A new app has recently been released in Apple's App Store. It's not the latest game craze. It's not an awesome utility app that will change the way we do business overseas. It is, however, religious.
"Confession: A Roman Catholic app" is thought to be the first to be approved by a church authority. It walks Catholics through the sacrament and contains what the company behind the program describes as a "personalized examination of conscience for each user."
My first thoughts upon reading this was something along the lines of "really? is this even necessary? But apparently Pope Benedict XVI put an emphasis on the importance of Christianity in this digital age.
So I'm interested in different people's opinions on this. I'm not a Catholic, so personally I'm not a big fan of the need for cerimonial confessions in the first place. And normally I would love new apps like this that allow things that used to be only done in person to be accomplished on the go. But does this take the action of confessing sins to far? This is proof that our world is truly become digitalized.
Link To Original Article: Fox News
12 comments:
I don't consider myself extremely religious, but I think this is out of control. There is no way that this can be an acceptable form of confession. It takes the ceremonial significance away from the confession. It just goes to show that our world is becoming more divided and individualistic. At this rate, pretty soon there will be an app that takes the place of going to church all together. I would think the Pope would see the repercussions of this decision and reverse the church's feelings.
At first I was wondering if this was actually like the Sacrament of Reconciliation in an app form, which I couldn't imagine the Church being ok with, but I think I understand where they're coming from now. The app itself isn't the sacrament, it's a way for you to prepare for it. So I actually think that the app is ok because they have examination of conscience in print form, I guess being an app isn't much different.
My thoughts are the same on this topic. Religion and technology don't seem to go hand-in-hand and to have a "confessions" app is pretty strange. For one, it takes away the divinity aspect of religion. One would want to go to a house of worship to confess and they are confessing to God, not everyone else and especially not through an app. I'm not an overly religious person but even I can see that this is trying too hard to keep up with today's generation. A better idea would have been a bible verse a day app or something of the sort.
I've grown up Catholic, attending a Catholic grade school and high school. The sacred nature of the sacraments is one of the most unique and special hallmarks of the Catholic church. It is expected that Catholics go to confession a minimum of twice a year; once in preparation for Christmas and another in anticipation of Easter. Many people do not attend confession regularly because they feel awkward or pressure when talking to the priest. While I do not believe this app should replace confession in the physical form, it may allow people to examine their own conscience on a more regular basis.
I don't agree with this concept. I think it could be useful if the person uses the app before an in-person confession, just to see where one stands and evaluate one's conscience. However, it can in no way replace an actual confession. It would be far to easy to lie to a phone. An app cannot hold you accountable, offer advice and encouragement, or truly understand your situation. Confessing is an emotional process, and I do not think that it should be shared with a computer. How can the app choose your specific penance or bless you as the priest would? Overall, I think that this is a bad idea and that it doesn't take the confession process as seriously as necessary.
In today's society, it seems that church is the only time we can escape technology--and even then there is always the work-a-holic sitting in the back row with his blackberry out. When the Catholic church starts promoting a confession app, you know something is wrong. I personally think that church and technology do not mix well and this app is not a very bright idea.
I heard about this application from a friend a couple days ago and thought she was joking. Come to find out, she wasn't! I understand the idea of wanting to put Christianity in this digital age-but I'm not sure I agree that this is the way the way to do it. I'm still trying to figure out how this whole app works based upon the description of it...and if it's what I think it is, then it is absolutely ridiculous. I'm definitely going to do some more research. I'd like to talk to someone who has it and legitimately uses it. I'd like to see if it really "works!"
After having gone to Catholic school for 14 years and being brought to confession twice a year, I feel as if I had this app at 7 I probably would have used it. I think this app could go both ways however. I could see some people using it as an excuse not to go to confession because they were "prepared" for it, and I can also see someone feeling absolutely grateful for the preparation they received from this app.
Personally, I do not see a problem with it. I feel it will be most useful for those that do not have the time to prepare themselves, and will be able to give themselves completely into the confession.
Somehow I don't think this is what James had in mind when he said said we should confess our sins to one another (James 5:16). This also seems like an easy way to just "go through the motions" without getting the full meaning out of it. Any who are Christians, Catholic or not, know that confessing stuff you've done is not comfortable at all. It's the discomfort and conviction confessing brings that holds Christians accountable and helps to keep from making the same mistakes twice. I know for me personally at least, sending an unknown priest an anonymous message would not affect me the same as confessing things to a friend who will help keep me straight.
I guess I cannot fully judge until I've seen the app, but from what it sounds like I find the idea of a Confessional App quite appalling. It seems like we try to find every possible form of technology to make things easier. Confessions isn't supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be uncomfortable. Some people believe that it is a way of earning his or her way into heaven. Others believe it is a reminder of his or her sin, and God's forgiveness. Either way, the church never meant it to be private. I'm totally confused as to why the Pope is for this application. Sure, embracing technology is a way of the future, but also sticking to the original reasoning behind confession is extremely important. I'm confused.
I think this app is kind of ridiculous. I understand their motive and why they want to incorporate technology to help someone's faith, but I feel like they took it a little too far. In my opinion, they are starting to replace the church with this app. They are making it okay to sit at home and not go to church and talk to a real person. I think this isn't helping our generation, they are coming up with ways for us to not have any face to face interactions with people.
While I have never done confession before, at least from what I've observed, part of the benefit of doing confession is that you physically have someone to talk to. You lose your connection with humanity if you depend on a machine to reveal your problems. Although i do think this app is hilarious.
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