Forgiveness via iPhone: Church approves confession app

[Mtnjim]

Even for the most ardent Catholic, it can sometimes be tricky making the time to confess your sins. So the Church, as part of a new technology-friendly push, has now approved an iPhone app that lets busy Catholics admit their wrongdoings while on the move.

Selling for $1.99, “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/confession-a-roman-catholic/id416019676?mt=8) was developed as an aid “for those who frequent the sacrament and those who wish to return,” according to Little iApps, the firm behind the idea. Its makers insist it is not a replacement for confessing in person with a priest, but instead helps to keep track of all the evil things you have done since the last time you confessed by ticking off some of the most common failings. Deviants get the opportunity to add their own, bespoke, sins as they go.

The rest of the story is HERE (http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/onepercent/2011/02/confession-app-approved-by-chu.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news)!

[SteveO]

It’s an interesting story, but without ANY cited sources of “The Church” its just that, a story.

[Mtnjim]

@Steve

It’s an interesting story, but without ANY cited sources of “The Church” its just that, a story.

How about this:

A new Confession application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is encouraging sacramental life through technology. Bishop Kevin Rhodes gave the first known imprimatur for this type of resource.

from the Diocese of Salford Web site??:eek:

[SteveO]

@Mtnjim

How about this:

from the Diocese of Salford Web site??:eek:

It’s crazy Jim, really crazy, but on some level I can see it and agree with it. If it does good and brings people to do good then I’m all for it. I’m for anything that helps others.

[SteveO]

OK after further review of the iTunes store page for it, it does not actually serve the user as a confession. It is simply a guide for those wishing to better remind themselves and help abstain from sin as prescribed by their religion.

it does not and can not take the place of confessing before a validly ordained Roman Catholic priest in a Confessional, in person, either face to face, or behind the screen. Why? Because the Congregation on Divine Worship and the Sacraments has long ruled that Confessions by electronic media are invalid and that ABSOLUTION BY THE PRIEST must be given in person because the Seal of the Confessional must be Protected and for the Sacrament to be valid there has to be both the matter and the form which means THE PRIEST.

Again though, anything that is designed for good, that can help someone, I’m all for.

[tisha23]

I’m not Catholic and I find it rather… I dont know insulting is the only word I can use to describe it. Its like saying “god” I have no time for you.

My question is why bother joining a church if your not going to make time to go there and participate. If your Catholic then you should make time to go to confession. I think you only have to do it a few times a year right ? You should be going to church out of joy, love, peace and connection to your god and community.

The Ipad/tunes confessional just seems wrong IMO. Not that I believe in confessing to some guy who probably sins more then I do. (well not all of them) LOL If you cant make time to go at least find time to go out to a peaceful place in nature or something and talk to your god directly.

Technology is great but just like anything in life to much of a great thing can be bad for you. I dont agree that this application will be good for the church or for the congregation. I think it draws them farther away from there faith and even though its not my faith I think having a faith and giving mindful time to it is important for everyone.

Worship your god not your Ipod.

OK after further review of the iTunes store page for it, it does not actually serve the user as a confession. It is simply a guide for those wishing to better remind themselves and help abstain from sin as prescribed by their religion.

This makes more sense but still wont concentrating on the negatives so hard just bring more negatives ? I still dont like it. Better just to go on down to your church and do it so your not dwelling in it all the time. Better yet they should make a application where you can list all the positives thing you have done so you can attract them into your life.

Tisha

[P51Mustang]

@tisha23

I’m not Catholic and I find it rather… I dont know insulting is the only word I can use to describe it. Its like saying “god” I have no time for you.

I find that this sacrament doesn’t really make sense to me as in the others. I get the point but merely telling a priest your sins and saying a few prayers here and there isn’t going to atone for the sins you’ve committed. I know what I did wrong, and in my heart if I am going to atone for it and change myself not to do it over again, then why do I have to wait to go to a priest to tell him that so that I can be forgiven. In my belief. God is going to know whether or not you’re really sorry or not, why go to the middle man.

@tisha23

My question is why bother joining a church if your not going to make time to go there and participate. If your Catholic then you should make time to go to confession. I think you only have to do it a few times a year right ? You should be going to church out of joy, love, peace and connection to your god and community.

You’re supposed to go everytime you’ve sinned and before you take communion. You’re supposed to be “sin free” when you receive the eucharist. I dunno about you, but most Catholics I know should go to confession before mass, or not take eucharist at all.

[SteveO]

I think the idea behind it is that many Catholics haven’t been to confession in a long time and have actually forgotten the process. Therefore as a Catholic, they are not supposed to take communion in the first place. I see it as a way to take some of the embarrassment away from not understanding the process. It gives you a refresher and its portable so you can bring it with you.

I’m not debating whether I believe the sacrament is right or wrong.

[tisha23]

You’re supposed to go everytime you’ve sinned and before you take communion. You’re supposed to be “sin free” when you receive the eucharist. I dunno about you, but most Catholics I know should go to confession before mass, or not take eucharist at all.

Really, everytime you break the churches rules. No wonder people have no time LOL

I’m not debating whether I believe the sacrament is right or wrong.

I’m not saying its right or wrong to go to confession. If it makes you feel better and move in a more positive direction then its all good. I just dont like the ipod thingy.

Tisha

[RisenAlpha]

Tisha I’m in agreement with you on this one. I understand the thought of confessing sins “one to another”. I’m not sure if I’m on board with any man or woman forgiving me of my sins.

I also agree that going to church is about fellowship. Actually visiting and enjoying each others company. Honestly though I guess it’s no worse than all of us getting on here and never getting together for coffee

Disclaimer: I’m not Catholic. Although I believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible, I have a hard time with the term Christian too. It’s just too broad of a category. Just being real.