On Thu, 15 Dec 2005 09:05:13 -0500, Harry Krause wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Thu, 15 Dec 2005 08:52:50 -0500, Harry Krause wrote:

Wm Shakespeare Smithers wrote:
Harry,

Wither you are Christian or not, the concept of Jesus absolving one of sins
is an excellent concept. It allows the person to acknowledge their faults
and sins, make amends if necessary, and free the burden of these "sins" or
faults from their soul, conscience or "back".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confession

It is used by therapist and 12 step groups as part of the healing process.

It is one of the reasons why I am amazed at the knowledge and understanding
of humanity shown by Jesus and/or his disciples when forming the early
church and writing the Gospels.

It really doesn't matter if you are a Christian or not, the Bible is an
excellent roadmap to live by.



I understand the Christian concept of absolution, but I've not been able
to figure out how Christians absolve themselves for sins against their
fellow man.
I don't think you got the gist of my query.

Let's be a bit more specific.

Let's say that Bert Robbins doesn't like his neighbor (a safe bet), and
hears of a home burglary down the street. The police come around and
knock on everyone's door (not likely) while investigating. Bert says,
"You know, I have a feeling my neighbor Paul Fritz might be the burglar.
You said a set of custom golf clubs were stolen, and Paul once told me
he really coveted the set the fellow down the street owned."

The cops get a warrant, search Fritz's house, find no golf clubs, but do
find an ounce of marijuana. Paul is arrested on drug charges, tried,
convicted and sent to the slam for six months.

Robbins, in a moment of humanity. feels a bit of guilt. So he heads over
to the Holy House of St. Forgiveness, confesses to his priest or pastor,
says a penance, and receives absolution. Robbins is straight with god.

But he's not straight with his neighbor Paul Fritz, who is in the slam.

Is Robbins required to do anything to absolve himself of the sin he
committed against his neighbor, or is he off the hook morally?

What does Robbins believe?
--
John Herring

Hope your Christmas is Spectacular!
...and your New Year even Better!


In this example, in the abstract, I cannot tell.

Mu guess is that according the the precepts of his church, he has
confessed his sin (false witness, I suppose) to his priest-pastor,
mumbled a few words he was told to mumble, and us "off the hook"
theologically.

Which is one of the problems I have with Christianity.

In my mind, he's still on the hook with his neighbor, and he should have
first worked at making things right with the neighbor before he sought
absolution in his church. It doesn't seem "reasonable" for the creator
to accept a sinner who has done damage to another soul and has done
nothing about it, in terms of that other soul.

In any religion, beliefs are paramount. If you can't tell what *he* believes, then you can't guess
as to whether or not he is 'off the hook' so to speak.
--
John Herring

Hope your Christmas is Spectacular!
....and your New Year even Better!