Sunday, December 7, 2008

Amanda: Confession and the Catholic Church

Confession, or penance, is one of the holy sacraments of the Catholic Church, and is highly important in the structure of the church. It is believed in the Catholic Church that the sacredness of priests is in the office, not the priest himself. The priest is not meant to be placed on a platform of an individual who is better, or more holy than others, but that he is a representative of God in his title.
Referring to scripture, “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish” (Luke 13:3) the need for confession and repentance to God is acknowledged, but the way in which this is conducted is in question. Still, the bible says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7-8) This verse mentions nothing about how to receive this forgiveness except directly through Jesus. So, why would the church suggest that we need to go through someone else to get to Jesus, when we can go to him ourselves?
Having been raised in the Catholic Church myself, I have asked this question to countless people. I still have yet to receive an answer that points to anything beyond tradition of the church as the basis for truth, and until I do I will look to scripture to having authority on this topic.

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