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So, just a mini-thread here, to clarify a previous mini-thread on confession (that was in ‘response’ form). Let me be clear that Confession is an event of God& #39;s forgiveness, and that is why it was recognized as sacramental. 1/?
(There was never a list of the number of sacraments--that was way later development. In reality, all material reality is sacramental, and its sacramentality depends on how we relate to this material reality). 2/?
The word & #39;absolution& #39; is misleading, because it reinforces a legalistic, merit-based, page-ripping idea of sin and salvation. 3/?
With the word & #39;absolution& #39; we also become obsessed on when the & #39;moment& #39; of forgiveness occurs, somewhat analagous to our obsession on the & #39;moment& #39; when the bread/wine are transformed and when we are united to Christ& #39;s body and blood in the Eucharist. 4/?
This obsession potentially reduces the sacraments to magic tricks. Sacraments are events of the inbreaking of God& #39;s presence (grace), where we encounter God, experiencing God& #39;s forgiveness and unite ourselves to Christ. 5/?
The word ‘absolution& #39; detracts fromthe transformative purpose & effect of the sacraments; reduces our relationship with God to a contract. 6/?
Salvation is not contractual exchange; it is becoming godlike, more loving through realizing how much we were loved from very beginning. God& #39;s love is always on offer; to understand & accept that offer is the real spiritual struggle; that& #39;s when the transformation happens. 7/?
Confession is one of the many tools in the Church& #39;s toolkit that work toward effecting that spriritual transformation. 8/end.
