CONFESSION before ecclesiastical authority! Has it not come down as just a ritual in this sinful world?

Question

I have never observed this ritual of confession and never in my life I would abide by it simply because I do not believe in confession before a worldly figure what ever he/she claims of the power to hear confession because I believe that the right authority to hear is my God to whom I can open my heart in acknowledging my sins. I have also studied in Christian history of the priests forgiving sins on cash payment. I regret I do not know the technical name for it. We are sinners and as we live knowingly or unknowingly we commit sins. Selling the body to sustain life cannot be termed a sin but offering it to satisfy passion is definitely one. Priestly profession cannot claim that it is above sin and my question is that how a sinner can hear and forgive a sin. In Kerala where I lived even now this is a good income for the church. However I acknowledge that our remorse on our sins expressed to our God with a promise not to repeat it really heals our injured soul. lileeann33

Answer 1

Your problem is unique to your country of origin. People don`t pay priest to have their sins forgiven in North America, we have Masses where we reflect in silence on our sins and a general absolution is given at the end of the Mass.

Answer 2

>>my question is that how a sinner can hear and forgive a sin.<<

Because he has been authorized to do so by Jesus:

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.'" (John 20:21-23)

Answer 3

I meet Jesus in auricular(private,vocal confession to Christ before a priest) and i agree with Luther that it is awonderful and freeing practice. Priests don't forgive sins ;Jesus does through the ministry He promised when He said"Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven...". Jesus gives the forgiveness in Holy Confession and Absolution.

Answer 4

Iam sorry, UR so ignorent.
Think why did JESUS said
John 20:23 ==
"If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

At confession a priest is just like a cannel. as a pure water can pass thru as cannel which is kept under rubish, withoutany reduction in purity, we get GOD's grace even by a sinful priest without any reduction. as we get directly from JESUS himself.

Answer 5

I totaly agree!

Only GOD has the power to forgive sins.

However, confession is a way to get stuff off your chest. It really does help some people.

Answer 6

I'll take Norm's answer and take it one better: When I was a child being forced to be a Catholic, I used to lie by omission, and end every confession with "... and I lied." I, too, preferred the Hail, Marys, and wanted out fast. It was a loophole I found and dove through.

But I agree with your premise.

Answer 7

CONFESSION means an acceptance of sin, wrong did, mistake etc., to ones own soul and decide heartily not to repeat it. Such confession automatically reach to God, if any.

Answer 8

for Roman Ctholics:
"ex opere operantis"- The grace received by the sacrament ex. of Confession, is effecive/valid BY THE ACT ITSELF. It does not invalidate according to the status of the minister

Answer 9

it particularly is a violation of elementary human rights. i wouldn't in any respect force a witch to take heed to the assembly of God sermons. We found out to track out the pastor and write notes to a minimum of one yet another. that could desire to turn a nicely Christian into an atheists in the event that they do extremely some shouting. In some churches persons carry toys for their little or no ones so they are going to stay entertained for the sermon .i began out to ask your self why adults on no account won to play with toys. i could ***** approximately the noise and carry quiet approximately being a witch or Wiccan. i can't do no longer forget approximately which you're. you do no longer prefer to hold any non secular heebie jeebies in your self out of your new neighbor. we don't marketplace it what we are or are no longer so persons go away us on my own by potential of and huge.

Answer 10

Well let me see........Where do we begin? With what you believe or what Christ said?

Christ said to Peter upon you I will build my Church and it will stand against the gates of Hell.

He also said to Peter and His Apostles that he was transferring His authority to them, and that which they bound in Heaven would be bound on Earth and the reverse.

He also said that where two or more of you (Apostles) are there am I too.

Christ gives his authority to forgive sin to the Apostles....this is clearly stated in your Bible.

You are confusing Protestant dogmas with what Scripture says.