Q&A Home > C > Confession When I confess, for example, if I had watched something inappropriate, I would tell my father of confession, "I watched inappropriate things," or if I swear, for example, instead of saying, 'I swear,' I would just say, "I said inappropriate things," but I will not specifically state what it was. Does that count; like is that fine or am I supposed to specifically state what it was? The details you discuss with your confession father depend on the guidelines he sets. If your confessions are too vague, you may not be receiving the best remedy for the sins that are tripping you and preventing spiritual maturity and growth in virtues. It is as if you are going to a physician complaining about general pain. The prescription you will receive will probably also be general, such as just to take some form of anti-inflammatory medicine. If something more serious or an underlying malady exists, it will not be accurately diagnosed, and therefore, cannot properly be addressed, thus, alleviating the problem completely and even preventing further damage from developing is not well timed. Saying that you are viewing something inappropriate is very vague. It will help you to specify exactly what that "inappropriateness" is, e.g., violence, sexual material, horror movies, etc. The same goes for swearing. Is it a matter of using profanity, using God's name in vain, or something else? If confession is a matter of just asking for absolution and freeing yourself from guilt, be assured God patiently waits for your return in any form, just as in the parable of the "Prodigal Son". Though the son had prepared a speech of what he would say to his father, the father was not just waiting for words, but the actual return of his son. Do not be embarrassed. Do not be afraid. The priest is God's tool for administering this life-giving Mystery for your forgiveness and restoration. Repentance is returning back to God. This is life, day-by-day, and minute-by-minute. Thus, be sincere in your repentance and confession.
"The sick one who is acquainted with his sickness is easily to be cured; and he who confesses his pain is near to health. Many are the pains of the hard heart; and when the sick one resists the physician, his torments will be augmented." St. Isaac the Syrian
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