Are you still absolved when the priest doesn't think it's a sin?

[Edmundus1581]

…
Advice or counselling given in confession is not part of the sacrament. The penitent’s verbal confession of sin and the priest’s absolution make up the sacrament.
…

Ahh… an important observation! Thankyou.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Freudian slip? (just pulling your leg here)

Very good post. My initial concern really was the validity of the confession, if the absolution did indeed take place. I guess that places me in the scrupulous bunch, doesn’t it? I didn’t know there were examinations of conscience online, I marvel at the wealth of resources one can find online.

Oh my! And even spell-check wouldn’t have said anything!

Do look around for examines. I have found many very helpful versions based on the commandments, the beatitudes, Ignatian retreats, etc. A few years ago I collected 5 or 6 and have worked through them over time as I try to refine my conscience and my behavior.

 

[melekali]

**Ex opere operato **

yet you are still forgiven as if Pope Benedikt had just heard your confession.

Therefore we do not need to be discussing the priest.

Well said.

 

[DavidWJackson]

When we enter into Holy Confession the first words of many we all say alike are “Father forgive me for I have sinned.” We do not say “Priest forgive me for I have sinned.” When God hears your confession. God the Son thru the depths of His mercy forgives you, if you are sorry for committing your sins and repentent. It has been said, the depth of Christ’s mercy is so great all the angels pondering Christ’s mercy throughout all of eternity would not be able fathom this. That said, when the Preist pronounces absolution for your sins, it is an absolution washing away your sin comming from Christ Himself not the Priest. Promised by Christ from the cross. When one wonders if he or she really has been forgiven, this pains and troubles Christ deeply. Christ is forgiveness. It really is that simple. Now rejoice, praise God in joyfulness and thanksgiving you were forgiven. Preach this good news to all.

 

[englishredrose]

If a liberal priest disagrees that something you confess was sinful, are you still absolved from that sin when he grants absolution at the end?

I was both times though the first time when he said he wasn’t sure this is a sin I did say back it was. The second time he said, these aren’t really sins… but each of the times we went through the process and he did absolve though I will make it clear that I am Anglican. I can only say what happened to me when he said he was unsure and the next time not really sins. (I have no idea if he was being doubly kind knowing where I was coming from or he really thought that for I’ve never had that said to me before and yet he did it on two occaisions… it is not for me to work out in reality)
If he gives absoultion then you are absovled. If he reeasons with you and you are clear its not a sin then there is no reason for you to be absolved because no sin has been committed though may do so perhaps to make sure there is no ill feeling on your part etc.