a question for Orthodox and Catholic Christians
Posted: April 24th, 2007, 1:10 am
Hi :)
I have a question for the Orthodox and Catholic Christians on this board, as well as anyone who knows about this topic. I don't really understand the reasons for confessing one's sins to a priest (member of the clergy) in order to be forgiven, and to take Communion. But I'm really curious, and I would appreciate any help about this :) I know there is a thread about this already, but it deals with theological differences between Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox, and my question is a bit different...
I was wondering where this whole idea is from. I can't find it in the Bible... I think that it is enough to confess sins directly to God without the priest as a witness, because Christ is the only mediator between us and God (Hebrews). I fully agree with confessing sins to other Christians, and keeping each other accountable. I also agree with asking forgiveness from people you have hurt in the past. But do you believe that people are not forgiven if they pray to God for forgiveness without a priest, but just on their own? Jesus told the Apostles that if they forgive someone's sins, they are forgiven, but this is because of the Holy Spirit, not because of position in a church...also this just seems to imply that the Apostles/all believers have an active role in granting forgiveness, but it does not imply that God can't do it by Himself.
Also, my friend goes to a Russian Orthodox church and she told me that they are not allowed to take Communion without going to Confession first. But in the Bible, all it says about this is:
1Corinthians 11:27-29,
27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
{emphasis mine}
To me, this passage does not even imply confessing to a member of the clergy, but just to be a real believer, realize what Communion is, and to 'examine himself'...i guess confess sins to God.
I was wondering if there is anything in the Bible that suggests or supports this. I don't believe that the writings of saints/church fathers hold the same authority as the Bible, but if you have any quotes I would appreciate it.
thanks :)
I have a question for the Orthodox and Catholic Christians on this board, as well as anyone who knows about this topic. I don't really understand the reasons for confessing one's sins to a priest (member of the clergy) in order to be forgiven, and to take Communion. But I'm really curious, and I would appreciate any help about this :) I know there is a thread about this already, but it deals with theological differences between Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox, and my question is a bit different...
I was wondering where this whole idea is from. I can't find it in the Bible... I think that it is enough to confess sins directly to God without the priest as a witness, because Christ is the only mediator between us and God (Hebrews). I fully agree with confessing sins to other Christians, and keeping each other accountable. I also agree with asking forgiveness from people you have hurt in the past. But do you believe that people are not forgiven if they pray to God for forgiveness without a priest, but just on their own? Jesus told the Apostles that if they forgive someone's sins, they are forgiven, but this is because of the Holy Spirit, not because of position in a church...also this just seems to imply that the Apostles/all believers have an active role in granting forgiveness, but it does not imply that God can't do it by Himself.
Also, my friend goes to a Russian Orthodox church and she told me that they are not allowed to take Communion without going to Confession first. But in the Bible, all it says about this is:
1Corinthians 11:27-29,
27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
{emphasis mine}
To me, this passage does not even imply confessing to a member of the clergy, but just to be a real believer, realize what Communion is, and to 'examine himself'...i guess confess sins to God.
I was wondering if there is anything in the Bible that suggests or supports this. I don't believe that the writings of saints/church fathers hold the same authority as the Bible, but if you have any quotes I would appreciate it.
thanks :)