Catholic Reconciliation Essay

Catholics uphold strong beliefs and traditions, which are traits passed from their elders. Compared to individuals of the various Christian religions, Catholics are the only religion that requires speaking of one’s personal sins to a priest. Although this tradition may seem odd from an outside perspective, reconciliation is a sacrament that sacred to those who have been partaken in seeking forgiveness. Other Christian religious chose to confess their sins to God himself through their inner conscience as a way to seek forgiveness from God. Traditions can be developed through time in order to deeper our faith and relationship with God. As a catholic, I began to question why it was required to confess our sins to a priest. Since God is all so

This tradition first originated during the year of 1215. The church doctrine, based both the Lateran IV and confirmation from the Council of Trent, specifically specified that a priest was to now become involved with the sacrament of penance (McClain). Individuals of the Catholic faith were unprepared for this new requirement to receive penance from God. They felt fearful of what would happen if they chose not to seek forgiveness. The priests encouraged Catholics to want forgiveness. Trying to integrate fear of Godin Catholics, priests constantly spoke of the effects that sin had on one’s soul. They spoke of the truth between heaven and hell, allowing a follower of the religion to seek penance in fear of going to hell

We are all born with original sin that has passed to each human being based on the first sin that occurred with Adam and Eve. To escape this sin, we must undergo the first sacramental requirement, baptism. This is where we officially become a child of God as well as a member of the congregation. Confession first began between the Christian faiths to allow humans to seek forgiveness. After committing a sin, one may feel guilty or violated. Their conscience will reoccur the memories in which they failed to follow God’s commandments. This is when the decision to confess their sins to a priest occurs. Healing and forgiveness occur during the reconciliation. Both factors allow an individual to emerge into a complete state of