To confess or not to confess our transgressions ??

[Qoheleth]

Thank you for recognizing that as Catholics (and Orthodox Christians), Scripture and Tradition are both very integral parts when dealing with Christianity. One cannot have Scripture without Tradition, since Scripture is part of Sacred Tradition.

I recognize that the belief is held by some and yourself without affirming nor denying that belief myself.

but they should confess serious sin as soon as they can in order to restore their relationship back with the Church

I will grant this, but the necessity to confess it to a priest or pastor for restoration is the question.

The priest is not a mediator, for we have only one mediator, Jesus.

So then we agree, confession to a priest or pastor is not necessary even for grave sins in that we do not suffer loss of salvation yet confession effects restoration in many ways.

priest recognizing whether or not the confessor is sincere, and if he suspects that the person is not sincere (because of a cavalier or careless attitude about sin, etc.), he should warn the person that they may be in spiritual danger.

Well, this is purely subjective, and 5-10 minutes in a confesional can not reveal the attitude or heart of the one confessing. So, the binding and loosing of sins is suspect. I agree that confessing is highly therapeutic and restorative though.

I feel it is always paramount to assure fellow Christians that they have forgiveness for their sins before God by the blood of the risen Christ.

 

[Qoheleth]

Paul seems to highlight sexual sin quite differently to other sin

I see. May I offer that Paul had written much about sxual immorality yet Jesus however, seldom dealt with sins of the flesh. He spoke rather of the sins of the spirit which are far more serious in that they are concerned with self-sufficiency, self-complacency and self-importance.

 

[artofwar]

I see. May I offer that Paul had written much about sxual immorality yet Jesus however, seldom dealt with sins of the flesh. He spoke rather of the sins of the spirit which are far more serious in that they are concerned with self-sufficiency, self-complacency and self-importance

Your last point i totally agree with, the first point i dont get your point at all with what my statement says

 

[herev]

What does this mean to you, please elaborate.


When do you feel this would be needed?

not for salvation, but for keeping me pure. If I have had a problem say with pornography, then it is beneficial to me to confess that to another brother who can hold me accountable--that's all I meant