Supernova wrote:

Problem is since they can't talk about people's confessions, you don't know that they don't.

I think they ought to make it once a year, or once a decade, then the list of what you can even remember doing will really make it worth their time.

If I don't know that they don't, how do you know that they do?

as an adult, its completly voluntary.

And why is it mandatory as a child?

Its part of a sacrament. From my (not so good) memory, confession & Holy Communion are participated inconjunction.

I recall going to confession as a child, roughly once a year. Once I figured out that I didn't have to launch into a confession, sometimes the priest & I just chatted.'

But you didn't answer: if you say I don't know, how do you know that they thrive on it?

This horse is coughing up blood. Please stop beating it.

Alan Smithee wrote:

This horse is coughing up blood. Please stop beating it.

LOL

Artemis wrote:

Its part of a sacrament. From my (not so good) memory, confession & Holy Communion are participated inconjunction.

I recall going to confession as a child, roughly once a year. Once I figured out that I didn't have to launch into a confession, sometimes the priest & I just chatted.'

But you didn't answer: if you say I don't know, how do you know that they thrive on it?

I don't but I'm guessing any job that has to do with hearing everybody's dirty little secrets has to have some kind of perks to it.

That is because you do not understand the sacrament of confession/reconciliation. It is called reconciliation because you are asking for forgiveness from God and reconciling your relationship with him. It is supposed to be a weekly thing, as you are not supposed to accept the sacrament of communion without first being granted forgiveness for your sins. When someone pleads guilty in court, they must allocute the actions of their crime. It is the same thing. When you verbally express your sins and ask for forgiveness, you are then taking responsibility for the things that you have done wrong.

Whether YOU believe this is the way it should be or not, this IS the way it is for catholics. If you don't believe it, then never become a catholic.

wants2laugh wrote:

That is because you do not understand the sacrament of confession/reconciliation. It is called reconciliation because you are asking for forgiveness from God and reconciling your relationship with him. It is supposed to be a weekly thing, as you are not supposed to accept the sacrament of communion without first being granted forgiveness for your sins. When someone pleads guilty in court, they must allocute the actions of their crime. It is the same thing. When you verbally express your sins and ask for forgiveness, you are then taking responsibility for the things that you have done wrong.

Whether YOU believe this is the way it should be or not, this IS the way it is for catholics. If you don't believe it, then never become a catholic.

No problem, that's one I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole. I have a problem with religions that make everything far more complicated than they need to be. I've never been to a church of any kind in my life, never confessed anything to any clergyman, and yet somehow I don't think I'm any lesser to get to Heaven than those who do.

No problem, that's one I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole. I have a problem with religions that make everything far more complicated than they need to be. I've never been to a church of any kind in my life, never confessed anything to any clergyman, and yet somehow I don't think I'm any lesser to get to Heaven than those who do.[/quote]

Interesting, that you've never been to Church but hold such strong views. I, as a non-practicing Catholic hold similar views... after I undertook 12 years of Catholic Education and realised it wasn't for me...

No one is really stating you're less of a chance to get in through the pearly gates, for not going to confession.....

Supernova wrote:

and yet somehow I don't think I'm any lesser to get to Heaven than those who do.

And that is part of YOUR religious beliefs. Just like the necessity of confessing your sins in Confession is a tenet of Catholicism.

Supernova wrote:

I've never been to a church of any kind in my life, never confessed anything to any clergyman, and yet somehow I don't think I'm any lesser to get to Heaven than those who do.

Wow... never been to a church? and yet you criticize other people's strong beliefs without truly knowing the meaning or origins of those beliefs? You believe others are wrong and that you will get into heaven just as the faithful will--- but those who follow the teachings of God/Jesus/Yehweh/jehova/Allah etc--- would all tell you that YOU are wrong.

i was raised catholic--- i believe in the things I believe in just as you do--- but I would NEVER tell you that you are wrong for thinking those things--- and that is how it comes across in your posts. Since NONE of us truly know what happens after death, it is all a matter of faith. Shale has his faith in the "truth", which is different from FM, which is different from mine--- but constantly condemning one's religion and faith is disrespectful, especially when you are not educated enough in the faith to condemn it. It is one thing to say "I gravitate more to a protestant faith based on catholics using the crucifix and statues in their teachings, while the bible states that this is idolatry" than to say "priests just want to get juicy tidbits of your confession and being a nun is crazy".

If you are truly interested in LEARNING about a religion and the rituals therein, GREAT! Read up on it, ask questions. There are people on this board who are respectful of others' beliefs without condemning them.

I still love you though