I'm on the road to becoming Orthodox, and I was wondering, if a person has a recurring impure desire or thought but resists it and withstands it in the name of Jesus, do they still have to confess it to their priest? Also, if a person confesses a sin to God before they become Orthodox, is it necessary to confess it all over again to a priest once you enter the Church?
And please, all protestants who have a vendetta against the Catholic or Orthodox Church, please refrain from posting on how un-biblical confession is.
2007-07-08 12:45:48 · 9 answers · asked by brazosbasso 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm Catholic and I feel your pain when it comes to persecution from Protestants.
In the (Catholic) Church you don't really need to confess it. Say the sin is Lust. If you look at someone in a lustful way but then say, "No this is wrong", then you're fine. It's what you do with the "impure thoughts", not those momentary flashes.
Of course, I am Catholic and if I'm not mistaken Catholicism and Orthodoxy are very similar so I think we have the same stance.
2007-07-08 12:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by papadego 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an Orthodox Christian.
Confession all depends upon the priest in your church. Some may want to hear your whole laundry list of sins, others may not. In my church the priest usually just asks you if you are sorry for all the sins you that you may have committed and if you will try to not sin again. You wholeheartedly say yes. Priest grants absolution, you pray.
Confession over.
2007-07-08 13:44:36 · answer #2 · answered by Sandra H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Catholic, and I believe that confessing to God directly and truly repenting is just as effective if not more effective than confessing to the priest. I do believe that confessing to a priest is effective and therapeutic, but not absolutely necessary. Also, once you have confessed and asked for forgiveness, you don't need to do it over and over again. However, your desire to do so shows that you are truly repentant. That's good.
2007-07-08 12:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Everyone has impure thoughts. it becomes a sin when we begin to fantasize and focus on the impure thoughts and desires. If you can stop the impure thought in its tracks and focus on something else, there is no sin.
2007-07-08 12:51:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm a slightly Orthodox Jew, who goes to a Christan Church (Irony) lol..
But anywhom, Confess to the preacher, and generally, he will take your words, and tell the congregation. Dont worry, and dont be afraid. Its actually comforting. First your scared, and then...your just relaxed.
2007-07-08 12:49:16 · answer #5 · answered by Peanutbutter Goddess ~ PM! 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a) It's natural to feel "impure desires" its called being human, and having human urges. Blame evolution and the monkeys for that one.
b) you don't "Have" to do anything. it depends whether confessing your natural, testosterone fuelled urges to a priest will settle your conscience or not. If your mental stability relies on going to confession to explain to some collared guy that you feel perfectly normal lust, then maybe you should take a step back and learn to feel ok about being yourself.
2007-07-08 12:50:54 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Socks 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know what variety of Orthodoxy you subscribe to, but my advice is: during your next confession, ask your priest.
Jim
2007-07-08 12:52:03 · answer #7 · answered by JimPettis 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
why do you need to confess to some one, just tell your God yourself.You are a loud to do that right? Wicca you can.
2007-07-08 12:57:59 · answer #8 · answered by Heather W 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
How about I post how stupid it is be sucked in to such garbage. Look at your post, you can't even think for yourself. That's what God and religion do to you.
2007-07-08 12:50:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 8⤋