Confession: Accountability or Forgiveness?

(Public Domain)

Many organizations uphold the power of confession, including grade schools and Alcoholics Anonymous.  That is why there are lunchroom monitors and Fifth-Step partners. If you always dance as though no one were watching, you may eventually trip over your own two tootsies.

Yet when it comes to spiritual absolution, there are some stark differences among religious perspectives. Catholics, for example, believe that “confessing sins to a priest is a sacrament” because “priests have been given authority by Christ to forgive sins.”  Protestants instead attest to “the priesthood of all believers,” and state that confession among believers yields accountability rather than true forgiveness.  That is why Protestants confess directly to God, rather than to priests and/or saints.

Nevertheless, human-to-human accountability can go a long way toward keeping destructive behaviors in check.  Coupling this with confessional prayer can be a source of incredible strength. 

Resources

https://mikesignorelli.com/the-7-key-differences-between-catholicism-and-protestant-christianity/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22485390191&gbraid=0AAAAAoWiDOzc4XgUJqw2x4SW-7Pao9bKU&gclid=CjwKCAjw4efDBhATEiwAaDBpbh7_yBJOy6eCy5JkQKddMoAzhKQ31mjVUTe3KdOxApQzEAOyFshu9xoCciEQAvD_BwE