Confession...Good For the Soul?

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

If you happen to be Catholic there is good news.  A developer has designed an app that will allow you to confess your sins to your iPhone instead of a priest.  You can read the entire story at http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/confession-by-iphone/

How is this significant?

It shows how technology and religion are being woven together...whether I like it or not.  The Catholic Church is an ancient church with ancient tradition, and I am a little surprised they are using technology in such a way.  Technology has not just politely knocked on the door of religion.  It kicked it off the hinges, barged in, and sat at the head of the table.

I understand the usefulness of technology.  We depend on it every day (and then some) in our church.  To be honest it is easy for me to see using technology for administrative tasks, but in a spiritual exercise.  This may be a little much.  The claim is that the app is not inteded to replace real confession, only help the user better understand their decisions.  Either way it is a spiritual leader, and a rligious practice being replaced by a machine.

I don't intend this to be an anti-technology article.  My main goal is to remind us all that an iPhone cannot redeem from sin.  There is not an app in the world that can grant absolution.  In fact, the Bible says, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."  Hebrews 9:22
Have a great week.  Andy