Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: Venturer
To me it is the greatest hyprocrisy to go to confession and say I will do it no more. We all know this and yet those pious will argue that I am wrong.

You're right that is hypocrisy however please don't conflate all sinful behaviors that way. IOW, the situation you described is indeed one of a hypocritical person, but simply because it's impossible for someone to say "I will sin no more" that doesn't mean that person shouldn't go to Confession.

Indeed, (again) contrary to popular opinion, there isn't a formulaic approach to Confession. Typically the pennitent says certain words and the priest does too, but the only important words are what the Church says the priest must say at the end. The pennitent is actually quite free to confess as he wishes. The "formula" is only a guide for the pennitent. He just needs to be sincere in his Confession (as others have said to you and you already point out)

So specifically, while some authorities say the pennitent should say "I promise (or pledge) to sin no more", as part of their act of Contrition, this phraseology is not required for Absolution. You are perfectly free to say, "I will try to sin no more".

Or, if this is not to your liking, then all one need do is pay attention to the phraseology immediately preceding the recommended phrase of "I promise to sin no more". Before that, not only comes the phrase "I will avoid all occasions of sin", but also, "With thy Grace...", meaning as long as one stays in the grace of God, willing to accept His strength as help, one actually will "sin no more".

But really, don't get too caught up on the words said. What is important is that one GOES to Confession and intend at the TIME, (at least) to not repeat a sin. That's what's important. Not some formulaic prayer.

64 posted on 10/22/2013 11:38:33 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies ]


To: FourtySeven

You are a good person and probably a good Catholic.

I also know better than to argue religion, as I am not good at it.

I know myself and priests know that all of these people going to Communion on Sunday are not in a state of grace.
Most of them have not gone to confession in years.If you do not believe me ask your Priest how many showed up last Saturday as compared with how many went to Communion.

I am not trying to sway anyone here I am only saying that many Catholics today are barely catholic, and follow the rules they make for themselves. Such as Birth Control. Probably 90% of Catholic couples practice it, how many confess it , and how many stop using it after leaving confession.

How many Catholics voted for Barrack Obama and then went to confession and confessed voting for abortion. In reality they voted for abortion, but I would bet 99% did not mention that in the confessional.


72 posted on 10/22/2013 12:45:02 PM PDT by Venturer (Keep Obama and you aint seen nothing yet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson