Not being sarcastic, just providing an ‘outsider’s’ viewpoint.
The Holy Bible says that when Jesus was crucified, the veil was torn in half in the Temple, a symbol that mankind no longer had to go through *anyone* else to receive redemption and forgiveness of sins. Everything I’ve ever heard or seen over the years concerning the Catholic Church is that there is a requirement that members go to confession and if they don’t they should feel really, REALLY guilty about it. In my faith, none of that is necessary, period. I ‘walk’ straight up to Jesus in my prayers, hug His neck, and He comforts me. No middleman needed. :*)
There is no middleman in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I disagee with your interpretation, that's all. This discussion is best left for another forum. Don't hold your breath waiting for me. If you suggest that you're not welcome in the Catholic Church, I'll tell you why you're wrong. If you tell me I'm reading the Bible the wrong way, I'm not interested. Thanks though.
Amen. My husband was a former Catholic and went to confession. Then lived in fear that he’d sin again, lose God’s grace, and wonder if he’d go to heaven, until he went again to confession. When he was born again, he said it was like a load taken off his shoulders to know his sins were forgiven and he’d never lose God’s grace. All he had to do was confess his sins directly to the Lord through Jesus Christ and be cleansed.