Ok, I read the link and I give credit for your exception to the comment about Priests not having authority. I have read those verses and in my mind Jesus was talking to his disciples of that time, but I agree that it could be allowed in this day and time because it doesn't specifically say it doesn't. Still, I am not sure the Priests and Pastors of today are on the same moral level as the Apostles that were following Jesus. At the same time, nothing says that a person is
required to confess to a priest. My problem with confession to a Priest happens when it is considered the
only way.
Priests and Pastors are human with human sins. In this day and time there are a lot that are more corrupt than the people they are taking confession from. I guess I don't put a lot of faith in people. I prefer to discuss my sins and failings with God 1/1.
Believe me, I am not bashing Catholics. In fact, I find more fault with Baptist doctrine at times than I do Catholic. It's just different issues. I have told my husband several times that I would love to convert to a Catholic because most of their beliefs make more sense to me, except for the requirement to confess to a Priest.