I'm psychic!

[telerib]

The Washington Post reports that fewer Catholics are attending confession. They're not really sure why; one theology prof thinks it's because of the moment of penance that comes at the start of Mass now ("I think people misunderstood and thought they no longer had to go to confession" - uh... nobody I know, bud) or the "confessional" turn our culture has taken. You can pour out your troubles to a therapist or your blog now.

"[Priests and theologians] also worry that people are forgetting that confession involves more than, well, confessing. 'It's about coming to your senses, asking God's forgiveness, demonstrating if we did wrong we need to do something to prevent that,' Irwin, of Catholic University, said."

Two years ago, I finally got that. Note that I was raised on 13 years of Catholic school, and I was paying attention in Religion class. The actual higher purpose of Reconciliation is not well-served by either the Church's presentation or practice of the sacrament. Catholics aren't going to Reconciliation because, in general, it makes them feel lower than dirt rather than uplifted and at-peace. Worse, they think that's the point.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I think your points are good ones. I admit to dreading confession when I was younger, but as I've gotten older, I have come to love it. Why is it? Probably several reasons. As a child, my view of God was more authoritarian. In certain respects, I suppose that is true on some levels still, but now I view God as more of a parent whose love for me is unconditional. I go to confession not out of fear of Hell, but because I am truly sorry that I have hurt Him and others. I also recognize the need for His grace in my life to improve. I can't do it on my own. Age, experience, and continuing education in the faith have brought me to this point.

Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoyed reading your perspective.