respect for justice. Could it be that confession as practiced in the Catholic Church actually hardens people in a course of sin?—Ecclesiastes 8:11.

“Confession does not produce any inclination to try to avoid the sin in the future,” says Ramona, drawing on her experience of confessing as a Catholic since she was seven years old. She adds: “Confession develops the idea that God is all-forgiving and that whatever your imperfect flesh leads you to do he will forgive. It does not develop a deep desire to do what is right.”

But what about Jesus’ words recorded at John 20:22, 23? There he told his disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (JB) Does Jesus not here specifically give his disciples authority to forgive sins?

Taken alone, this Bible passage might seem to say that. However, when these words are considered along with the account at Matthew 18:15-18 and everything else that the Bible teaches about confession and forgiveness, what must we conclude? That at John 20:22, 23, Jesus gave his disciples authority to expel from the congregation unrepentant perpetrators of grave sins. At the same time, Christ gave his followers authority to extend mercy and forgive repentant sinners. Jesus certainly was not saying that his disciples should confess every sin to a priest.

Answer 3

Jesus founded a church and gave UNLIMITED and UNRESTRAINED power and authority to that church to bind and to loose, both on earth and in heaven.

That about covers the question of what priests, suitably ordained and empowered through Christ's universal (Catholic) church, may or may not do.

And the only guys who ever complained about a man forgiving sins (in this case, Jesus, the divine man) were the Pharisees.

Evidently, Protestants have much in common with them.

Non-Catholics can rationalize anything they want, and deny, deny, deny, but the simple fact is, Jesus died so sins could be forgiven.

The very first thng he did after he rose again was to breathe the Holy Spirit onto the apostles and empower them to forgive sins, if in their sole judgment, it would be appropriate to do so.

This makes perfect sense!

And that practice, with only a few modifications as to form, has been been in constant operation for almost 2000 years, and is responsible for saving billions of souls.

Sin is public enemy number one, and nobody has ever been very good at properly dealing with their own personal sins.

People tend either to minimize them or blow them way out of proportion.

A trained and dedicated Catholic priest is capable, not only of forgiving sins in God's name, but of providing much needed counseling and peace of mind that is unavailable elsewhere, at any price.

Furthermore, two elements are necessary for forgiveness of sins: Contrition, as well as true repentance, and any priest worthy of his collar will refuse to grant absolution for sins to someone who is obviously not contrite, or who has no chance or intention of true repentance.

Outside the sacrament of reconciliation the standards for both of these sentiments are much higher, in fact so high, that most people who just say "I'm sorry" to God and believe their sins are automatically forgiven may be in for a big surprise, come judgment day.

The real question is: Why have Protestants been decieved into thinking that a simple apology is all that's necessary for their sins to be forgiven?

Answer 4

There are some New Testament references that seem to imply that as true. But those same scriptures make easily just a strong references to others ideas. The Catholic faith is greatly based on symbolism. They trive on it and will do whatever they have to to protect their stake on humankind.
Confess of your sins freely! Trust that Christ hears every beat of your heart. Do not let yourself be troubled.
Be still and know he is God

Answer 5

No only God can forgive sin.....we don't have to use an intermediary ..we can ask for forgiveness from God without the use or instruction of a priest........

Answer 6

Catholic priests are usually sick little boys who were sexually abused by priests in their boyhood and have nothing to give or forgive. it is all a way of the Church using terror tactics on the gullible and the innocent.

Answer 7

Certainly, we are all capable of forgiveness. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? After all, we are only human - made in God's own image, right?

Peace!

Answer 8

No they cant only JESUS can forgive sins....

Answer 9

Finally a easy question to answer. NO.