Fortunately for the poor folks who mock confession there are tons of secular attempts to substitute, like shrinks, support groups, etc.
Through the centuries the Lord has continued to sustain and reform His church by raising up faithful men to proclaim His gospel and to call His people to live coram Deo, before His face, in genuine repentance, humble confession, and authentic faith leading to a life wholeheartedly devoted to God.
Sorry, I follow the words of Jesus in the Bible, as well as the Catholic Church:
19Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. 20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.
—John, Chapter 20
I don’t know any Catholic who confesses a terrible sin who goes out singing The Sound of Music until the next sin and confession. Guilt for crimes and bad acts remain in the sinner’s head.
He should have gone to God. He is the source of forgiveness, not some man.
The regenerate soul is more than just a forgiven sinner.
He’s a new creation in Christ. He has new desires and new interests. He was spiritually dead and blind and is now alive and can see.
He hates sin and desires to live a holy, godly life.
It’s great that someone can *feel* clean when he knows he’s forgiven, but there’s a world of difference between *feeling* clean and knowing you ARE clean.
36 posts and no one wants to discuss the Eastern Christian who is mentioned - Symeon the New Theologian.
Hmmmm
Here's a snip from the Wiki...
Symeon is recognized as the first Byzantine mystic to freely share his own mystical experiences. Some of his writings are included in the Philokalia, a collection of texts by early Christian mystics on contemplative prayer and hesychast teachings. Symeon wrote and spoke frequently about the importance of experiencing directly the grace of God, often talking about his own experiences of God as divine light. Another common subject in his writings was the need of putting oneself under the guidance of a spiritual father. The authority for many of his teachings derived from the traditions of the Desert Fathers, early Christian monks and ascetics. Symeon's writings include Hymns of Divine Love, Ethical Discourses, and The Catechetical Discourses.