Reconciliation: Going into detail?

[ProdigalSonOfOz]

When one is confessing to indulging in impure thoughts how much detail must one go into?

If those impure thoughts consist of sexual behaviour that is condemned by the Church (eg: oral sex, masturbation or heterosexual sodomy) must one confess those specifically, or simply admit to an “impure thought” then move on?

 

[JezuUfamTobie]

Unless your confessor believes there is a need for you to specify (which he probably won’t), it is sufficient to refer to such a sin as “an impure thought.”

That said, a person who dwells upon especially degrading impure acts needs to be especially diligent in ceasing to indulge in such such sins. It is very dangerous to the soul to think about oneself and the opposite sex in such a utilitarian way.

 

[Jaypeeto3]

You don’t have to DESCRIBE the sexual act or the sexually impure thought, beyond saying something like, I have been consenting to sexually explicit and impure thoughts.
Going into details is morbid and unnecessary.

Jaypeeto3 (aka Jaypeeto4)

 

[quasimodo]

When one is confessing to indulging in impure thoughts how much detail must one go into?

If those impure thoughts consist of sexual behaviour that is condemned by the Church (eg: oral sex, masturbation or heterosexual sodomy) must one confess those specifically, or simply admit to an “impure thought” then move on?

… and make sure you were actually indulging in them. There is no sin unless you dwelled on them significantly. Thoughts passing through our heads are not sins. Dwelling on them to the point that they beign to affect character is a sin. If it is a constant theme, them perhaps it has become a problem.

Just a warning about scrupulosity.

 

[MStreeter]

You can just say you’ve had impure thoughts. Like JezuUfamTobie said, if the confessor believes there is reason to inquire further about the topic he will ask. Hope that helps.

Mark

 

[aj830]

There is no need to give the priest a specific outlining of what the impure thoughts were about. However, thinking about what led up to these impure thoughts is a good thing. Did I get these impure thoughts from lack of vigilance and then consented. Was it just something that popped in my head and wouldn’t go away and I gave in? Was it from being in place where I knew I would give myself an occasion to sin? You could tell the priest what maybe caused these impure thoughts if it was something of the above. Remember, if you tell the priest how and why you think you are having these problems he will be able to help you more.

 

[Augustine22]

Just a thought, but I think there might be a reason to go into more detail, not always, but sometimes.

For instance, impure homosexual thoughts that are indulged might be worse than impure heterosexual thoughts. The first one is more out of line than the second, more disordred.

And if you don’t tell the priest, he won’t know that obviously.

But I agree that going into graphic detail isn’t needed

 

[Al_Masetti]

Once in a while, a confessor will ask if I consented or gave in to or took pleasure in the impure thoughts.

Well, depending on the confessor, I have actually said: I didn’t actually DO any of the things. And I almost never think about thoughts that are unpleasant (unless I was watching animal planet and crocodile hunter just before bed time). [If I knew him well enough that he had a sense of humor and English was his primary language.]

And some confessors say I’m being normal. A normal red blooded american boy.

So. No. No detail. Spare the priest’s feelings and emotions. Just let him give you the absolution and so he can get home in time for lunch. He has heard EVERYTHING before and doesn’t need reminding.

It’s confession and absolution. Not catharsis and purging.

Seems that just your being there is sufficient evidence of a sincere sorrow and contrition. Being there is punishment enough. That’s why USUALLY the penance is a token prayer … and not walking up the center aisle on bloody knees.

No sarcasm.

When the priest says you’re forgiven, believe him.