My church doesn't practice it, but I like the idea and would like to do it at least once. How would you go about it?
2007-09-10 05:49:05 · 13 answers · asked by mountain_laurel1183 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know why I want to. I just like to try new ways of doing things, I guess. It's nothing specific that is bothering me.
2007-09-10 05:55:27 · update #1
The Lutheran church practices public confession during the service, however, one can make a private confession if they choose. Generally it is when something is truely laying heavy on your heart or you have done something that you just need talk out. It's a personal choice. There is no penance, just absolution.
I've gone to my pastor before with an issue. We started with a prayer. I laid out what was going on and how I was struggling. He offered absolution. We then discussed how to overcome. And finally ended in prayer. My heart was lighter when I left and I felt like I could deal with my issue.
2007-09-10 06:37:13 · answer #1 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can go to confession, but the priest would not be able to forgive you of your sins because you are not a member of the Catholic Church.
I am sure, however that the priest will be glad to hear your confession, talk to you about your sins and how to avoid sin in the future and give you a blessing. Be up front with the priest and tell him that you are not a catholic, but you would like to confess your sins and receive a blessing.
The first thing to do would be to do a good examination of concsience. A good online examination of conscience can be found at http://frpat.com/examen.htm
Most churches have certain times during the week set aside for confession. I would go and talk to the priest if no one else is waiting.
I would be interested in hearing your experience in doing this.
2007-09-10 15:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's confession, and there's confession.
You can make an appointment with your own clergy, to discuss your life and how better to shape it according to your religious beliefs.
However, if you are not a practicing Catholic, going to a Catholic priest to ask for confession is not how to go about the business. You could make an appointment and ask to be educated about the Catholic faith and their practices surrounding confession... but to just randomly walk into a church and attempt to give confession and receive your penance and absolution, without following the faith or understanding the act... that would be hollow at best, and the priest might well refuse your confession.
Look for education first, then first hand experience, so as not to give the impression of mocking the faith of another.
2007-09-10 13:08:32 · answer #3 · answered by Jarien 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately non-Catholics may not receive legitimately receive any Catholic Sacraments except under extreme circumstances like danger of death.
Prior to receiving Confirmation and Eucharist in the process of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, baptized persons do receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
Non-baptized persons joining the Catholic Church usually receive Reconciliation for the first time one or two months after Baptism.
However a non-Catholic may talk to a priest about any issue in their life without receiving absolution.
With love in Christ.
2007-09-11 01:02:07 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Yes, the catholic confessor or priest in the confessional would not know if you're catholic or not as long as you know how to confess. No, because your confession would be invalid unless you belong to the non-catholic church, anglican church for example, which believes in the sacramentality of confession and you yourself believe it and you're dying without your own non-catholic minister. However, the best thing is for you to talk with a priest outside confession for confession to a priest by a non-catholic is useless.
2007-09-10 13:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by froy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have not received the Catholic sacrament of confession then you should not go to confession. If something is troubling you I suggest you make an appointment to speak with your clergyman. You could even call a Catholic church to speak with a priest, but the confessional booth would be an inappropriate place to have a chat with a priest.
2007-09-10 12:54:00 · answer #6 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
This is where we go to confess our sins to God. Straight to the source in prayer!
2007-09-10 12:58:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can, but the church charges double to hear confessions from non members.
2007-09-10 13:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Bow your head and confess to God. No need for a booth.
2007-09-10 12:53:34 · answer #9 · answered by Faye 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Why would you even want to? They'd think you're nuts and try to convert you. Either be a Catholic or don't. You can't have it both ways.
2007-09-10 12:55:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋