Why must Catholics confess their sins to a priest?

[Norm640]

Jesus told His disciples they could forgive sins. He gave them the authority. Just like He gave the fist pope, Peter, authority over the Church. It all right there…in the scripture.

I find not such a requirement in the Bible. As such, I find that a man may confess and be absolved of his sins by speaking directly with God.

 

[Miriam1947]

I’d like to run into a scrupulous Catholic. I know they’re out there somewhere.

It’s nice to meet you.

 

[glendab]

I’d like to run into a scrupulous Catholic. I know they’re out there somewhere.

Actually “the scruples” is a sad condition. I had it explained to me by an old Irish Monk shortly before he passed. He was giving me spiritual counsel. I had what he called acedia. He used old-fashioned terms. I thought I was just sad about a death in my family. He was a wonderful man to talk to and when you did, you felt like he was seeing you a little deeper than you yourself could see you. Does that make sense? I think they call reading of souls. He was a very nice man. I liked going to him for Confession. He was Capuchin Franciscan. What else would an Irish Monk be?

I wouldn’t wish “the scruples” on anyone. They simply have no peace at all.

Glenda

 

[steve_b]

Actually “the scruples” is a sad condition. I had it explained to me by an old Irish Monk shortly before he passed. He was giving me spiritual counsel. I had what he called acedia. He used old-fashioned terms. I thought I was just sad about a death in my family. He was a wonderful man to talk to and when you did, you felt like he was seeing you a little deeper than you yourself could see you. Does that make sense? I think they call reading of souls. He was a very nice man. I liked going to him for Confession. He was Capuchin Franciscan. What else would an Irish Monk be?

I wouldn’t wish “the scruples” on anyone. They simply have no peace at all.

Glenda

I think very few Catholics fit that bill. I personally find the contrary is more the norm.

When Paul uses the phrase “obedience of faith”, the loosy goosy Catholic sees that and thinks automatically

Scrupulous :bigyikes:

When in fact he’s calling Catholics to be good Catholics

 

[steve_b]

Actually “the scruples” is a sad condition. I had it explained to me by an old Irish Monk shortly before he passed. He was giving me spiritual counsel. I had what he called acedia. He used old-fashioned terms. I thought I was just sad about a death in my family. He was a wonderful man to talk to and when you did, you felt like he was seeing you a little deeper than you yourself could see you. Does that make sense? I think they call reading of souls. He was a very nice man. I liked going to him for Confession. He was Capuchin Franciscan. What else would an Irish Monk be?

I wouldn’t wish “the scruples” on anyone. They simply have no peace at all.

Glenda

As a followup to my last post, I didn’t want to leave you with the idea in my response, that I didn’t take the word or what it means seriously, or that people who suffer from this don’t really suffer…

When I was growing up the word scruples wasn’t used in a religious way.

For example

• One might say of another’s activities, that person has no scruples. iow, they have no standards, no breaks on their behavior. Anything goes.

Religiously, the word has a specific meaning. Emphasis mine, [Scruple (http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Scruple). = “Unfounded apprehension and consequently unwarranted fear that something is a sin which, as a matter of fact, is not”

I’m a cradle Catholic. I can say, I’ve yet to run into a scrupulous Catholic under that definition.

Otoh, If a Catholic is trying to follow the Church, in all it teaches, and live the faith, then as the definition states, that is not how scruples is defined. And I think labels get thrown around too lightly.

• however, if a person is apprehensively trying to follow something unfounded & unwarranted attributed to the Church as if it is fact when in fact it is NOT fact, …then by definition, that is scruple.

 

[glendab]

Sorry Steve,

As a followup to my last post, I didn’t want to leave you with the idea in my response, that I didn’t take the word or what it means seriously, or that people who suffer from this don’t really suffer…

When I was growing up the word scruples wasn’t used in a religious way.

For example

• One might say of another’s activities, that person has no scruples. iow, they have no standards, no breaks on their behavior. Anything goes.

Religiously, the word has a specific meaning. Emphasis mine, [Scruple (http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Scruple). = “Unfounded apprehension and consequently unwarranted fear that something is a sin which, as a matter of fact, is not”

I’m a cradle Catholic. I can say, I’ve yet to run into a scrupulous Catholic under that definition.

Otoh, If a Catholic is trying to follow the Church, in all it teaches, and live the faith, then as the definition states, that is not how scruples is defined. And I think labels get thrown around too lightly.

• however, if a person is apprehensively trying to follow something unfounded & unwarranted attributed to the Church as if it is fact when in fact it is NOT fact, …then by definition, that is scruple.

Perhaps I’ve been coming around here to much. I got accused of having scruples on another thread and I took it personal. I try not to offend. I like to go to Confession and have stated so. This left me open to criticism and scrutiny. I should know better than to take stuff from a place like this personally. Some folks really are just trying to get under your skin.

Glenda

 

[steve_b]

Sorry Steve,

Perhaps I’ve been coming around here to much. I got accused of having scruples on another thread and I took it personal. I try not to offend. I like to go to Confession and have stated so. This left me open to criticism and scrutiny. I should know better than to take stuff from a place like this personally. Some folks really are just trying to get under your skin.

Glenda

As you can see, scruples is defined specifically.

[Scruple (http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Scruple). = “Unfounded apprehension and consequently unwarranted fear that something is a sin which, as a matter of fact, is not”

If one

• isn’t apprehensive about something unfounded by the Church,
• or has unfounded, unwarranted fear of matter they think is sin that isn’t sin,
• or apprehensive and has unwarranted fear of something they think the Church teaches as fact but isn’t fact,

then it’s unfair and innaccurate, from a definition standpoint, for any person to accuse another of being scrupulous when it doesn’t fit that description. And certainly not calling someone scrupulous for going to weekly confession.

As an aside, I’m sure you know, previous popes went to confession weekly.

 

[Jerry-Jet]

Pope Pius X–currently the last pope to be canonized went to confession daily!!!

It is quite possible to go t confession EVERYDAY without being scrupulous–one can confess venial sins–even though there isn’t a requirement that they be confessed to a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation it is OK to do that and the church says it is a good thing to confess venial sins.

QAnd a person can do that without being scrupulous in the least.

Notice it is always the saints who advocate frequent confession–it’s all the non saints who think that scrupulosity is happening far more frequently than what it really does.

Yes scrupulos exists and should be dealt with and yes the devil tries to make people feel that they’ve sinned when they haven’t.

But being Zealous and Earnest in every day trying to be perfect by doing a review of conscience everyday IS NOT being scrupulous.

Look–it is altogether that far too many Catholic believe that they hardly EVER mortally sin which isn’t true!

If a child at seven can confess before first communion–don’t tell me that when they become adults they hardly ever sin–that is not true!

John said that if we say that “we have no sin then the truth is not in us”.

The next time before you go to confession to a great examination of conscience and when you confess be able to state WHY you have mortally sin or if you haven’t mortally sinned that you are confessing venial sins–that you feel no compulsion to confess them and therefore aren’t scrupulous but you value the effects of sacramental confession and are doing what the Catholic Church teaches you is a laudable practice.

Do all that and the priest most likely won’t go into a scrupulosity spiel and you will be blessed by the sacrament–mortal sin or not–venial sins or not–frequent confession or not.

I guess what I’m really saying is that Catholics should go to confession more–none of us is perfect and confession can help us to become more holy so maybe we can skip purgatory–become saints–and go straight to heaven!

 

[glendab]

Yes Steve, You did very well with your definition:

As you can see, scruples is defined specifically.

[Scruple (http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Scruple). = “Unfounded apprehension and consequently unwarranted fear that something is a sin which, as a matter of fact, is not”

If one

• isn’t apprehensive about something unfounded by the Church,
• or has unfounded, unwarranted fear of matter they think is sin that isn’t sin,
• or apprehensive and has unwarranted fear of something they think the Church teaches as fact but isn’t fact,

then it’s unfair and innaccurate, from a definition standpoint, for any person to accuse another of being scrupulous when it doesn’t fit that description. And certainly not calling someone scrupulous for going to weekly confession.

As an aside, I’m sure you know, previous popes went to confession weekly.

However, it IS also a mental condition that can cause great distress to the sufferer. Some times the “diagnosis” of scruples by some laypersons in conversation is really meant as an offensive thing. As for your comment that some popes went weekly, Pope John Paul II is said to have gone daily towards the end of his life. Most religious went weekly years ago as did all priests whether diocesan or religious. Some still do. Confession was as necessary to those seeking perfection as rain is to roses.
Something happened to place in the minds of the current Catholics a basic disconnect between the Confessional and the road to Salvation. People are actually offended if you suggest they should go to Confession as if the elephant in the room is the un-said “you don’t think*** I’m ***a sinner, do you?” as if they are sinless. I think this is sad and detrimental to their spiritual welfare and so I share the positive experiences I’ve had in going to Confession. It really does make a difference and many times in the week I can find it’s graces in my daily struggle against my own faults and failings. I’m risking being seen as prideful and a few other things by simply sharing about my own experience.

I once read in the Diary of St. Faustina that Jesus does want folks to talk about their own Confessional experiences so the message of Mercy can be shared and flourish. We need this message of God’s mercy today and everyday. But if folks don’t go and don’t want others to go so they feel comfortable at that level of Catholic practice then they will continue to promote an agenda of minimalism by discouraging others who do go and find an interest in going more often.

We are reminded this week in the reading that whoever clams sinlessness for him or herself is calling God a liar! This is a pretty strong indication of how we are supposed to think and act as Christians.

Of course, I’m not expert and these are just my humble opinions and that’s that.

Glenda

 

[Randy_Carson]

** Maybe I am just looking for ways to “return” but am finding other religions easier.**

Are you looking for “easier” or “more true”?

Ultimately, that which is “more true” is easier than dealing with the consequences of that which is “less true” or “not true”.

 

[steve_b]

Yes Steve, You did very well with your definition:

Thanks but as one can see It’s not from me, I’m only quoting from the Catholic encyclopedia.
G:

However, it IS also a mental condition that can cause great distress to the sufferer.

Yes
G:

Some times the “diagnosis” of scruples by some laypersons in conversation is really meant as an offensive thing.

Never a good thing.
G:

As for your comment that some popes went weekly, Pope John Paul II is said to have gone daily towards the end of his life. Most religious went weekly years ago as did all priests whether diocesan or religious. Some still do. Confession was as necessary to those seeking perfection as rain is to roses.

True
G:

Something happened to place in the minds of the current Catholics a basic disconnect between the Confessional and the road to Salvation. People are actually offended if you suggest they should go to Confession as if the elephant in the room is the un-said “you don’t think*** I’m ***a sinner, do you?” as if they are sinless. I think this is sad and detrimental to their spiritual welfare and so I share the positive experiences I’ve had in going to Confession. It really does make a difference and many times in the week I can find it’s graces in my daily struggle against my own faults and failings. I’m risking being seen as prideful and a few other things by simply sharing about my own experience.

It’s poor catechesis on the part of some and maybe many, and throw in a heaping dose of indifferentism too.
G:

I once read in the Diary of St. Faustina that Jesus does want folks to talk about their own Confessional experiences so the message of Mercy can be shared and flourish. We need this message of God’s mercy today and everyday. But if folks don’t go and don’t want others to go so they feel comfortable at that level of Catholic practice then they will continue to promote an agenda of minimalism by discouraging others who do go and find an interest in going more often.

Unfortunately, many Catholics have bought into indifferentism because they think it’s uncool to pass on the truth to others for fear it might offend. And that mindset negatively effects their own faith as well.
G:

We are reminded this week in the reading that whoever clams sinlessness for him or herself is calling God a liar! This is a pretty strong indication of how we are supposed to think and act as Christians.

Of course, I’m not expert and these are just my humble opinions and that’s that.

Glenda

It all fits in with the topic of the thread.

 

[rcwitness]

It’s like saying “I don’t need anyone to baptize me, I can go directly to God and get baptized”.

I like that!

In many ways, the Lord bound us to each other. Not to put other men between us and God, but to put us all in relation with one another.

(unrepented) Sin not only seperates us from God, but from His saints (believers in good standing). The office of priesthood is bound to Christ’s priesthood. His apostolic ordination is His own authority!

The pure application of this is not to lord over the priesthood of the people, but to serve! Also to establish a relationship within the community which fights against sin, and is perpetually rooting it out.

God bless,
Michael

 

[mlz]

There is no clear direction on who to confess to by James. Some say you need to confess to who you sinned against and only they can forgive. All sins are against Jesus/God therefore you confess directly to him. The Apostles are teachers/followers of Jesus and were given permission to forgive sins. This forgiveness was to come in ways of teachings not one on one sin by sin, how many times etc. etc. Even Jesus on earth didn’t offer forgiveness in this fashion. John says Jesus said those who believe in me even though dead will live. I think he means all Christians not just Catholics.

My question is a simple yes or no - Do Catholics believe that only they will go to heaven because they confess sins to a Priest?

I was a Protestant Christian before coming int the Holy Catholic Church. My very humble answer to your question is "that’s not for you or I to say for sure- God makes the final decision , however: it is His Holy Catholic Church and it is clear through not only scripture but sacred tradition that He wills for us to confess to Him via our priests( in persona Christe)
I feel so Blessed to be Catholic yet you must know I loved and sought for our Lord sincerely as a Protestant.
My love always in Him,
mlz

 

[schorkha]

x2 on all of the above answers.

Catholics DO speak directly to God. The difference is that Catholics utilize the ordinary means by which Christ chose to forgive us…confession to a Priest (Mt 9:2-8, Jn 20:22-23, 2Cor 5:17-20, James 5:13-16, Mt 18:18, cf. 1Jn 5:16).

As far as what YOU find based on what YOU believe to be a requirement because YOU don’t see it in Scripture: by what authority do you presume to tell anyone how he should or should not confess his/her sins? Is there anything in Scripture that tells us NOT to confess our sins to one another? Or to NOT go to a Priest? Is there any verse in Scripture that says we should ONLY go straight to God to confess our sins? (Chapters and verse please.)

THIS IS A GREAT ANSWER! So much is assumed by the protestants. I used to be a Protestant minister and always thought I was following the Bible. Verses like Mat. 16 and John 20 would be uncomfortably glossed over. It is pretty darn clear that Jesus is passing on that authority to forgive sins and NOWHERE in the Bible does it say that we are to only confess our sins to God as has been quoted above. To me it is interesting just how much “tradition” is in the protestant sects and they often not only don’t see it, but fail to admit it when it clearly shown IN SCRIPTURE!!!

 

[bmonk]

There is no clear direction on who to confess to by James. Some say you need to confess to who you sinned against and only they can forgive. All sins are against Jesus/God therefore you confess directly to him. The Apostles are teachers/followers of Jesus and were given permission to forgive sins. This forgiveness was to come in ways of teachings not one on one sin by sin, how many times etc. etc. Even Jesus on earth didn’t offer forgiveness in this fashion. John says Jesus said those who believe in me even though dead will live. I think he means all Christians not just Catholics.

My question is a simple yes or no - Do Catholics believe that only they will go to heaven because they confess sins to a Priest?

Short answer: No.

Not all sins need to be confessed to a priest–only mortal (or grave) sins need be confessed. The difference is that a lesser (venial or “daily”) sin does not break the relationship with God–like a couple arguing, but still talking to one another. A mortal or grave sin does break that relationship–as if one of the spouses had walked out of the house and refused to return home. This requires a more deliberate renewal of the relationship.

The priest “takes the place of Christ” in the sacraments–and so confession to a priest is as if the sinner was confessing to Christ. The priest also is the minister of the Church’s presence–so in confessing to the priest, the sinner is involving not only God, but the community, both of whom are injured by the sin. It is this involvement of those affected by sin that allows confession to be effective.

 

[angel_g]

Hello, This is my first time posting. Blessings to all. Regarding if we should confess our sins directly to a priest versus directly to God. I believe our First Holy Communion training established a foundation. That is, the priest is the one appointed and anointed one by God to act on his behalf for us. I know many Catholics are now going straight to God with their confessions. But I believe they are adopting some other principle here.
I believe this is what the Holy Catholic Church teaches. Trust me, there are not many young people or even middle age persons at the yearly Penance Service, at the church I attend. But many persons walk up weekly and receive communion. I thought it was a rule that all Catholics go to confession at least ONCE per year. Sorry, but I just can’t go to communion without going to confession on a regular basis. Because I know I’m a sinner, and require constant forgiveness. I even tried to get my children to attend the yearly service; but they took a cavalier approach to the whole concept. Thus they did NOT attend. Again, many Catholics are using this approach, i.e. Going straight to God for their confessions.

 

[Protector]

oebillington1; 11538784] I find not such a requirement in the Bible. As such, I find that a man may confess and be absolved of his sins by speaking directly with God.

I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, realizing at the same time that my statement carries very little weight, my being a "Non Roman Catholic.

I had a Roman Catholic friend that used to almost sweat beads of blood if he was going on a plane and had not had the opportunity to confess his sins to a priest. I have never understood why members of the RCC would carry such a weighty burden when the Scriptures (the inspired Word of God) say quite plainly,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 (Douay-Rheims)

I know that it does not identify the person to whom we are to confess, but at the same time it does not say that a priest has to be the recipient of our confession. In any case, we are described in Scripture as follows,

---

“You also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…”*** I peter 2:5

From John Gill:

An holy priesthood; in allusion to the priests under the law, who were set apart, and sanctified for that office; **but now, under the Gospel, all the saints are priests unto God, and are all appointed and directed…to offer up spiritual sacrifices; their whole selves, souls, and bodies, as a holy, living, and acceptable sacrifice; their prayers and praises, and all good works done in faith, and from love, and to the glory of God; particularly acts of kindness and beneficence to poor saints; these are called spiritual, in distinction from legal sacrifices, and because offered in a spiritual manner, under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God, and with their spirits. So the Jews speak of spiritual sacrifices, as distinct from material ones:

**.

oebillington1; 11538784] Why must Catholics confess their sins to a priest? I find not such a requirement in the Bible. As such, I find that a man may confess and be absolved of his sins by speaking directly with God.

The following commentary explains it rather well;

An extract from John Gill, Theologian,

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If we confess our sins,… Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are more immediately against God, and which lie between him and ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without entering into particulars; **for confession of sin is to be made to God, against whom it is committed, **and who only can pardon: and a man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, and filled him with a godly sorrow for it, and given him repentance unto salvation, that needeth not to be repented of; and who, under such a sight and sense of sin, and concern for it, comes and acknowledges it before the Lord, humbly imploring, for Christ’s sake, his pardoning grace and mercy; and such obtain it:

Protector.

 

[maryj]

Waivering, I do not know if you come back to this thread, but I have prayed that you do. I have been in your spot, I have argued the point that we don’t need to confess to a priest, that we can confess directly to God…(which by the way I never did!) I want to answer the question you posed, but allow me to change the wording a bit as to what I believe you are really seeking?

Do catholics believe that only they will go to heaven because they confess sins to a priest?
My answer is no

Do catholics believe that when they die with unrepented mortal sins, they will not go to heaven but instead to hell?

Yes that is exactly what I believe because that is what Jesus, and Holy Scripture, and the Church that Jesus founded teaches. He loves us, He loves us to the point of death upon a cross.He does not want to loose any of us that the Father has given Him. Jesus verbally told those that he encountered that" Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more", He was given by the Father all power in heaven and on earth, he gave this power to Peter and then to His apostles “the ones who were sent”. He does not leave us alone, He gave us the church and the Graces we need through the Sacraments of that church.
So here is my suggestion…, confess your sins to God in the manner that you see as right…and then…Pray, Pray, Pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you to the Priest that will hear your confession. Just try it, if what you believe is true that we only need to confess to God, how can it hurt you to have a priest present…And then pay close attention to what is going to happen when the Graces that flow from His sacraments come to you. Be the Prodigal son who returns, I guarantee you if you do this with the intentions of true repentence, you will be changed forever. I will continue to hold you in prayer! God Bless.

 

[nanbaye]

Are you a Catholic?
Most arrogant and unhelpful answer I have read on this site. The Bible a mishmash? Why do we have readings at Mass? Maybe the priest should just quote Church Doctrines.

1. Not every requirement is found in the Bible.
2. The Bible is not a reference book by which we construct a mishmash of doctrines.
3. The Church, the pillar and foundation of truth, compiled the Bible and is responsible for its interpretations.
4. Jesus gave the apostles authority to forgive or retain Sins in John 20:21-23. In addition 1 John 1:9 is also considered to speak of The Sacrament.
5. Of course, people can be forgiven without confession. They didn’t have it in the Old Testament, and many people don’t have access to it today. But Christ instituted it as a requirement so we could have a more intimate encounter and be forgiven in a more efficacious way, by having a sure means of forgiveness through Him.

 

[Protector]

judas thaddeus;11539087] well jesus did say to his apostles,
when he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them:
Receive ye the holy ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are
forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.
– (john 20:22-23)

judas thaddeus;11539087] Now what some people do is white-out that verse from their minds and assume they can
just “speaking directly with god” (whatever that means).

Perhaps it means the following:-

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

so jesus gave his apostles the authority in his stead on earth to forgive and retain sins.

It did not die with the apostles,
that job to forgive/retain sins, it was passed on up till today.

So, just for the benefit of Non Catholics, and other interested parties, please tell us how you know that.

Protector.