Confession/Communion question

[stavros388]

Greetings,

I am a fairly wayward Catholic who has been investigating Protestant traditions and was wondering if anyone here can help me.

I've become somewhat discouraged by the legalism in Catholic spiritual practice, particularly the sin/confess/repeat cycle. Some sins are very difficult to avoid, and then I am on the outside looking in and cannot commune without receiving absolution from an ordained priest. I am not looking for a way to keep sinning and communing, but the rigidity of the Catholic practice has discouraged me as I hate to be the lone Catholic who rarely communes and feeling like I am stuck in a state of mortal sin until I can formally confess. I feel like this is almost a kind of clerical barrier to direct communion with God, in a sense.

In the Lutheran Church, is the process similar? Does one have to confess sins before one can partake of the bread and wine? Is confessing common in Lutheranism? Is it mandatory? Can one repent to God without confessing to a priest and still recieved the sacraments?

Thank you kindly in advance.

 

[Tigger45]

Yes but within Lutheranism the general confession in the liturgy is sufficient for partaking of communion. Private confession is available but not required.

 

[stavros388]

Ok. Thanks!

One more question. Can anyone who has been baptized commune at a Lutheran Church? I was baptized in a Greek Orthodox community 8 years ago. Must one be a confirmed Lutheran first? Or is there even such a thing?

 

[FireDragon76]

The Lord's Supper is given for the forgiveness of all our sins.

I'm guessing a lot of Catholics simply receive without confessing their sins privately, now days. That is the impression I get. In the Orthodox Church, this is normal. People go to confession according to their spiritual father's guidance, usually no more than once a month or if they feel they need to, they do not necessarily have to confess all their sins before they commune. There is also no distinction between mortal and venial sins.

It could be you need to talk to your priest and see what he thinks you should do. Be honest about your concerns and see what he has to say.

 

[Tigger45]

No, not within the teachings of confessional Lutheranism which is the sub-forum you've chosen to start your post in. If attending a confessional Lutheran congregation you'd need to speak with the pastor first before attempting to commune there.

 

[stavros388]

The Lord's Supper is given for the forgiveness of all our sins.

I'm guessing a lot of Catholics simply receive without confessing their sins privately, now days. That is the impression I get. In the Orthodox Church, this is normal. People go to confession according to their spiritual father's guidance, usually no more than once a month or if they feel they need to, they do not necessarily have to confess all their sins before they commune. There is also no distinction between mortal and venial sins.

It could be you need to talk to your priest and see what he thinks you should do. Be honest about your concerns and see what he has to say.

My current priest is a Catholic priest. I left Orthodoxy four years ago due to a relocation (only one parish within an hour and a half drive through the mountains)... and a couple of other reasons.

Unless you mean the local Lutheran pastor? I have not yet attended a Lutheran parish but have only been learning about the life and thoughts of Luther himself.

 

[stavros388]

No, not within the teachings of confessional Lutheranism which is the sub-forum you've chosen to start your post in. If attending a confessional Lutheran congregation you'd need to speak with the pastor first before attempting to commune there.

I assumed as much. Thank you.

 

[FireDragon76]

Unless you mean the local Lutheran pastor? I have not yet attended a Lutheran parish but have only been learning about the life and thoughts of Luther himself.

I mean, changing churches over just this one issue is a big decision. You should talk to your priest also to get his perspective on your problems, if you haven't already done so. The reason I say that is that there are going to be spiritual challenges wherever you go. Make sure you are OK with all of Lutheranism, especially if you plan to go to a strictly confessional church.

 

[stavros388]

I mean, changing churches over just this one issue is a big decision. You should talk to your priest also to get his perspective on your problems, if you haven't already done so. The reason I say that is that there are going to be spiritual challenges wherever you go. Make sure you are OK with all of Lutheranism, especially if you plan to go to a strictly confessional church.

There is certainly more to it than just one issue. But I do appreciate your concern and advice on this.

 

[FireDragon76]

BTW, feel free to ask questions in the Theological Crucis general forum, it could use some more traffic and general questions about Lutheranism are best directed there.

 

[stavros388]

The Lord's Supper is given for the forgiveness of all our sins.

I'm guessing a lot of Catholics simply receive without confessing their sins privately, now days. That is the impression I get. In the Orthodox Church, this is normal. People go to confession according to their spiritual father's guidance, usually no more than once a month or if they feel they need to, they do not necessarily have to confess all their sins before they commune. There is also no distinction between mortal and venial sins.

It could be you need to talk to your priest and see what he thinks you should do. Be honest about your concerns and see what he has to say.

And yes, your assumption regarding many Catholics communing without confessing seems to me to be true. In fact, my neighbour, a lifelong Catholic, communes quite regularly, and he told me recently that he has never been to confession! I would not be comfortable doing so, however.

 

[stavros388]

BTW, feel free to ask questions in the Theological Crucis general forum, it could use some more traffic and general questions about Lutheranism are best directed there.

Good to know. Many thanks!

 

[Tigger45]

If you do decide to attend a confessional Lutheran congregation and you don't get a chance to clear participation of the elements with the pastor first, during communion you can proceed as directed but just keep your arms crossed, signifying you're only approaching the alter for a blessing which the pastor will provide as he comes across you.

 

[stavros388]

If you do decide to attend a confessional Lutheran congregation and you don't get a chance to clear participation of the elements with the pastor first, during communion you can proceed as directed but just keep your arms crossed, signifying you're only approaching the alter for a blessing which the pastor will provide as he comes across you.

Sounds good. Thank you.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Sounds good. Thank you.

I know this is an old thread, but just wondering how your spiritual journey is going?

 

[stavros388]

I know this is an old thread, but just wondering how your spiritual journey is going?

Well, I am afraid that, following decades of reading, exploring, seeking meaning, and trying on various faiths, I have somewhat reluctantly defaulted back to atheism.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Well, I am afraid that, following decades of reading, exploring, seeking meaning, and trying on various faiths, I have somewhat reluctantly defaulted back to atheism.

Sorry to hear that; remember that as long as we are breathing our journey continues!

Blessings!