If a priest gives you advice at Confession, do you have to take it?

[augustinegirl]

I went to a very holy priest for Confession and asked him for a piece of advice. He’s not my spiritual director or anything and I was behind the screen. I explained a situation to him just because I was anxious and he gave me some advice. Keep in mind that what I asked advice for was a morally neutral situation; I just figured I’d ask because he’s a priest and I wanted to hear his insight. Am I morally obligated to take it because I was in the confessional or because he’s a priest? Or do I just equate it with other pieces of advice? Holy people don’t necessarily give infallible advice, right? (FYI I have anxiety so this is why it’s bothering me haha)

 

[JamalChristophr]

Definitely don’t need to take it. But you never know, maybe he’s right.

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

No, you are not morally obligated.

Most priests are not trained counselors so they often miss the mark on psychological issues. However, they are very experienced in the consequences of making bad decisions.

Right now I think you need to do some self-examination because it appears you didn’t go for advice, really, you expected him to reaffirm what you wanted to hear and were met with resistance.

 

[ErraticFaith]

Just another man, with another opinion.

Nothing more.

 

[k.vasquez222]

Not necessarily. Though some priests I have met happen to have studied psychology/sociology.

 

[FrDavid96]

I went to a very holy priest for Confession and asked him for a piece of advice. He’s not my spiritual director or anything and I was behind the screen. I explained a situation to him just because I was anxious and he gave me some advice. Keep in mind that what I asked advice for was a morally neutral situation; I just figured I’d ask because he’s a priest and I wanted to hear his insight. Am I morally obligated to take it because I was in the confessional or because he’s a priest? Or do I just equate it with other pieces of advice? Holy people don’t necessarily give infallible advice, right? (FYI I have anxiety so this is why it’s bothering me haha)

Take it from a priest: advice (even in confession) is just that “advice.” Take it or leave it, you have no moral obligation either way.

You can put into perspective, that a holy priest (as you describe him) would probably be giving advice that is consonant with Christian teaching; that it is worth listening to someone of his experience; that he probably genuinely has your best interest in mind, etc. etc. etc. Still, none of that amounts to a moral obligation, or any other obligation to follow his advice.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

I was given the advice once to talk about a certain topic with a certain person in my life. This was not part of my penance and I was not obligated to do it. I made the decision to take the priest’s advice. The topic was of a sensitive nature and I was afraid.
So, I made a nine day novena, plunged in and broached the subject.
The person exploded at me, directing a lot of pent up rage–he had heard a certain version of events, and thought I had acted badly.
Somehow, I was able to listen calmly, stepped away from the room, collected myself and came back.
I was able to explain my POV, calmly, and I even was able to thank him for bringing it to my attention.
Long story short, I mended fences with that individual, and with the person who was involved in the related conflict.
Relationships among us are way better now.

I decided to believe that the Holy Spirit was speaking through the priest.

It worked for me.