why are catholics so focused on sin?

Question

I'm sixteen years old and I'm going to be a junior next year at a catholic high school(its just for the grades i leave senior year) and what i've learned is everything is about sin, which in my head translates to- your aren't good enough you'll never be good enough but just keep trying even though you'll never be worthy in gods eyes.

some people say they do things because they fear god?

in the bible people were angry at jesus because he claimed the authority to forgive sins....why do the priests claim the authority to forgive sins if only jesus can do it?

it just makes no sense!

Answer 1

Basically its all one big scare tactic to make you conform to their fabricated laws and rules.

I went to Catholic school too and I wanted to tear my brains out by the end with all of this sin and forgiveness crap.

Answer 2

You have several different questions here.

The easy one first: the priests claim the authority to forgive sins because it was passed on to them by Jesus and it is a power given to them at ordination (Whoever's sins you forgive, I forgive, those you hold bound are held bound, or words from the Bible to that effect). Remember, Catholics don't just rely on the Bible, it's Bible and Tradition.

As for those who do things because they fear God... well...life is all about Love and Fear (thank you Tom Russell). They have made a choice to live out of fear, in this case fear of God. Sound Catholic approach. But another sound Catholic approach is to do things for LOVE of God. There are Catholics who live that way, too. Probably a healthier approach.

As for being aware of sin, sinfulness, occasions of sin, you'll never be good enough, etc. etc. just remember that you don't have to live your life that way, it's just an education for you to be around those teachings, it's not something you have to accept as true if it doesn't work for you. Just have a little respect for those who are trying so hard to make sure your soul is saved, be nice, listen and observe, and pretty soon you'll graduate.
The thing about all the sin stuff is that if you try to not sin, it's definitely going to save you a lot of heartache. The teachers really do want to spare you that. They all know it's going to happen one way or another, but they think you'll get over it faster if you know how to identify that behavior, to be sorry for it and confess it and let it go. They are trying to put up boundaries for you to keep you safe.
It doesn't work perfectly of course. But that's the idea.

Answer 3

The only thing that makes Catholicism different from other Christian religions is the methods of salvation...

Sin isn't the only the difference. It might just be the only thing you notice but wars have been fought (still are!) over the differences between many Christian religions.....

The guilt of sin encourages the act of confession and penance. Penance is an attempt to rectify what was wronged.....

Try to take a comparative religion course....You can find a homeschool class that will explain the history of religion then you will understand what Catholics really believe....

Answer 4

Unlike other Christian demoninations Catholics believe that people will serve out their venial sins in a place called Purgatory between Heaven and Hell. The less you sin the less time you spend there. Priests don't forgive sins they are intercessors on God's behalf, God does the forgiving ,the priests simply bring the person before God in a sense.

Answer 5

Because the Catholic faith is more aware of the price that even our so-called "venial" sins cost our Lord and Savior. Our sins are the reason that He died the brutal and humiliating death of the Cross, and we owe Christ a debt of gratitude for all that He did for us.

No, we will never be "good enough" for Heaven on our own. That's why we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us when we accept Him as the pure and holy Lamb of God, sacrificed for our sins. Through Him, we are cleansed of sin, which is something we could never do for ourselves.

I've been in some Protestant churches where the word "sin" is seldom mentioned -- let alone the debt of love and thanks that we owe to God. The Catholic faith doesn't build up man's ego (which is enormous and has caused enough sorrow as it is), but rather it shows us our real sinfulness and what it cost our Lord and Savior.

Answer 6

Sin is the cause of every evil in the world, including death ... and sin is the reason people end up in hell.

The first thing Jesus did after his resurrection was give the apostles the power to forgive sins in his name.

Then he sent them out into the world to do it.

The Catholic Church still takes that "great commission" literally.

You should too.

And remember ... God is love, and love is just another word for charity ... so anyone who departs this life with at least some charity remaining in their soul is not likely to end up in hell.

Answer 7

Catholics are not focused on sin. We are focused on salvation, and on our Lord and Savior. Sin is what He saves us from. Confession is an essential part of how He does so. Priests don't "claim" the authority to forgive sins. The Bible clearly describes Jesus GIVING His priests the power to forgive sins! He told them, "whose sins YOU forgive, they are forgiven them". Pretty straightforward, wouldn't you say?

Answer 8

Ah! BEAUTIFUL QUESTION!!

I am a seventh day adventist. & we discussed this with my mum many times. You should consider what I am going to explain to you, ok?

ok, so, when jesus died iin the cross, he did it to save us, right? he died in order for everyone's sins to be able to be washed away and for our earts to be pure. We all know that! but, why is it that priests can only take authority to forgive the sins? --- my religion believes that EVERYONE (since, said in the bible, we are all equal) can ask god for forgiveness in their prayer. we don't HAVE TO ask a priest to ask god for forgiveness because it's OUR talk with god.

What the bible means by "fear" is : respect. the people respected god, so they did ... fear god (aka: respect god)

The problem with many catholics is that they all think that god is just a very powerful god who is watching you all day to see what you did wrong. but that's not him! that doesn't sound like a nice god, right? God is a very nice guy... but many things that are said today make him sound like a mean guy. A mean guy wouldn't have given his son for us, right? a mean guy wouldn't have given us a second chance, right?

It all adds up: he is the nicest person to ever exist!

So, remember, we can speak to god about anything at any time. be it : asking for forgiveness, saying thanks, asking for something. He is always there. we are all equal, so we dont need a priest to ask for us. God always allows you, & will be very eager to hear you repent , so that you are clean by heart & ready to go to heave =D

Answer 9

I'm sorry you're being brainwashed. I'm encouraged by you're ability to still ask such a question. You have a strong intellect. Catholics believe in the need for a middleman (the priest) to communicate with an imaginary supreme being. Don't buy it. Stay skeptical. Think for yourself. It really doesn't make sense.

Answer 10

Where will you go to have your sins forgiven?
To a sinful priest, as the tradition of the Catholic church demand?
Or will you go straight to God Almighty, as the Bible teaches?

"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." (Psalm 32:5)