Confession to a Priest

"Why do Catholics confess to a priest instead of directly to God?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

The Sacrament of Confession was instituted by Christ when He gave the apostles power to forgive sins. Catholics confess to priests because Jesus entrusted this ministry to His apostles, who passed it to their successors.

Quick Overview

Think of going to a doctor. You could stay home and say 'I'll get better on my own.' But there's power in hearing 'here's the cure—you'll be okay.' Confession works similarly. You hear with your own ears: 'Your sins are forgiven.' No wondering, no uncertainty.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

John 20:21-23

"As the Father hath sent me, I also send you... Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Why This Matters

Jesus gives the apostles divine authority to forgive sins. This power to 'forgive' or 'retain' requires knowing what sins were committed—hence confession.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

"God hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation... For Christ we are ambassadors."

Why This Matters

Paul says God gave the apostles the 'ministry of reconciliation.' They are Christ's ambassadors with His authority.

James 5:16

"Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved."

Why This Matters

James commands confession 'to one another.' The context of anointing by presbyters points to sacramental confession.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance for sins committed after Baptism (CCC 1446). The priest acts in the person of Christ, and the absolution is Christ's forgiveness (CCC 1442). The seal of confession is absolute (CCC 1467).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

The Didache

c. 70 AD

"Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience."

— Didache, 4:14

Origen

c. 244 AD

"There is a seventh remission of sins through penance, when the sinner is not ashamed to disclose his sin to a priest of the Lord."

— Homilies on Leviticus, 2:4

Real Presence

The Papacy

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