3 years ago, when I was still a minor, I stole something. I have recently become a Christian, and am struggling to figure out whether or not I should confess to this crime. Or maybe, I was thinking I could just pay the person back anonymously. If I confessed, I would lose my job, as I am required to have background checks every so often, and theft, even a misdemenor, is cause for them to let me go.
I have gotten many great answers from this community (under a different name, I'm reserved about this subject), especially on the subject of christianity. In fact, when I was searching for Him, it was from many of your answers that led me where I needed to be. So now, I hope I hear some good advice, it has been on my mind for a while
thanks
2007-08-20 08:30:17 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I'm Catholic and I had the same issue when I became Catholic. I confessed to a priest and was absolved by Christ for my theft and made retribution by sending an anonymous note to the store with money paying for the item I had stolen -- 18 years earlier! I'm sure they thought it was nuts, but they must have just taken the money and let it go.
It's really very nice to have a Sacrament of Penance to help work these things out. If you don't have a formal one like we Catholics do, you can consult your pastor privately...or you can call a local Catholic parish and ask if you can arrange a time to confess as a non-Catholic Christian to a Catholic priest. If they're not too busy, they ought to accommodate you.
2007-08-20 09:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because this happened before you were a Christian...and because you seem truly sorry about it, and assuming you have no intent on stealing again...I believe you are forgiven.
However, it seems to be waying heavy on your heart...so, I think that you should pay it back anonymously....it will do you good...and the person you wronged...you may even put a note with the payment...confessing what you did, your change of heart since becoming a Christian, etc.... it can still remained unsigned.
2007-08-20 08:35:03 · answer #2 · answered by G.C. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends, did you physically hurt anyone? If not, I imagine going to the person you stole from and confessing, and paying this person back would probably keep them from wanting to turn you in. I suppose you could do it anonymously, but I'm wondering if that would really ease your conscience. I suppose a lot has to do with the person you stole from, they kind of person they are. I agree that losing your job isn't going to help.
2007-08-20 08:39:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most jurisdictions what was done as a minor is forgotten when one becomes an adult, with the exception of crimes tried as an adult. Theft is almost never tried as an adult; only violent crimes are. -- that says forget about confessing to the legal system ... they likely don't care
However you may feel a moral obligation ... you can resolve that by paying it back. Your faith may require it be done directly, face to face; or you may just donate double the value to a charity ... I don't know what drives you.
2007-08-20 08:50:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay the person back, but not anonymously. I'm no expert on your religion, but I believe humility is in there somewhere, yes?
And if it was three years ago and you were a minor, I doubt the police will be interested unless you stole a car or something.
2007-08-20 08:35:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read the book that the AA programs use once. It has 12 steps and one of them is to confess and make restitution to people you have harmed. However they put a major caveat on it. You only do that as long as it will not cause further harm to yourself or others.
If you return what was stolen and humbly ask forgiveness are they going to prefer charges to simply expressing shock.
If it will cause you or somebody else harm then follow what your religion teaches, simply repent and sin no more.
2007-08-20 08:43:58 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The statute of limitations for a claim of theft is 3 years in most states. If you confessed now, and returned the property or otherwise made renumeration, it is unlikely that any charges could be filed against you. This DOES depend on your state. If I knew that, I could tell you the specific statute of limitations there.
2007-08-20 08:39:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If confessing now would cause you to lose your job, then repay the wronged party anonymously, but with a note explaining your actions. You don't have to divulge everything, but let it be known you are paying pack in this regard.
.
2007-08-20 08:37:46 · answer #8 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay the person back anonymously. Maybe give him more than you took, to pay for inconvenience and mental suffering.
This should even the score. You would be foolish to put a black mark on your record for this instance. Pay your crime off then forget it and move on.
2007-08-20 08:38:22 · answer #9 · answered by Jameskan Video 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person you stole from isn't perfect, either. I would let it stay buried in the past. Maybe you could do some positive things for people to help make up for the bad things you've done?
2007-08-20 08:36:19 · answer #10 · answered by Tublet Want To Try It™ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋