Australian Inquiry: Priests Should Face Criminal Charges for Not Reporting Abuse Heard in Confession

The Catholic Herald (UK) ^ | 7/14/17 | Staff Reporter

[Campion]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church admits that private confession first came on the scene in the seventh century

The key word there is "private" confession, which does not imply that there was no confession to a priest / bishop before that time -- there most certainly was.

The difference is that it was typically used only for extremely grave sins, and --if the penitent wanted to come back to the church -- he had to do public penance, often for years, meaning there wasn't much point to keeping the confession private. Tough!

But it's not at all clear that "private confession" only dated from the 7th century. Tertullian gave instructions on choosing a good confessor back in the 3rd century.

Some patristic quotes on confession: here, and here

[Campion]

Not according to Scripture.

Not according to your false, mistaken, erroneous reading of Scripture.

[Campion]

Occam’s razor is about logic and argumentation.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Not according to your false, mistaken, erroneous reading of Scripture.

Well, then please provide some Scripture that says confession is supposed to be painful. I am unfamiliar with NT passages that teach this strange doctrine. Please share.

Also, please include some verses that say confession must be to a priest.

Also, please include some verses that say "priest" is a valid NT church office.

Thanks in advance Campion.