Forgive me iPhone for I have sinned: The absurdity of the new Confession App

Feeling sinful? There's an app for that.

It's been a long 500 years, but finally Catholic souls can again be cleansed without a visit to the priest. In the middle ages one had to buy pricey get-out-of-hell-free cards known as indulgences from traveling pardoners — what, you think cathedrals grow on trees?!

These days the same absolution can be gained by spending $1.99 for the Confession application for iPhones and iPads. It even comes with the Roman Catholic seal of approval via an imprimatur from Fort Wayne, Ind., bishop Kevin Rhodes.

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In other news, Pat Robertson has written a letter to the Vatican, requesting a franchise. :mrgreen:

Article is here.

danarhea said:

In other news, Pat Robertson has written a letter to the Vatican, requesting a franchise. :mrgreen:

Article is here.

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I think it's a great idea, technological innovation and religion can go hand in hand.

Speaking of the catholic church and technological innovation, perhaps a shock colour for pedophile priests would be a problem solver?

"You know Tommie I" *Zizt*

When I first heard about this, I was stunned. BTW, that imprimateur likely is only effective for Fr. Rhode's bishopric... I have to check the rules on that. It certainly does not apply to where I live... and quite frankly, I think the experience and clensing that is a part of the sacrament of reconciliation is lost with an ap like this...

EDIT: Just did some reading on this and it seems that Imprimatur only applies to printed works. I have yet to see any instances where it applies to such an electronic device.

I also have one other issue, who stores the data? In Confession, one assumes a confidentiality of the Confessional... does that apply with this ap? I wonder if that bishop had that in mind...

Everyone else can just use Group Hug | Anonymous online confessions

Odd.

I'm not interested in the Catholic religion, so what they do doesn't mean much to me.

IRRC, the app was actually just a reference guide for confessing, not an actual replacement for confession itself. The Vatican approves the app only when used an an aid, not a substitute for talking with a priest.

rathi said:

IRRC, the app was actually just a reference guide for confessing, not an actual replacement for confession itself. The Vatican approves the app only when used an an aid, not a substitute for talking with a priest.

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That makes a lot of sense. Preparation for Confession is very important for a beneficial and satisfying Confessional experience... it really is very important...

Apple has privatized Redemption! Woot!

danarhea said:

In other news, Pat Robertson has written a letter to the Vatican, requesting a franchise. :mrgreen:

Article is here.

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No doubt this violates some liberal's 1st Amendment rights of freedom from religion.