Confessing Sins To A Priest?

Question

(* NOTE: I asked this yesterday, but I'm trying to reach more people so I am repeating my question.)

I have posted the subject of confession of sins to a priest in the past, and every time there are two overwhelming responses:
1) Its not scriptual
2) Only Catholics do that

Well, regarding #1: I always post a link with ALL the scripture references, but nobody bothers to read it.

SO MY 1st QUESTION IS: Will you read this link and constructively comment on it?
http://www.catholic.com/library/Forgiveness_of_Sins.asp

Regarding #2: In fact, over 80% of Christians DO confess their sins to a priest.

SO MY 2nd QUESTION IS: Are you aware that Eastern Orthodox Christians, Traditional Anglican Christians, Coptic Christians, ALONG with Catholic Christians all practice this Sacrament of Confession, and, combined, this represents over 80% of ALL Christians?

leapfrog: That's just what I was talking about. You write a big comment AND DON'T EVEN READ THE LINK

Okay, I'll settle for just ONE person reading the link, since everyone else knows everything there is to know in the Universe

Answer 1

I am Catholic and to be honest, I did think only Catholics had this sacrament. It's cool to learn something new.

I like the idea that we're not completely screwed right out of the chute and that God gives us so many chances to turn our lives around.

Answer 2

Im sorry but I just dont agree.. We have a high priest that we can confess too any time any where. The idea that people have to go to a cathedral or whatever ( which is only a building by the way ) to be in a "holy" place to confess their sins to a certain man is not biblical. James 5-16 you probably know, and this does not say anything about confessing to a priest. Sorry I did not read your link, I took a break from painting.
I do have a question for you. Most Catholics I know, and Im certainly not saying that all do, but all of the ones I know, own a bible. However, the bible they own is a nice big bible, that looks real fancy, the sad part is it sits on a shelf gathering dust, because they have been taught that only a priest can tell them what the scriptures mean. Is this true?

Answer 3

All Christians confess their sins to a priest. The only difference is that some of us confess our sins to the One True High Priest which is in heaven per instructions from the bible.

edit: CC, it tough to take the time to read links while at work. I jump on here briefly though out the day as time permits. I'll star the question and read it later as time permits.

edit2: I looked over your link. I think at the end of the day we are just going to have to agree to disagree. You use the Lord's prayer as evidence for your point of view while I use it as evidence for my point of view. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Part of that prayer is asking God the Father to forgive us our trespasses, not an earthly priest. Can reasonable minds disagree? I think so. One thing you need to understand is that I have on many occasions come to the defense of Catholics under attack by Fundies on this forum. I firmly believe that God's children are scattered throughout all Christian denominations. The only time you and I seem to butt heads is when you seemingly attack my beliefs and I feel the need to defend them. Other than that I do consider you a brother in Christ.

Answer 4

It is clear that the Bible does indicate the advantages of confessing our sins to others, as a means to lighten the burden of sins on our heart. Generally, such confessions should be given to those whom we offended. However, the Bible also makes it clear that we are to seek God in confession for and cleansing 1 John 1:9.

The fact that churches conduct such activities, even old churches, means very little to those of us who hold fast to the teachings of God found in the Bible. Even when Paul walked and preached there were churches that preached a counterfeit Christ.

Answer 5

This is where the doctrine of those churches goes astray:

"the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (Matt. 9:6), which is why the Gospel writer himself explains that God "had given such authority to men" (Matt. 9:8).


That's just as misguided as the Pentecostal belief in healing and the people in this verse:

9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

The association of divine power in mere men is misguided as the rest of the gospels and the book of Acts shows...claiming that a mere man has authority to forgive sins also insinuates that same man can heal the blind and raise the dead...that denies the glory and power given to Jesus...

Answer 6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE." John 3:16
Nothing we do saves us. Jesus already did the work at Calvary. To say we must do something to work our way to Heaven, would make Jesus' death worth absolutely nothing. It's what HE DID that saves us, not what we do.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO ONE COMES TO MY FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME."

Jesus said, "Unless one is BORN AGAIN, they will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."

Answer 7

If you would like to confess your sins to an earthy priest that is up to you but as for me I chose to confess my sins the Highest priest of all, Jesus Christ. For my sins are against Him alone and He is able to forgive me without the help of any man here on earth. God Bless

Answer 8

Who cares as long as you confess your own sins to the Lord himself, pray to God and let your sins be forgiven in the name of Jesus, to do it no more. Man made rules have been around a long time.. whats important is the relationship between a person and God.

Answer 9

you could also add that confessions only differ in HOW they are done.

example: Some Presbyterians hold confession together and at the same time.

Answer 10

Well I would go back to read your "scriptural support" for this but for some odd reason you keep your Q&A private.

--edit Hey is that Waldensian blood on your sword?