2007-11-22 08:22:40 · 14 answers · asked by April 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, even though I'm an atheist, I'm a bit torn when it comes to this one. We're talking about confidence here on one side, and yet we're talking about the loss of a human life and a potential danger for others on the other side. I don't know, I'm inclined to say he should report such person, but then again I try to put myself in the killer's shoes - and it doesn't feel good to be betrayed. Yeah, yeah, I know - he took a life, who cares about his feelings, but still ...
A tough one.
2007-11-22 08:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He can't because of the Seal of Confession. This is binding; he cannot reveal ANYTHING told him in confession without committing a grave mortal sin. Priests have died rather than reveal what they heard in confession. (Catholic priests only)
I must add that this is for the good of the souls; if murderers (etc.) knew they would be turned in, they might never confess, and they would risk dying before being forgiven. If they are confessing the sin, they must be sorry, which means they're less likely to do it again and there is a possibility that they could be talked into going public.
2007-11-22 08:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Daewen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, no and no. We Catholics believe that the priest is acting Alter Christi - in the persona of Christ. To receive definite absolution, we confess to a priest. We must be clear of mortal sin when we die, or else we may not go to heaven.
If the state sets it up so that we cannot confess, this is trampling on our right to practice our religion freely.
2007-11-22 14:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by SigGirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could/should/would Jesus inform the police if someone confessed to having comitted murder?
2007-11-22 11:49:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course the priest should tell the police! this archaic law should not hold water in this day in age. priests should not be able to withhold such important information. they also shouldn't be allowed to offer counselling service if they're not a schooled counsellor.
2007-11-22 08:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The law recognizes the private conversations between clergy and a "confessor", the same as a client confessing to his lawyer that he or she killed someone. It's a no-brainer. You wanna change this?
2007-11-22 08:27:51 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think - only if the priest feels that he will murder again.
2007-11-22 08:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Amy W 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only if you sign a waiver before confessing.
2007-11-22 08:31:26 · answer #8 · answered by TURANDOT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well good q but if person was catholic the sealof conffession know priest wouldnt but i am catholic and i would not confessit
2007-11-22 08:29:34 · answer #9 · answered by irishladybottons 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there something you are trying to tell us?
I don't think they are suppose to, but, in modern times who knows?
2007-11-22 08:32:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋