Posted on 02/08/2011 6:17:35 PM PST by Swordmaker
Countless bloggers and analysts have claimed that Steve Jobs has a divine touch. Apple's legions of devout follows have been compared to a spiritual sect. And overall, Cupertino's line of sleek gadgets and "enlightened lifestyle" has prompted many to deem Apple a religion.
So it stands to reason that the Catholic Church would want in on that action and approve a church-themed iPhone app.
Confession: A Roman Catholic App guides the user through the confession process and atoning for one's sins. Described as "the perfect aid for every penitent," the app features a step-by-step manual to the sacrament, password-protected profiles, and load windows with the message "Creating your custom examination of conscience. Please wait..."
Speaking with Reuters, developer Patrick Leinen said, "Taking to heart Pope Benedict XVI's message from last years' World Communications Address, our goal with this project is to offer a digital application that is truly new media at the service of the word."
He added, "Our desire is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology."
The app was designed with the guidance from Reverend Thomas Weinandy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Reverend Dan Scheidt, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. Once completed, the app was officially authorized by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
And you thought the App Store had a stricter approval process.
But for iPhone users who normally confess their since through a text message string, the app isn't intended to replace actual confession. In order for forgiveness to take effect, Catholics must still endure a priest's judgmental tone for absolution.
The app costs $1.99.
Hey, who said redemption was free?
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You mean like a cult? lol!
You can confeth on FaithBook.
And when jobs is dead, who will continue the church of apple?
According to the developers, this is solely for use as a tool for making a better confession. Father Z has a review that covers this neatly:
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/02/review-the-new-iphone-app-for-confession-useful-but-flawed/
No bias here.
I haven't confessed my "since" in a long time... LOL
> No bias here.
That was my first reaction also, but then I thought, I can't imagine the priest responding to a confession with, "Aww, hell, that's no big deal! Say a few Hail Mary's and you're good to go!" I imagine that a serious tone that invokes a small scale version of The Judgment is actually appropriate.
Of course, YMMV...
No lack of humility by the author here.
I agree. When was the last time any catholic who went to confession would say the priest had a judgmental tone. Complete propaganda hogwash.
The priests I know are quite happy to be gentle, generous bearers and conduits of the Divine Mercy that is available to all who sincerely seek it.
Been going to confession for almost 40 years and if anything, I would fault some priests for pretending that some serious sins are no big deal.
That's the first admission you make: "It's been three years since ..."
We can do this!
Protestant Confession, a mere recitation. A sacrament barely alive. "Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic confession. The Protestant Confession will be that confession. Better than it was before. Better, stronger, faster, and it does all the talking."
Modified Catholic version, single person mode, available on request. Not for sale in all states, or where prohibited by law: (See Wisconsin statutes)
All this reminds me of the movie “The End,” where Burt Reynolds gave his confession. That was very funny.
All this reminds me of the movie “The End,” where Burt Reynolds gave his confession. That was very funny.
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