Quote: Batwoman said: To stray a bit here, confession is something that's to be done between yourelf and God, not in a confessional.
Where in the Bible does it say confession is something "to be done between yourself and God, not in a confessional"?
Not saying that you're wrong. Just wondering how you came to that conclusion.
Where in the Bible does it say you have to confess to some priest? Where in the Bible does it say you're supposed to follow the word of the Pope and the Catholic church?
It doesn't, nor does the Catholic Church say that you have to. A Catholic who believes in the teachings in the Catholic Church, however, is inclined to go to Confession.
"He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."
- Jesus speaking to the Disciples, in the Book of John.
It's not really the Church's belief that priestS can forgive. It is the belief that God works through the Church to forgive, and through its priests. Also, confession does not replace prayer. The two are entirely different things.
There are more examples in the Bible that help to further explain, but do ya really want me to post them?
