Why I Am Not a Catholic, Part 3: Confession, Penance and Indulgences

Why I Am Not a Catholic? · 3

In Part 2, we looked at Mary and the saints. Today’s question comes closer to home. When you have sinned, where do you go?

A word before we start. I am not judging any Catholic. Many confess with real tears and real love for God. We are looking at what the Church teaches, nothing more.

Must you go to a priest?

The Catechism says it plainly.

“Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance.” (CCC 1456)

The Council of Trent goes further. In Session 14, Canons 6 and 7, it puts under anathema, a formal curse, anyone who denies that Christ set up confession to a…