Question about Confession
First of all, I’d like to thank you both for your work. Your podcast has answered so many long-standing questions and helped strengthened my faith in Christ. I think it’s a “know your enemy” kind of thing. Anyway, I’m not a Catholic, though I have been baptized - twice. I’ve recently felt a calling to participate in Confession. I’ve been raised to believe that I have a ‘direct line’ to Jesus through prayer. What’s the difference between confessing my sins in prayer versus seeing a Catholic priest for Confession?
Phil G
Hello Father Martins and Ryan, My question relates to your recent case file episode, *The Awakening*. Many recovery and mental health programs use yoga and meditation to help individuals find spirituality, similar to the emphasis on a higher power in 12-Step programs. The *12 Steps and 12 Traditions* book suggests that while the goal is often to reconnect with one's religious roots, having some form of faith can be helpful, especially for those who are agnostic or atheist. It's common for people in recovery to return to Catholicism, Christianity, or go the other route where their spiritual foundation they believe stems within from the Buddhist principles through Dharma Recovery. So, my question is for individuals struggling with addiction or alcoholism, do you think finding faith in something other than the one true God makes them sinners, even if eventually they could return to their Catholic or Christian roots? Additionally, for those former Catholics or Christians who are struggling with addiction and have resentment towards God due to their life struggles how would you suggest they release that resentment and rediscover their faith? Thank you.